Many people like to share their life with animals, and cats are among the most common pets. Adopting a new pet is an exciting prospect, but it is important to remember that cats are living beings with many needs. If you want to have one, you need to take the responsibility of mastering it and choosing the right specimen for you and your lifestyle, so that both of you are happy together!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Considering a Cat's Needs
Step 1. Ask yourself why you want a cat
It is important to understand the reason for your desire, so that you can choose the best specimen to take home. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- You desire unconditional love and constant companionship.
- You want to fill the void left by another pet or partner.
- You want a friend for your child and at the same time you want to teach him the concept of responsibility.
- You want to take care of someone every day.
Step 2. Consider if you are ready for a long-term commitment
Having a pet is a big responsibility and a cat can stay in your life for 15-18 years. It is important to know that for the next 10 years and beyond it will be a constant companion and obligation. Make sure you are willing to care for him for his entire life before continuing.
Step 3. Decide if you can afford to have a cat
In addition to the initial cost of the animal, which can be very high if you decide to go to a breeder, you must also consider the other maintenance costs. Remember that you will need to buy food, vet visits, microchip, identification, and other contingencies, which can add up to a tidy sum. The ASPCA, the American Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, estimates that a cat's first year costs its owner about $ 1,035.
Step 4. Consider other complications of caring for a cat
You may really want a pet and be able to afford it, but there are a few other requirements you need to think about before deciding if a cat is the right choice for you:
- Do you have other pets? How would they react to the presence of a new cat?
- Can you keep cats in your current residence?
- Considering your social and professional commitments, will you have time to take care of your new cat and give him the right attention?
- Who will look after your cat when you go on vacation?
- Do you or other people who have to deal with cats often have allergies to those animals, their hair, dust or their dandruff?
- Do you have small children so it is better to adopt a cat with a particular temperament?
Part 2 of 4: Deciding Where to Look for the Perfect Cat
Step 1. Go to an animal shelter
Almost all the specimens in the shelters are mestizos, but purebred cats can also be found. Adopting a foundling means that the animal has already been checked by a veterinarian and usually sterilized. This is one of the least expensive options and by adopting a cat without a family you will give him a second chance by doing a good deed.
Step 2. Contact an abandoned animal recovery group
There are many organizations dedicated to rescuing cats and looking for someone who can adopt them. Some organizations work with all types of cats, while others focus on specific breeds. Search the internet or contact your local animal shelter for suggestions, as these organizations often work together. Many institutions offer cats for free and only ask for a donation of a few euros.
Step 3. Avoid pet stores
Be very careful if you decide to buy a cat from a store. Many of those kittens come from companies that focus on mass-producing cats instead of safely raising a few quality litters. Often these specimens are born with congenital anomalies and are raised in crowded and tight spaces, consequently developing behavioral problems. They also cost a lot more than the cats you can find in shelters, often running up to hundreds of euros.
Step 4. Do research on breeders
If you have a particular breed in mind, do extensive research to find a reputable professional breeder. Because purebred cats are very expensive (in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars), be sure to research average prices so you know if the amount being asked is reasonable.
Step 5. Get a stray
The first thing to do is to verify that it is really a stray; search your neighborhood for lost or lost cat flyers, contact local shelters, and take the cat to the vet to check if it has a microchip. If it is really a stray, it is very important to take it to the vet to check that it has no diseases and to be sterilized immediately.
Part 3 of 4: Choosing the Best Cat
Step 1. Research the temperaments of the various races
Each breed has distinct characteristics and it is important to do some research to understand which one is best suited to your lifestyle. Even if less than 10% of cats are considered "purebreds" of a single breed, knowing the various groups will be very useful even for adopting a simple house cat:
- Natural breeds: these cats have long and thick furs, developed in cold climates; square and robust bodies; they are the most sedentary of the three thoroughbred groups. The most common breeds in this group include Maine Coon, Persian, American, and short-haired British.
- Hybrids: considered a middle group, these cats have slightly oval eyes; wedge-shaped heads; leaner and more muscular bodies than other breeds. They have lower energy levels, except the Abyssinians, who are very dynamic. Other common breeds of this group are the Russian blue and the Ocicat.
- The Orientals: These cats were born in warmer climates, so they have low levels of body fat, lighter fur, very long legs, tails, ears and bodies. The specimens of this group are the most active and communicative of all groups. The most common breeds are Siamese, Burmese and Cornish rex.
Step 2. Consider the age of the cat that best suits your needs
It is important to evaluate how much time you have to play with your cat and train him, as well as the expectations you have about his behavior. If you work full time or have small children, it is best to adopt an adult cat, as kittens require a lot of work and attention. If you've never had a cat before, avoid cats that need a lot of care, as they may be too much of a challenge for a beginner.
Step 3. Find a cat with a personality that matches yours
Once you've done your research to figure out which breed is best for your lifestyle, you need to know that this is only a general indication. Make sure you get to know the cat in person and interact with him before making a decision. Additionally, employees who deal with animal shelter adoptions can often advise you on the best ways to find a cat with a similar personality to yours.
Step 4. Ask how to make introductions to the farmer or shelter employees
It is very important that your new cat feels safe and comfortable when interacting with other people and animals that are already a part of your life. When you go to the breeder or the shelter, be sure to bring your children, your partner or other people who will have constant contact with the animal. If you already have pets, ask what is the best way to introduce them to the new cat and if any problems can occur.
Step 5. Notice the obvious signs of illness
A breeder is perfectly familiar with a cat's history and trends, while in shelters, employees can only guess what illnesses it has had in the past, in order to assess its current state. Although no shelter gives sick cats up for adoption, it is still important to know the most common signs of disease in these animals, so that you can ask questions and observations:
- Changes in water intake (such as drinking less or more) can indicate that a cat has diabetes or kidney disease.
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain despite normal eating habits may indicate diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
- Bad breath can indicate dental disease and problems or a digestive disorder, while sweet or fruity breath can indicate diabetes.
- Pay attention to your cat's hygiene habits. If a specimen that was always cared for starts to look unkempt, it is a sure sign of illness. Alternatively, a cat who is too busy cleaning can be highly stressed, anxious, in pain, or with allergies.
Step 6. Start making preparations to take your cat home
Before bringing him to you, schedule a visit to a local vet for the following days. Be sure to ask for the animal's medical records from the breeder or shelter! Prepare the house and buy everything you will need. For a list, see the "Things You Will Need" section.
Part 4 of 4: Bringing the Cat Home
Step 1. Prepare an area for your cat
As these animals are very territorial, it can be extremely stressful for them to arrive in a new home filled with unfamiliar smells and dark spaces. To help him transition, create the ideal environment for him:
- Find a small space that your cat can consider home for the first few days or weeks, preferably with enough space for the water bowl, food bowl and litter box, as well as a place for you to sit and interact with him (slowly at least in the beginning).
- Fill the litter box with about 6 cm of sand and place it inside the small space reserved for the cat, so that he can use it without being disturbed (for example, put a tablecloth over the edge of a counter, as if it were a curtain).
- Keep the water bowl and food bowl separate from the litter box.
- Make sure the cat has something to scratch, such as a pole or mat that you can buy at pet stores, and keep one in all rooms. If necessary, encourage your pet to scratch those objects (instead of the sofa) using catnip.
Step 2. Introduce the cat to its new home in a controlled environment
Close the doors and let him listen and smell the environment, without letting him come out of the cage if other animals or small children are present. Show him the special area you created for him and where the litter box, bed and food are located.
Step 3. Introduce the new cat to the other pets slowly
Cats are very territorial, so introductions need to be gradual. Keep the animals in separate rooms and start letting them know each other's smell by wiping them with a towel that you will pass between them. Feed them from opposite sides of a closed door and start slowly opening it at various times of the day. Remember that it can take weeks or months for them to get used to being together!
Step 4. Expect some nervousness in the first few days
The cat will likely go into hiding and not eat much for the first few days or even weeks. If you have other pets, consider that it may take months for them to get used to the new cat. Don't force him to interact with you, and accept the fact that some specimens will hide and won't come near as long as you are present. Just give the cat time!
Step 5. Take care of your cat
Even if he hides, make sure you feed him twice a day and that he always has fresh water available. If he is shy and does not eat during the adaptation period, it is very important that he at least stay hydrated.
Step 6. Take your cat to the vet within one week of adoption for a follow-up visit
If necessary, get vaccinated and dewormed. Make sure you provide the doctor with the medical records you received from the breeder or shelter. The implantation of a microchip is also highly recommended, so that the cat can be identified if it will need surgery or if it will escape.
Step 7. Find out if the cat is getting used to the new environment
Notice when he begins to explore the house outside his area, if he opens doors and extends his range. Make sure you don't scare him at this stage! If he's ready to play, don't bore him by giving him toys and interacting with him. Cats love to play!
Step 8. Enjoy your cat
After doing some research on the type of cat that suits you best, after searching and buying it, after preparing your home for him and patiently waiting for his adaptation, you can enjoy the company and love of your new pet. ! The bond you share will be wonderful and lasting.
Advice
- Take this quiz to find out which type of animal is best for you:
- Cats can cost a lot, especially when they get sick, so consider taking out insurance. If you have problems, there are organizations like the Humane Society that help cover medical bills:
- A cat should receive at least one hour a day of direct attention, including training, grooming, play and cuddling.
- Long-haired cats should be brushed for at least 20 minutes a day to prevent felting of the coat.
