What cat is best for you?
Adopting a cat is about more than just its looks. Love at first sight may not be the right way to select a companion for the next decade or two. When looking for a feline companion, focus on personality and behavior. It is tempting to choose the youngest kitten or the one with the most striking coat, but the initial cuteness can wear off quickly if you are not well-matched. We want a true win-win with every adoption so that everyone is happy. Here are a few things to consider:
Do you have an existing cat? If you already have a cat, it is best to match temperament and age group. It is important to realize that no matter who you decide upon, it will take time and space to separate the cats, in order to make gradual introductions. Cats are territorial animals, and often take weeks or months to adjust to another cat in their space.
If you have a senior kitty, consider adopting an adult cat at least 1 year old who has learned to respect other cats and has mellowed a bit so as not to stress out your senior kitty. If you are eager for a kitten, adopt a pair so that they play with each other, instead of irritating your senior kitty and just go to him/her for snuggles and grooming.
If you have a large and playful cat, consider adopting a cat at least 4 months old because of the size difference. Baby kittens at 8 weeks old only weigh 2 lbs and are delicate.
If you have an adult female cat, consider adopting a mellow male cat as they tend to be easy-going and will allow the female to continue to be the alpha in the relationship.
If you have a shy or skittish cat, consider adopting one with a similar personality or one who is mellow. It would probably be best not to introduce a dominant or hyper cat as this may stress your existing cat.
Do you have an existing dog? If you have a dog, you should choose a cat that is confident and has experience with dogs. Avoid cats that are timid, disabled, or declawed. Make sure you have the time and space to introduce the two gradually. You should also be willing to make practical changes to your environment as needed, such as blocking your dog’s access to the litter box and installing safety gates.
If your dog has not been around cats before, consider adopting an adult cat who has been fostered with dogs as they will be confident enough to stand their ground and teach the dog to respect them.
If you have a dog whose breed was born to chase, like a terrier, a cat may not be the right fit.
If you have a small dog, like a yorkie or maltese, they tend to buddy up with cats really well.
Do you have children?
If your children are under 8, kittens are not always good matches since they are fragile physically and need very consistent and gentle handling. Bringing together young animals and kids can be problematic, as kittens exhibit playful nipping and scratching, which can injure or frighten children. And children can inadvertently be too rough with young animals. Adopting a mature pet who interacts well with kids can be the best option.
If your children are under 12, try to avoid cats that are skittish or easily startled by noises and activity.
How much time do you have to spend with kitty on an average day?
If you are gone all day, work full-time, or travel a lot, consider adopting a pair of cats so that they have companionship and stimulation while you are gone or an independent cat who wants to be “an only”.
Adopting a pair improves their behavior and your enjoyment of them. A young kitten or a needy cat is not the best match. Behavior problems (such as biting, scratching, and destructive behavior) are common if cats are under-stimulated.
Adopting a cat who wants to be “an only” with a more independent temperament may suit your lifestyle better.
Kittens need someone who has enough time each day to spend with them during their important developmental months.
If you work part-time, work from home, or are retired, consider adopting a cat that wants to be “an only” or a cat over 6 months of age that has learned appropriate behavior already from litter or foster-mates and will be okay on its own.
Do you have an active/busy/loud household or a quiet/mellow household?
If you often have company over or have an active/busy/loud household, consider an outgoing cat who will enjoy the extra attention. A shy cat would be overwhelmed by lots of social gatherings, and would likely hide.
If you have a quiet/mellow household, consider a shy kitty that may be overlooked by families. These kitties take a little more patience, but will bond very strongly with their caretaker. They may hide when strangers come to visit, but they’ll be cuddling on the couch with you and snuggling at night.
What are your expectations or limits for financial and veterinary care?
If you are over 65, consider adopting an adult cat instead of a kitten. Cats can live to be 20 years old—how old will you be then if you adopt a kitten now?
If you have limited financial means, consider adopting a young adult cat without special needs. Young kittens can require expensive emergency vet visits because they get into things and haven’t learned yet – not to eat string, not to eat poisonous house plants, not to get into cleaning products…
How much time and patience do you have for training?
If you have a busy schedule, are an inexperienced pet owner, or have young children, consider adopting an adult cat over 1 year of age. Young cats require more supervision, training, and visits to the veterinarian.