How to Choose the Right Cat

Owning a pet, particularly a cat, has been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. While welcoming a new cat into your home can bring excitement to your family, it’s crucial to think carefully about the decision. You should choose a cat that fits well with your lifestyle, family, and the surrounding environment to ensure a healthy and joyful life for both you and your feline companion.

Commit to a Long-term Responsibility. Cats can live up to 20 years. If you adopt or purchase a cat, it will stay with you for a long time—potentially even longer than your children live with you. Therefore, you must ensure that you are prepared to care for a cat for its entire lifetime.

Make sure you are allowed to have a cat. Cats are ideal for those living in small spaces, such as apartments. However, you must discuss with your landlord, rental agency, etc., to confirm that you are permitted to have a cat in your home.

• Cats should not be allowed to roam freely outdoors. Indoor cats generally live longer, are healthier, and have a lower risk of getting sick or injured compared to outdoor cats. Additionally, indoor cats tend to be more comfortable with humans.

Ensure you have enough time to care for your cat. While cats don’t require as much attention as dogs, you should still decide how much time you can dedicate to them. If you don’t have time to play, feed, or bond with your cat, then it might not be the right time to adopt one.

• Try to spend at least an hour a day interacting with your cat. This helps strengthen your bond and keeps them happy and healthy. If you own a long-haired cat, expect to spend 20-30 minutes daily grooming them.
• Consult with a veterinarian or animal shelter staff about the time commitment involved in caring for a cat. They might suggest adopting two cats, especially if they are siblings. Having two cats can allow them to play together while you’re away or busy.
• Kittens require more time for training, including teaching them to use a litter box and preventing them from scratching furniture, among other things.

Consider the costs involved. Feeding and caring for a cat can be expensive. In the U.S., average annual costs can range from $500 to $1000. The amount you spend depends on whether you adopt a kitten or an adult cat, as well as the breed you choose. Medical care and grooming expenses will increase over time.

• Kittens are generally more expensive as they need vaccinations, deworming, and neutering. They grow quickly, so there’s no reason to wait. You might prefer adopting an adult cat, which usually has a more settled temperament.
• While cats are naturally good at grooming themselves, long-haired breeds require more frequent brushing. Short-haired cats or those with “flat” faces (like Persians or Himalayans) often need eye area grooming to prevent infections.
• Check the prices of high-quality cat food and treats to better estimate the cost of owning a cat.

Assess your home environment. Before adopting a cat, evaluate the space in your home. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you have other pets in the house? Will the new cat get along with them?
• Are there young children in the house? Children can be rough with kittens and may unintentionally harm them.
• What is your activity level at home? Are you active and often moving around, or do you prefer lounging on the couch? Kittens are usually very active and need constant supervision, while adult cats tend to be more calm and don’t require constant attention, though personality varies by breed and individual cat.

Consider health issues. If you or someone in your family has allergies or other health concerns, you should think about how a cat might affect your health. Millions of people are allergic to pet-related substances such as fur, saliva, dead skin cells, and urine. Carefully consider the breed’s coat length to avoid allergic reactions.

• Short-haired cats (with smooth, shiny coats) are usually the best choice. They don’t require as much grooming, and if they shed, you can quickly vacuum or sweep up the fur.
• Medium- or long-haired cats require more frequent grooming. Brush them regularly, and for long-haired breeds, do this daily.
• Some hairless cat breeds (which are hypoallergenic) might be suitable for allergy sufferers. However, they can get cold easily and need to be kept warm with clothing. Additionally, petting them doesn’t feel as soft as fur, which some people don’t like.

Select the right companion. The breed and age of the cat you adopt will affect the relationship between you and your new pet. Do you want your cat to cuddle in your lap and relax with you? Or are you looking for one that will play and interact? Identifying your needs for a new family member will help you choose a cat that suits your lifestyle.

• Kittens haven’t fully developed their personalities, so it may be hard to predict how your relationship will evolve until they grow older.
• You can refer to encyclopedias like Animal Planet’s Cat Breed Directory to learn about the general characteristics of different cat breeds, such as their vocalizations, independence, and intelligence. Remember, every cat has its own unique personality.

Research cat breeds. Purebred cats come with both advantages and drawbacks. Each breed has certain traits that are passed down from generation to generation, like Siamese cats being very vocal or Siberians enjoying affection. If you like specific traits, consider adopting a purebred cat. However, keep in mind that not every cat will exhibit those traits.

• Purebred cats can sometimes have specific health problems. For example, Persian and Himalayan cats often suffer from heart and kidney issues, while Maine Coons (American long-haired cats) are prone to hip and cardiovascular problems.

Visit local animal shelters. Animal shelters, humane societies, and adoption networks often house many cats in need of a home. In the U.S., shelters receive 6-8 million pets every year, but only half are adopted. You can check with local humane societies or shelters, or look online to see if there are any cats in need of a home.

• Adopting a pet from a shelter is often more affordable than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. While cats from stores and breeders may cost several hundred to thousands of dollars, cats from shelters or adoption networks typically cost no more than 100 to 200 dollars.
• You don’t need to purchase purebred cats from breeders. Many rescue organizations save purebred cats that have been abandoned or mistreated. In fact, about 25% of the pets in shelters are purebreds.
• Talk to shelter staff or volunteers. They can provide information about the cat’s history, health, or behavior issues.

Visit breeders. Before deciding to buy a cat, research the breeder. If possible, visit and inspect the conditions of the cats in the breeder’s care. Never pay for a pet from a breeder who mistreats their animals. If you find signs of mistreatment or feel the breeder isn’t being honest, do not purchase a cat from them.

• Look for signs of mistreatment such as excessive shedding, foul smells, injuries, or overgrown nails. The cats should be healthy and happy.
• Ask about the cat you are interested in. Inquire about its health, behavior, or special needs. The breeder should be knowledgeable and transparent about these issues.
• Ensure that the cat is socialized and comfortable with other animals and people.
• Be wary of unusually low prices. If a high-quality breed is being sold for a fraction of its usual cost, it could be a sign that the breeder is hiding something or isn’t honest about the cat’s condition. However, extremely high prices also don’t guarantee quality.

Search online. You can find online ads or newspaper listings offering discounted or free cats. While it’s possible to adopt a cat from a neighbor or a stranger via classifieds, there are some risks you should be aware of:

• The seller might not be familiar with the cat's personality, history, or breed. You should ask for medical records or any relevant documentation from the seller.
• If the cat is heavily discounted, it might be difficult to get a refund if it doesn’t match the description online.

Visit pet stores. Pet stores sell cats that are sourced from breeders or 'adoption centers' that rescue cats. Keep in mind that while the store staff may be passionate about animals, they often aren’t as knowledgeable about individual cats as staff at animal shelters or rescue groups.

• Always ask the store where they source their discounted adult cats and kittens. Some stores may obtain their cats from unethical breeding mills in poor conditions. Research the breeders they work with; they should be knowledgeable about the breed, as well as any potential behavioral and health issues, and the cat's history (e.g., family, etc.). Purebred cats should come with documentation from a veterinarian, such as registration or health certificates.
• If the pet store is offering cats from rescue shelters or agencies, you might want to consider adopting one. Adopting instead of purchasing helps avoid supporting unethical kitten mills.

Adopt a stray cat. Sometimes a cat from nowhere shows up at your doorstep seeking shelter. This can be a way to bring a cat into your home, but there are some important factors to consider:

• Ensure the cat doesn't belong to anyone. Stray cats might be avoiding their owners, who may desperately want to find them. You can post information about the cat in classifieds or online to see if anyone is looking for a lost pet. Also, contact local shelters to check if they are looking for lost animals.
• Be aware that stray cats often have behavioral challenges. Life on the streets is difficult, and a stray cat might struggle to adapt to a new home, especially if you already have other pets.
• Take the cat to a veterinarian before bringing it into your home. Stray cats can carry diseases and infections. It’s essential to have them checked out to ensure they are healthy before introducing them to your household.

Don’t judge a cat by its appearance. Just like with people, it’s important not to evaluate a cat based solely on its looks. While it’s natural to be drawn to an adorable cat, you should consider many other factors beyond its cuteness before making your decision.

Inquire about adoption counseling services. Many animal shelters and pet networks offer free adoption consultations by learning about your needs, lifestyle, and personality to provide suitable recommendations. This is one of the best ways to find a cat that fits both your preferences and specific requirements.

Bring family members who will have regular interaction with the cat. It’s important to understand how the cat interacts with your household, especially children. If possible, take them along to meet the cat and observe their reactions.

Request to interact with the cat. You can ask staff or volunteers to guide you on how to approach and handle the cat. Each cat has its own preferred way of being held, and the staff are often skilled in recognizing this. This helps avoid scratches or bites. If the cat resists, don’t force the interaction. Some cats are affectionate but dislike being picked up, while others may take time to adjust to a new environment.

• Extend your hand towards the cat. This mimics the greeting behavior of cats. If the cat rubs its head against your hand, it’s a friendly sign. If it turns away or backs off, it may not be fond of strangers.
• If the cat tries to scratch or bite, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t adopt it. Many cats scratch or bite when they are stressed or frightened. However, cats with frequent scratching or biting habits may not be ideal for homes with young children.

Check for signs of illness in the cat. You need to ensure that the cat is in good health. If you notice any issues, it’s better not to adopt it. Sometimes, cats in shelters or volunteer homes may have health problems that could improve with a little care and love. Here are some signs to look for:

• Eyes. They should be clear with no discharge or crusting around them.
• Nose. The nostrils should be free from discharge, and the cat shouldn’t be sneezing excessively.
• Ears. The inside should be free from wax buildup or dark, smelly residue. The cat shouldn’t be shaking its head or scratching its ears continuously.
• Chest. The cat’s breathing should be even, without wheezing or coughing.
• Fur. The coat should be clean, free from parasites like fleas or ticks. Check areas like the armpits and belly for fleas.
• Skin. The skin should be intact, with no sores. Any old wounds should be dry and healing.
• Anus. The area should be clean with no signs of diarrhea or worms. (Check the litter box to spot signs of diarrhea or parasites.)

Ask about the cat’s history. Before making a decision, gather as much information about the cat as possible. You can ask questions such as:

• How long has the cat been here?
• Why is it here?
• How does it interact with other animals, staff, and other cats?
• What is its personality like?
• Do the volunteers, staff, or caregivers have any concerns?
• Does the cat have any health issues?

Learn about how cats socialize. Particularly for purebred kittens, they should be exposed to people, surroundings, sounds, smells, and other experiences during their first 12 weeks of life. If they don’t adapt well, they may become wary of humans or even aggressive. Studies show that kittens exposed to humans during the first 7 weeks tend to be friendlier and develop better overall.

• A successful adaptation process includes gentle handling and affection for at least a few minutes every day from birth. However, you should not separate newborn kittens from their mother for too long. Prolonged separation can cause stress for the mother and may lead to her abandoning her kittens.
• Other activities during adaptation include playing with toys, interacting with humans through games like chasing, and exploring various objects such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and scratching posts.
• It’s important not to teach kittens to see human fingers as toys. While kittens may scratch or bite while playing, this behavior shouldn’t be encouraged. Instead, guide them to play with appropriate toys if they engage in biting or scratching.
• Kittens should also be exposed to a variety of people to prevent them from becoming shy around strangers.

Consider adopting an adult cat. While kittens are undoubtedly adorable, don’t overlook the benefits of adopting adult cats. Adult cats have several advantages:

• Their personalities are usually already formed, so you’ll know what to expect in terms of behavior and temperament.
• Adult cats are often litter-trained, meaning you won’t need to supervise them as closely.
• They are usually calmer and better behaved around young children.
• If an adult cat isn’t as social as a kitten, you can still teach them to become more sociable. This process may take time, but with patience and the right training methods, you can help them become friendlier.

Find out if the cat you're considering is bonded with another cat. Sometimes cats enter shelters with another cat they are closely bonded to, or they may form a bond while staying together. Separating them can cause emotional distress and make it harder for them to socialize with other pets later.

• If you plan to adopt two cats, it’s best to choose a bonded pair, as they will comfort each other and ease the stress of transitioning to a new home.

Check the cat's medical history. If possible, find out what tests and vaccinations the cat has had. This helps you assess their overall health and prepare for any future medical costs.

• Make sure to check if the cat has been tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) before bringing them into a home with other cats. These diseases are highly contagious. Be sure to examine the cat thoroughly before adopting, even if you already have another cat at home.

Ask about any veterinary services available when adopting a cat. In many cases, veterinary services are included or even mandatory when adopting a cat. Typically, you’ll be given the opportunity to take your new cat for an initial checkup within a set period to address any issues you may have missed. You can discuss your new cat’s needs with the veterinarian.

• If you already have other pets in your home, it’s a good idea to bring your new cat to the vet before bringing them home.

Ask about trial adoption options. Many animal shelters and pet networks allow you to bring a cat home temporarily (usually for a few days or a week). This ensures the cat will adapt well to your family and other pets.

• Keep in mind that cats can be quite stressed when they first arrive in a new home. Be patient as they gradually adjust to their new surroundings.

• Many animal shelters have visiting hours. The best time to assess a cat’s true personality is in the morning. By the evening, many cats may have been mistreated and could be tired or even ready to attack due to overstimulation.
• Purchase necessary items (litter box, litter, food, bowls, toys, etc.) before adopting a cat so that you can bring them home immediately. Additionally, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a veterinarian before adopting the pet. If everything is set, you can arrange a vet appointment for the same day as adoption to take them to the clinic on your way home.
• Be a responsible and well-informed pet owner: You should read cat care guides before choosing a cat. Every breed has its own personality traits, care requirements, and health issues that need attention. You should also plan for the annual costs of veterinary visits and familiarize yourself with common health concerns that need extra care.
• After being neutered, male and female cats do not differ much in friendliness or behavior, except that male cats tend to mark their territory more than females, even after neutering.
• Once you bring your cat home, they may be shy and reserved, which is completely normal. Cats need time to adjust to their new, friendly, and safe environment.
• It’s important to recognize that a kitten’s personality will evolve over the years, depending on how close your bond becomes. Kittens typically are not taught how to respond to being held or petted as adult cats are.

• Be wary of pet stores that rush you into adopting a cat without providing guidance on the necessary steps outlined here. These stores may prioritize profit over the well-being of both the customer and the cat. A reputable store will allow you to interact with the cat freely. Some stores even have private rooms with seating and cat towers for you to engage with the cat without having to pick them up.
• Exercise caution when adopting feral cats. Even a seemingly healthy feral cat may carry diseases like leukemia, meningitis, or other conditions that could be transmitted to your other pets. It’s essential to take feral cats to the vet for a check-up before bringing them into your home.