It’s an exciting time when you decide you want to add a cat to your family. But before you go out and choose the purrfect cat, here are some of the things you should consider to ensure that you and your cat are the perfect fit for each other.
Age and activity levels
When thoughts turn to getting a cat, most people immediately imagine a cute little kitten, but are you sure you’re ready for a crazy, energetic little ball of fluff? Kittens are adorable, don’t get me wrong, but they’re extremely lively and need lots of attention and constant supervision to keep them safe and out of mischief. Older cats are likely to be more laid back, and elderly cats especially are suited to quiet homes. Older cats tend to be overlooked at rescue organisations, so adopting a senior cat is extra rewarding.
Personality type
Rescue organisations are always more than happy to discuss the different personalities of the cats available, and trust me; every cat has his or her own very distinct personality! Some cats are chatty, some are mischief makers, or attention seekers, and some prefer their own company. Are you looking for a cuddly lap-cat, or would you prefer a more solitary, independent cat that doesn’t require a lot of attention.
Healthy or special needs?
You might assume it’s best to get a cat that’s 100% healthy and active, but have you considered adopting a cat with a disability? Like older cats, a cat with a disability, such as deafness or blindness, or a disease such as FIV, will always find it harder to find a loving home, so it’s worth considering whether you could adopt one. You may need to make certain adjustments if you decide to bring home an ill or disabled cat, but the majority of them will live a happy, trouble free life once they’re part of your family.
Breed type
Even if you want to adopt a pure bred cat rather than a rescue cat why not check your local rescue organisation first rather than going straight to a cat breeder. Cat rescues are constantly full of amazing cats looking for their forever home, and they just keep getting fuller. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific breed, there are many breed-specific rescues around, and general cat rescues also occasionally have pedigree cats up for adoption.
Different cat breeds have their own specific traits and behaviours, so it’s worth making sure that you know what they are if you’re considering adopting a particular breed. If you’re a big fan of peace and quiet, it’s probably not the best idea to adopt a talkative Siamese, whereas a placid Persian may be just right for you. Of course, you can’t guarantee that your new cat will have the typical traits of this breed; we all know that cats have their own opinions about how to behave, thank you very much!
Other factors to consider when choosing a cat include the length of their coat (long-haired cats will need daily grooming), and whether you already have other pets.
You may have a checklist of exactly what you want in a cat, but as it’s often cats that choose us, and not the other way round, you may find that the cat you fall in love with at your local animal shelter and bring home is not quite the cat that you originally had in mind!
How did you choose your cat? Or did your cat choose you?
Image: DaMongMan via Flickr
That’s some great advice! Since we volunteer at the shelter, our cats always seem to choose us (or at least let us know that we need to take them home). 🙂
Great tips! It is so true that little kittens are a lot of work. I don’t think that people realize that a baby cat has many of the same needs as a baby human. When Manna was a little kitten, I had to pull her out of the toilet bowl because she got curious and fell in. Thank goodness I was home when that happened! I love little kittens, but they are definitely not for everyone.
I love all of these tips, especially the ones about considering an older or special-needs kitty! I work/volunteer at a shelter, and I am always amazed at how often we get purebred cats in as strays – Maine Coons, Siamese, Persian…people often don’t realize that purebreds can be found in shelters too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Too, too true…especially, that final paragraph. I have set out to get another black cat with the last five cats we’ve adopted and have yet to bring another one home. Some other kitty always gets my attention and tells me they belong here. Hugs, Janet
My cats have always chosen me as well 🙂 Great tips and purrfect for Adopt a Cat Month.
Great article!
I think Athena chose me! But we were clearly meant to be together 🙂
Paws up that you included the consideration about special needs cats. Special needs — or otherwise less adoptable cats — deserve consideration, too. All of them aren’t right for everyone, but black cats are less adoptable, and they require absolutely no extra care or consideration in the household. Thanks for putting in a good word for kitties like our Ashton who are purrrfect pets!