The company of a cat has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and blood pressure. Bringing a new cat home can be an exciting experience, but it's important to consider this decision carefully. Choosing the right cat for you, your lifestyle, your family and your environment will help ensure that you and your pet have a happy and healthy life.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Consider Needs and Lifestyle
Step 1. Commit to a long-term investment
Cats can live for 20 years. If you adopt or buy a cat, they may stay at home with you as long as (if not more) your children. Make sure you are ready to give your furry friend a "forever home".
Step 2. Make sure you can keep it indoors
Cats are a great choice for people with space constraints, such as apartment dwellers. However, you should ask your tenant, condominium administrator, etc., to make sure you can live with a cat.
Cats are not supposed to be outdoor cats. Those used to being indoors usually live longer and are healthier than those who live outdoors, presenting a lower risk of contracting illnesses and injuries
Step 3. Make sure you have enough time
Cats usually don't need companionship as much as dogs, but nonetheless, it's important to consider how much time you can devote to them. If you don't have the time to play with your cat, give him the necessary time and attention, and bond with him, it may not be the right time to get one.
- You should give it at least an hour a day. This will help bond and make the cat feel healthy and happy. You may also need to groom their coat once a day, which takes 20-30 minutes, if you decide to purchase a long-haired breed.
- Talk to a vet or the pet store about your availability. They may recommend that you adopt a pair, particularly if you can find them from the same litter. Two cats will be able to keep company if you are at work or leaving for the weekend.
- Puppies often take longer because they have to be trained to use the litter box, not to claw their nails on furniture, etc.
Step 4. Consider your budget
Feeding and caring for a cat is not free. Expenses can range, on average, from € 500 to € 1000 per year. Expenses will vary according to the cat's age and breed. Vet and coat care expenses can add up to a considerable amount over time.
- Puppies require more expense, as they usually need vaccines, worm treatment and neutering.
- Although cats naturally groom their coat themselves, long-haired breeds may require extra care. Brachycephalic cats, or cats with "squashed" faces (such as Persians or Himalayans), require you to clean the area around the eyes to protect them from infection.
- Research the prices of quality cat food in your area. This can help you figure out how much it will cost to feed him.
Step 5. Consider your home
You will need to consider what kind of home environment you will offer a cat before adopting it. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- Do you already have other pets? How would a new cat interact with them?
- Do you have small children? Young children may be too rough with puppies and inadvertently hurt them.
- What are the activity levels at home? Are you energetic and always in a hurry? Or do you prefer to rest calmly on the sofa? Puppies are very active and need constant supervision. Adult cats are often more calm and independent, although this can vary by breed and even individual cat.
Step 6. Consider health problems
If you or a tenant in the house have allergies or other health problems, consider how a cat might affect them. Millions of people are allergic to things like animal dandruff, saliva, dead skin, and urine. Consider the length of the chosen cat's coat to help prevent allergy problems.
- Short-haired breeds (a smooth, shiny fur) are best for almost any person. They do not require careful hair care. Although these cats still shed some hair, you can easily clean them with a vacuum cleaner or brush.
- Medium and long haired cats require grooming. You will need to brush and comb them regularly. If the cat has long hair, these operations must be performed daily.
- Some breeds have no hair (and are hypoallergenic). However, these cats suffer a lot from the cold and need sweaters to keep warm. They also don't have nice fur to stroke, which makes them undesirable for some people.
Step 7. Choose the right type of cat for you
The type and age of the cat you adopt will influence the relationship they will have with you. Do you want a cat that sits on your lap and stands still with you? Or do you prefer one that you enjoy and interact with? Considering what you want from a cat will help you choose the right breed.
- Puppy personalities are not fully developed, so it is difficult to understand what kind of attitude and relationship they will have with you as an adult.
- By consulting an encyclopedia of breeds, such as Animal Planet's Cat Breed Directory (in English), you can learn the common characteristics of particular breeds, such as independence, communication and intelligence. Remember that every cat is different.
Step 8. Research the races
Purebred cats have advantages and disadvantages. Each breed has distinct characteristics that are often passed down between generations, such as the tendency of Siamese cats to always meow or the willingness of Siberians to be touched. If it is very important to you that your cat has particular characteristics, consider a purebred one, but remember that you are not guaranteed that all the traits are present in every single cat.
Purebred cats also have a tendency to suffer from particular health problems. Persian and Himalayan cats, for example, have a tendency to suffer from kidney and heart problems, while Maine Coons have hip and heart problems
Part 2 of 3: Looking for a Cat
Step 1. Visit the local animal shelter
Animal shelters offer a wide selection of cats that need loving owners. In the United States, 6-8 million animals are kept in shelters every year, but only half are adopted. Visit your local animal shelter, or search the internet for cats looking for a home in your area.
- Animals adopted from shelters often cost less than the cats you can buy in stores. Purebred ones can cost hundreds, even thousands of euros, but it is rare for a shelter to ask for more than € 100 or € 200 to house a cat.
- You will not have to buy a cat from a breeder to adopt a purebred one. There are many organizations that help abandoned or abused purebred cats. In fact, up to 25% of the animals in shelters are purebred.
- Talk to employees or volunteers at the shelter. They will often be able to tell you the story of the cat, as well as its medical or behavioral problems.
Step 2. Visit a breeder
Research its reputation before purchasing a cat. If you can, visit and examine the conditions in which the cats are raised firsthand. The last thing you should do is contribute to the breeders who mistreat animals. If you see cats being mistreated or you have the impression that the breeder is not entirely sincere, do not buy from him.
- Look for telltale signs of cat abuse, such as piles of hair everywhere, strong odors, injured pets, and overgrown nails. Cats should be healthy and look happy.
- Ask about the cat you are considering. Ask the breeder if he has any health, behavioral or special needs problems. The breeder should seem competent and honest to you about all issues.
- Make sure cats are comfortable with other animals and people.
- Very low prices are suspicious. If you are offered a cat of a prized breed for a few hundred euros, when it should be worth thousands of euros, the breeder is probably not conducting an honest business. On the contrary, however, the exorbitant prices are not a guarantee of quality.
Step 3. Do some research on the internet
You may find ads online or in the newspaper that offer cats for sale or "free for loving owners." While it is possible to adopt a cat from a neighbor or even a stranger on Craigslist, you should consider the risks of these choices.
- The person offering you the cat may not know much about its temperament, history, or breed. Make sure you get all medical and other documents from the person offering the cat.
- If a cat is for sale, it will be difficult to get a refund if the cat does not live up to the promises made to you.
Step 4. Go to a pet shop
Stores may sell cats purchased from breeders, or they may have an "adoption center" where you can adopt rescued cats. Be careful, because pet store employees often love cats, but they rarely know them as well as the people who work in shelters or rescue groups.
- Always ask the stores where they get cats and kittens for sale. Stores could acquire cats from farms that keep animals in immoral and dangerous conditions. Research the breeders who supply them. They should be familiar with the breed, potential behavioral or health problems, and the cat's personal history (family, etc.). Purebred cats should also have certification and medical documents, provided by a local veterinarian.
- If your pet shop offers the option of adopting cats from shelters, choose one of those cats. Adopting a cat, instead of buying it, will ensure you don't make money from an unethical breeder.
Step 5. Adopt a stray
In some cases, a cat may just show up at your door and ask for love. While this is undoubtedly a way to get a cat into your life, there are a few things to consider:
- Make sure it's not already owned by someone. In some cases, the "stray" cats have simply run away from the owner, who wants them back. Post an ad in the newspaper or on the internet describing the cat you found. Call your local animal shelter to see if a cat similar to yours has been reported missing.
- Remember that stray cats can have behavioral problems. Life on the street is difficult, and a stray cat may have trouble integrating into its new home life, especially if you have other pets.
- Have him examined by a vet before taking him home. Cats can carry diseases and infections. Before adopting a stray cat and letting it live with you, have it examined by a vet to make sure it is healthy.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing Your Cat
Step 1. Don't choose a cat based on looks alone
Like humans, cats shouldn't be judged by outward beauty alone. While there's nothing wrong with being attracted to a cute face, make sure you don't just consider this when choosing.
Step 2. Ask for advice on adoption
Many shelters offer adoption advice, where they will ask you questions about your needs, lifestyle and personality and can recommend the best pet for you based on your answers. This is a great way to meet cats that are perfect for you.
Step 3. Take with you all the people the cat will have to live with
It will be helpful for you to understand how the cat will interact with all the people who live with you, especially children. If you can, have the whole family accompany you when choosing a cat.
Step 4. Ask to be able to keep the pet you like
Ask an employee or volunteer to show you how to handle the cat. Each cat has personal preferences for how to be touched, which the operator is likely to know. This can help you avoid bites and scratches. If the cat resists, don't force it. Some cats are very affectionate, but they don't like being kept. Others may simply feel uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment and open up over time.
- Close your hand into a fist and extend it towards the cat. This is a humane method of mimicking the feline greeting. If the cat touches your hand with its head, it is a cordial greeting. If he turns away or backs off, he may not want to make new friends.
- If a cat tries to scratch or bite you, it doesn't mean you shouldn't adopt it. Many cats exhibit these behaviors when they are anxious or scared. A cat that bites or scratches, however, may not be suitable for families with small children.
Step 5. Look for signs of illness
Make sure the cat is healthy. If you see clues to the contrary, it doesn't mean you shouldn't adopt that cat - in some cases, cats in shelters have health problems that only require love and care to fix. Here are some things you should note:
- Eyes. They should be bright and free of buildup or secretions.
- Nose. You shouldn't notice any secretions and the cat shouldn't sneeze too much.
- Ears. They should be free of black wax or deposits and shouldn't smell bad. The cat should not often shake its head or touch its ears with its paws.
- Chest. The cat's breathing should be free, with no gasps or coughs.
- Hair. It should be clean and free of parasites, such as fleas or ticks. Look for signs of fleas in the armpits or stomach.
- Skin. It should be clean and undamaged. If the cat has old wounds, they should be clean and well cared for.
- Rear. It should be clean and show no signs of diarrhea or worms (also check the litter box for signs of diarrhea or parasites).
Step 6. Ask about the cat's story
It is important to have as much information about a cat as possible before making a decision. Here are some good questions to ask:
- How long has the cat been here?
- Why is the cat here?
- How does it interact with other cats, with the staff and with other animals?
- What is the cat's personality?
- Do the volunteers / employees / farmers have any concerns to express?
- Does the cat have any health problems?
Step 7. Ask what interactions the cat has had
Particularly for purebred puppies, it is important that they have been exposed to many different people, environments, sounds, smells and other experiences in the first 12 weeks of life. If the cat hasn't learned to socialize, he may not like people or even become aggressive. Studies have shown that kittens who have a lot of contact with animals in the first 7 weeks of life are more likely to become friendly and polite cats.
- To socialize, a cat must be held and stroked for at least a few minutes a day shortly after birth. It is important to remember, however, that newborn puppies should not be separated from their mother for more than a few consecutive seconds. Doing so may cause the mother to become anxious or even reject the puppy.
- Other important socializing behaviors include using toys, interacting with people with games, and exploring different types of objects, such as cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and nail poles.
- Make sure the puppy hasn't been trained to consider fingers as toys. Puppies may inadvertently scratch or bite when they play, but this behavior should not be encouraged. The puppy should always be given a suitable toy if he scratches or bites.
- Puppies should also meet many different people so they are less afraid of strangers.
Step 8. Consider an adult cat
With all the tiny kittens available, you may be tempted to pick the cutest one and forget about the bigger cats. However, these cats offer some advantages:
- Their personalities are usually already developed, so you will know how they will behave and what attitude they will have.
- Older cats are usually already trained in the use of the litter box and do not require much supervision.
- Older cats are often calmer and better suited to small children.
- If the older cat was not trained to socialize as a puppy, this is still possible. It can take longer, but with patience and training, you can make him less shy.
Step 9. Find out if the cat you are interested in is part of a couple
Cats often come to shelters with others they have already bonded with, or with whom they form a bond in the shelter. If you separate them, they may experience emotional distress and have a hard time bonding with other animals in the future.
If you are looking to adopt two cats, a couple who have already bonded is a great choice, as they will be able to comfort each other during the stress of moving
Step 10. Check the cat's medical records
If available, check which tests and vaccinations he has undergone. This can help you determine the cat's overall health and plan for future expenses.
It is common to have a cat checked for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia (FeLV) before taking him home, especially if you have another cat. These diseases are easily transmitted to other animals. It is a good idea to have your cat analyzed before adopting, even if you don't have another at home
Step 11. Ask if a vet visit is included with the adoption or purchase
In many cases, it will be included - even necessary - when acquiring a new cat. Typically, you will be allowed a time limit in which to schedule this visit, which will ensure that you have not overlooked any details. It will be helpful to discuss any needs your cat may have with your veterinarian.
If you have other cats or pets in your home, it is recommended that you have your new cat examined by your vet before taking him home
Step 12. Ask about the possibility of a trial period
Many shelters allow you to take a cat home for a short "test" period (usually a few evenings or a week). If you have this possibility, take advantage of it, as it will be very useful in making sure that the cat bonds well with your family and with other animals.
Remember that a cat can be very anxious after a move. Be patient until he gets used to the new environment
Advice
- Many kennels have opening hours. The best way to see a cat's true personality is to go in the morning. By the end of the day, many cats will have already been picked up and handled by less gentle hands and may be tired or more likely to get upset due to excessive attention.
- Buy accessories (litter box, gravel, food, bowls, toys…) before you go get the cat - so you can take it home. Also try to choose a veterinarian before adoption. If you plan right, you can get an appointment for the day of adoption so you can take him straight for the visit on the way home.
- Be a responsible and knowledgeable owner - buy and read various cat care books before choosing one. Each breed has its own behavior, needs and health concerns that you should be aware of. Also find out how much the vet can cost each year, and the common diseases / issues that could further challenge you.
- Once a cat has been neutered / spayed, there is virtually no difference between male and female with regards to affection and behavior, except that males mark territory more than females in any case.
- When you bring a cat home, it is normal for them to be shy and shy. Cats need time to get used to new, friendly and safe environments.
- Keep in mind that a puppy's personality will change over the years, depending on the frequency of intercourse you have with him. Its reactions to touch or caresses will be much less easy to interpret than those of an adult cat.
Warnings
- Watch out for pet shops that try to sell you a cat by neglecting the steps above. They clearly view the cash register as more important than your interests and those of the cat. A good shop should be happy to let you play with the cat as much as you want. The best seats will even have a private room with chairs and toys where you can be with the cat without having to lift it.
- Be careful about bringing a stray cat home - even an apparently healthy cat could have serious illnesses, which risk being lethal to any other cats in the house. Take any stray strays straight to the vet to have them checked before taking them home.
