How to Find a Cat as a Pet

Ask yourself why you want to adopt a cat. It's important to understand the reasons behind your desire for a cat in order to choose the most suitable one. Common reasons include:

• Seeking a loyal, unconditional love
• Filling the void left by the loss of a pet or a friend
• Providing companionship for children and teaching them responsibility
• Offering companionship to someone in need

Consider whether you're ready for a long-term commitment. Adopting a pet comes with a significant responsibility, and choosing to bring a cat into your life means committing to that responsibility for 15 to 18 years. You need to understand that this cat will be your companion for many years ahead, and you'll be required to fulfill your duties throughout that time. Make sure you're prepared to care for your cat for its entire lifetime before making any further decisions.

Think about whether you can afford to care for a cat. In the United States, besides the initial cost of buying a cat – which can be quite high if you're purchasing from a breeder – you'll need to factor in other expenses. Don't forget that you'll need to buy food, visit the vet, get identification tags, microchip the cat, and cover any unexpected costs. These costs can quickly accumulate. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that the first year of owning a cat will cost approximately $1,035.

Consider the challenges of owning a cat. You may really want a cat and have the means to take care of one, but there are additional factors to think about before deciding if owning a cat is the right choice for your current situation:

• Do you already have other pets, and will they get along with a new cat?
• Is your neighborhood pet-friendly?
• Do your career and social life allow you enough time to care for and play with a cat?
• What will happen to the cat when you go on vacation?
• Are you or anyone in your household allergic to cats, cat fur, dust, or dander?
• Do you have young children who may need a cat with specific traits?

Visit animal rescue shelters. Although most cats at these shelters are mixed-breed, you can still find purebred cats. Cats at animal rescue shelters have typically been examined by veterinarians and are often spayed or neutered before being made available for adoption. This is one of the most affordable options, and adopting a cat gives it a second chance at life – a truly compassionate act.

Contact animal rescue groups. There are many organizations dedicated to rescuing cats and finding them loving homes. Some of these organizations accept all breeds, while others specialize in specific cat breeds. You can search online or reach out to local animal rescue groups for recommendations, as they often collaborate with each other. Many rescue groups do not charge adoption fees but request a small 'donation fee.'

Avoid pet shops. Be cautious when considering pet shops. Many kittens here come from breeding farms, where the focus is on producing as many animals as possible without regard for quality. Cats from these environments often suffer from birth defects and grow up in cramped, inhumane conditions, which can lead to behavioral problems. Additionally, prices at pet shops are often much higher than adoption fees at rescue organizations, sometimes reaching several hundred dollars.

Look for reputable breeders. If you're planning to purchase a specific breed, make sure to thoroughly research reputable breeders. Purebred cats can be quite expensive (ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars), so it's important to understand the average price to ensure you're paying a fair amount.

Consider adopting a stray cat. The first important step is to verify that the cat is indeed a stray. Look for lost cat posters in your neighborhood, contact local animal rescue centers, and take the cat to a vet to check for a microchip. If it’s truly a stray, it’s essential to take the cat to a vet for a health check and to have it spayed or neutered.

Research the traits of different cat breeds. Each cat breed has its own unique characteristics, and it's important to learn about them in order to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. Although fewer than 10% of cats are considered 'purebred,' understanding the general traits of various breeds is helpful, even if you just want an average domestic cat:

• Natural Breeds: These cats have long, thick fur that is suited for cold climates, and their bodies are compact and square. They tend to be the least active of the three types of purebred cats. Popular breeds include the British and American Shorthair, Persian, and Maine Coon (American Longhair).
• Exotic or Hybrid Breeds: These cats fall in the middle range, with almond-shaped eyes, medium V-shaped heads, leaner and more muscular bodies, and average energy levels, except for the Abyssinian, which is highly energetic. Popular breeds in this group include the Russian Blue and Ocicat.
• Oriental Breeds: Originating from warmer climates, these cats have less body fat, thinner coats, and long legs, tails, ears, and bodies. They are the most active and vocal of the three purebred groups. Well-known breeds include Siamese, Burmese, and Cornish Rex.

Consider the age of the cat that suits you best. Think about how much time you can dedicate to training and playing with your cat, as well as its behavior. If you work full-time or have young children, adopting an adult cat might be the best choice, as kittens and younger cats usually require more training and supervision. If you're a first-time cat owner, try to avoid overly demanding cats (in terms of attention, space, etc.), as they can be challenging for beginners.

Look for a cat with a personality that matches yours. While you may have researched the breed that best suits your lifestyle, remember that this is only the 'best match.' You should visit and interact with the cat you're considering before making a final decision. Animal rescue centers also provide valuable advice to help you find a cat with the right temperament for you.

Talk to breeders or animal rescue groups about introducing your new cat to its new home. It's very important that the cat you choose feels comfortable interacting with other people and pets in your household. When you visit a potential cat, bring along your children, spouse, or anyone else who will frequently interact with the cat. If you already have other pets, discuss with the staff at the rescue center how to introduce the new cat to your other animals to prevent any issues from arising.

Check for clear signs of illness in the cat. A breeder will be more familiar with the cat's history and tendencies, but animal rescue groups can only speculate about the cat's past and provide details on its current condition. While animal rescues will not adopt out a sick cat, it's essential to learn about common signs of illness to look out for when adopting:

• Changes in water consumption (drinking more or less) could indicate diabetes or kidney disease.
• Sudden weight gain or loss despite normal eating habits could be a sign of diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
• Foul breath could result from dental issues or digestive disorders, while sweet or fruity-smelling breath could indicate diabetes.
• Observe the cat’s grooming habits. If a cat that used to groom itself regularly begins to have messy fur, it might be a sign of an underlying health problem. Conversely, constant licking could suggest stress, pain, or allergies.

Prepare for your cat's arrival at home. Before bringing your cat home, choose a nearby veterinary clinic and schedule a visit within the first few days of arrival. Be sure to ask the rescue center and breeder about your cat's health records! Get your home ready and purchase all the essentials for your cat. You can refer to the checklist in the 'Things You'll Need' section below.

Set up a home for your cat. Since cats are territorial creatures, your new cat might feel stressed entering a house filled with unfamiliar smells and many dark corners. To help your cat adjust more easily, you need to establish a territory for it:

• Designate a small space as your cat's home for the first few days or weeks. Ideally, it should have enough room for water, food, and a litter box. You’ll also need a place to sit and interact (slowly at first) with your new feline friend.
• Fill the litter box with about 6 cm of litter and place it in a secluded area to provide your cat with privacy while using the litter box (e.g., use a curtain or fabric to create a barrier).
• Place the water and food bowls far from the litter box.
• Provide something for your cat to scratch, like a scratching post or mat from a pet store, and place it in every room. If necessary, you can encourage your cat to scratch there (instead of your couch!) by sprinkling some catnip on the scratching mat.

Let the cat get familiar with the new home in a controlled environment. Close doors to allow the cat to sniff and explore. If you have other pets or young children, place the cat in a carrier while it discovers the house. Show the cat the designated areas for its litter box, food, and bed.

Gradually introduce the cat to other pets in the home. Since cats are territorial, the introduction must be done slowly. Keep the cat in a separate room at first and let them smell each other by rubbing a cloth on both animals and swapping them. Feed your pets facing each other through a closed door, and gradually open the door at different times during the day. Keep in mind that it may take weeks or even months for them to feel comfortable with one another!

Anticipate the stress levels in the first few days. Don't be surprised if your cat hides and doesn't eat much during the first few days, or even for a couple of weeks. If you have other pets in the house, expect it to take a month or longer for them to get used to the new pet. Don't force the cat to approach you; some cats will hide and not come out when you're around in the beginning. Allow the cat time to adjust!

Provide food for the cat. Even if the cat avoids you, make sure to feed it twice a day and always provide fresh water. Ensuring your cat has enough water is extremely important, especially if it's too shy to eat during its adjustment period.

Take your cat to the vet for a checkup within the first week. Bring your cat to the vet for vaccinations and deworming if necessary. Don't forget to bring the health records provided by the rescue center or breeder. You should also consider getting the cat microchipped in case it gets lost or needs surgery.

Recognize the signs that your cat is adjusting. Watch for signs that your cat is starting to explore beyond the safe space you've set up for it. Gradually open more doors and areas for the cat to explore. Make sure not to startle or frighten the cat during this period! If your cat is ready to play, you can entertain it with toys and join in the fun. Cats always enjoy playing!

Enjoy the experience of having a pet cat! After all the effort of researching the type of cat you want, finding one, bringing it home, preparing the house, and patiently waiting for the cat to adjust, now you can enjoy the companionship and love from your new feline friend! The bond you share will become a lasting and strong connection.

• You can take this quiz to help identify the right type of pet you want to adopt: http://www.aspca.org/adopt/adoption-tips/right-pet-you
• Owning a cat can be quite costly, especially when they fall ill, so consider getting pet insurance. Humane organizations offer resources to help cover medical expenses if you find yourself in need: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
• Cats require at least an hour of care each day, including training, grooming, playtime, or cuddling.
• Long-haired cats need at least 20 minutes of grooming every day to prevent their fur from matting.

• If you're considering gifting a cat, ensure that the recipient is involved in the adoption process. While surprising someone is a thoughtful gesture, it doesn't give the cat and the new owner the chance to bond beforehand, which is crucial when adopting a pet.

• Water and food bowls
• Wet and dry cat food
• Cat litter
• Litter box and scoop
• Collar with an identification tag containing your contact phone number
• Hard carrier (such as plastic) is better than a soft one (like a bag) for traveling, as many animals can get injured in case of an accident
• Comb or brush (depending on your cat’s coat length)
• Nail clippers
• Cat toothbrush and toothpaste
• Flea and tick prevention medication
• Worming medicine
• Cat hiding spot/shelter (optional, but recommended)
• Scratch post (optional, but recommended)
• Simple water spray bottle (optional, but useful for training your cat in discipline)
• Various cat toys (especially those with catnip)
• Cat bed (optional)
• Super absorbent paper towels, sponges, brushes, non-toxic cleaning agents, and probiotic odor neutralizers for accidents
• First aid kit