How to Choose Your Purrfect Cat
Congratulations on your decision to get a cat – research shows that people with pets are happier, healthier and more adjusted than those without. Get ready for a new relationship that will give you years of love and companionship.
Each cat is definitely an individual. Looks and personality are usually the deciding factors when selecting a particular cat.
There are a few factors to consider in your decision process for choosing a cat. Age, size, breed, appearance and personality can all play in to your individual preferences.
Kitten or Adult Cat?
While a kitten may be adorable, they do require a lot of work. Kittens can often be very needy and energetic. Their tiny size makes them very fragile and easily injured which is a consideration, especially if there are any small children or other pets living in your household. A kitten as a single pet is also not a good idea because they have not learned social skills from their siblings and mom and, without that, they develop bad habits like biting and aggressive behavior that turns them into unwanted pets. If you decide on a kitten and you have no other pets, do yourself a big favor and adopt two kittens. You will not turn your TV on for weeks and they will both love you they will have each other to keep company with while you are away from home. Cats are very social animals and need regular playtime and social activities and having a buddy to romp with is an important part of a happy cat’s life.
On the other hand, adult cats have established personalities that make it easier to evaluate their compatibility with your lifestyle. Adult cats are a much better choice for anyone other than a young family.
|
Adopting a kitten versus a mature cat | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Trait |
Kitten |
Adult Cat |
|
Physical fortitude |
Delicate. More easily injured or harmed. |
Sturdier. Better able to escape danger. |
|
Energy level |
Very active, mischievous |
More relaxed, less likely to get into trouble. |
|
Time and attention |
More time required to train and feed. |
Already trained. Feeding schedule easier. |
|
Safety problems |
Less aware of its surroundings. May get under foot. |
More aware of its surroundings. Able to avoid problems. |
Short-haired cat or long-haired cat?
When choosing between a short-haired cat and one with long hair, think about the practical considerations. Although all cats need to be brushed regularly – and most actually enjoy it – frequent grooming of longhaired cats is a necessity to keep them mat free. If you don’t have time or an interest in daily grooming of a cat, you may prefer a short-haired variety. If you like the look of a long-haired cat, make sure that you are prepared for the care and upkeep it will require.
Other pets in your household
When your household already contains other pets, especially a dog, carefully consider whether a cat will be a welcome addition. While some dogs get along well with a cat, others may not. Always have your dog on a leash and restrained when you introduce your new cat. While you new cat is getting adjusted by staying in the bathroom, use this opportunity to help your other cats get acquainted with the new one by taking a shirt you have been wearing and rubbing it on the new cat, then the existing cat(s) and then back on the new cat every day. Then, after several days, put your other cat away and let the new cat out into the main part of the house to rub on the furniture and get his scent distributed. Then put the new cat back in the bathroom and let your other cat(s) back out. This gives everyone the idea that the new cat is here to stay. There will still be plenty of hissing and growling when they finally come face to face but cats generally are not violent with each other and tend to do more posturing and intimidation than fighting. Cats have a very strong social order and it may take several weeks to months before a new adult cat is accepted into the household. It is usually faster with a kitten because they are less threatening and kittens understand and accept that they are at the bottom of the social order. Introducing any new animal to a preexisting dynamic takes time, patience, and finesse.
A lifetime commitment
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that you’ll be making a commitment that will last the lifetime of the cat – perhaps 10, 15, or 20 years. You have a job, hobbies, friends and family. Your cat only has you. They depend on you for their care and companionship and in return, they commit themselves to you with their entire being. Cats form very close bonds with their “person” and can be emotionally destroyed if they are separated from their family. You are adopting a new member of the family and your new cat should always be treated as such.
Settling in with your new cat or kitten-
- Before bringing your new cat home, purchase all of the items you’ll need to provide the best care and comfort for her.
- Have a cat carrier ready to take your new cat home in – a cat should never ride loose in a car.
- Prepare a small area (a bathroom is ideal) where your cat can stay for the first few days until he feels more comfortable. Leave water, food, a litter box and some toys, and let him adjust on his own time.
- If you are concerned about the cat scratching up your furniture, invest in scratching pads and learn how to trim your cat’s toenails regularly.
- Meet with family members to agree upon who will be responsible for which aspects of the cat’s care and how the transition period will be handled.
- Find a good veterinarian. Get references from other pet owners.
- Take your new pet to the vet as soon as possible for an examination, as well as to establish a relationship with the vet, which will be ongoing.
- Understand that everyone in your household, including the pet, will need a little time to get to know each other and adjust to new elements in their lives.
- You and your family must be committed to keeping your cat safely indoors from the time you bring them home. Almost all local ordinances dictate that your cat must stay on your property and since it is not possible to restrain your cat from leaving your yard, an indoor environment will maximize the health and longevity of your cat.
- Cats have the mentality of a 5 year old child. They are very smart and need lots of interaction from you and your family so they will bring you years of joy and devoted love.
