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How to Choose a CatSelecting a Feline Friend Based on Personality, Health, and Age
A successful adoption requires some thought and research to match the new cat with the needs and resources of the people in your household.
Factors to take into account when choosing a cat for adoption include personality, health and care requirements, and age. PersonalityChoosing the right personality for your household is important. A home with young children requires an easy going cat that is unlikely to become aggressive or anxious in response to clumsy handling. Some breeds require more attention, while others are more independent. Some travel better than others, and some are more likely to get along with other pets, particularly dogs. Researching the temperaments of various cat breeds before adopting is recommended. Your local animal shelter may have contact information for rescue groups devoted to your preferred breed, where you can obtain information on personality and any special needs of purebreds. Making a list of household and lifestyle characteristics can help you choose the best breed for your home. Spending time with the animal at the shelter, pet shop, or breeder’s home can also be useful in making the decision. Health and Care RequirementsIn addition to choosing a cat that appears to be in good health, the potential for medical problems can be decreased by choosing a mixed breed rather than a purebred. Mixed breeds tend to have sturdier constitutions due to a more varied gene pool. While this is not a guarantee of good health, it does decrease the likelihood of health problems, as there are certain medical conditions that are more likely to afflict purebreds than mixed breeds. Long-haired cats require a greater time commitment than shorthaired cats because they must be groomed regularly to prevent tangles and serious hairball problems. Some longhaired cats require the administration of hairball medication or special hairball prevention foods. AgeSome elderly people hesitate to adopt a cat because they fear that their pet will outlive them. However, there are many older cats that are in desperate need of homes. They will not live as long, but they tend to be better behaved and don’t require as much training. Because they are more independent and less destructive, older cats are also a good choice for busy adults. Kittens require a large time commitment. They need to be socialized, litter trained, and taught to use a scratch post. In the interim, there is likely to be some degree of minor household damage. While this will probably not be as extensive as what a new puppy can cause, time still needs to be factored in for cleaning up messes and cat-proofing the house. Another advantage of adopting an older cat is that if there are problem behaviours such as scratching or biting, you can usually spot them right away so you know what you’re getting into. With young kittens, new bad behaviours may develop over time. As for the financial commitment required, older cats may suffer medical problems sooner, but kittens require an expensive series of vaccinations and booster shots, as well as spaying or neutering. Obtaining pet insurance to cover unexpected medical costs is advisable for both kittens and adult cats. GenderThere is little overall difference between male and female cats in terms of personality or behaviour once they have been neutered and spayed. However, unneutered males have a tendency to roam and spray. Their penchant for getting into fights dramatically increases the likelihood of serious injuries and exorbitant veterinary bills. As such, neutering is very important for health and safety. One Cat or MoreIf you’re able to spend a lot of time with your pet, a single cat can be quite happy on her own. If you’re often out for long stretches of time, it’s a good idea to provide a companion, particularly if you have a sociable breed of cat. Ideally, two or more cats from the same litter will be adopted. If you already have an adult cat, introducing a new kitten is less threatening than bringing home another adult cat, as long as you ensure that the original cat gets plenty of attention. However, a new adult cat can usually be introduced successfully to a resident adult cat when the right strategies are used. Further ReadingFor information on what you’ll need for your new cat, see Supplies and Equipment for a New Kitty. References:
The copyright of the article How to Choose a Cat in Cats is owned by Jennifer Copley. Permission to republish How to Choose a Cat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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