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HomeTopicsCat BreedsSelecting Your Cat
Tips on Selecting a CatOnce you've decided that you want to add a cat to your household, you'll have to decide which type of cat is right for you. While most cats are cuddly and cute, there are some that will be better suited to your lifestyle than others. You'll need to ask yourself several questions. Do you want a cat with long hair or short hair? Will your cat live inside or outside? Do you want to adopt an older cat or a young kitten? Your answers to these questions and others will help you find the perfect feline friend. Keep reading to learn how you can select the best cat for you. Selecting a KittenKittens are little furry balls of energy that will play well into the night and often waking their sleepy owners. They are playful and curious, often getting themselves into sticky situations. For instance, it's common see a small kitten climbing on the curtains or burrowing under a pile of freshly folded laundry.
As with any baby, kittens require a lot of time, attention and care. They will require much more effort than an adult cat. If you have a very busy schedule or are out of the house a lot, you might need to consider adopting a mature cat rather than a kitten. However, if you have the time, energy and patience, kittens can be a lot of fun. As you see them grow and change, you'll develop a special bond with them. If you do decide to get a kitten, you might need to consider getting a pair of siblings. Two kittens won't require much more work than one, and they will be able to keep each other company when you are gone. They'll also provide you with a great deal of entertainment! Another benefit of having two kittens is that they will be able to play with each other, which will make them less likely to tear up your home! Selecting an Adult CatIf you're looking to add only one animal to your household, an adult cat might be the choice for you. While adult cats can still be playful, they are generally much calmer than kittens. People who think they might be overwhelmed by a kitten should look into adopting an older cat.
 People with children might also want to get an older cat. Mature cats are often much more tolerant of little ones tugging their tails or patting their fur. They also are not as fragile as kittens. If you do choose to get an adult cat, find out as much as possible about its background. Ask about any past and current health issues, as well as any behavioral problems that might be present. You'll also need to learn about its diet, as it is important to remain consistent in this area. If you adopt a cat that has not been spayed or neutered, you will probably want to take it to the vet as soon as possible, as unfixed cats often spray urine on furniture and other household objects. Selecting a Cat: Domestic or Purebred?Most of the house cats you see are mixed-breed cats, commonly called alley cats. These cats generally make excellent pets and come in a variety of colors, ranging from orange to black to calico. They can also have either short or long hair.
More often than not, an owner will only know the mother of his or her alley cat. Thus, you might not know exactly how your mixed-breed kitten will look or act when it grows up. For most people, however, this isn't a problem. On the other hand, some people want their cats to look a certain way or to display specific behaviors. If you fall into this category, you should consider adopting a purebred cat. Purebreds have pedigreed parents. Because they are the product of selective breeding, you will know your purebred cat's mother and father. Being purebred, your cat will display the characteristics of his specific breed. If you decide to get a purebred, buy only from a breeder that will allow you to see the mother (the queen) and, if possible, the father (the tom). Also ask if you can see the cat's siblings and any other relatives. Looking at these cats will help you assess the health and personality of the kitten you are considering adopting. Selecting a Longhair or Shorthair CatAfter you have decided whether your cat will be purebred or a mixed breed, you will need to determine whether you want a longhaired cat, a shorthaired cat or a hairless cat. Your decision will likely be based on how much time you can devote to grooming your kitty.
 Shorthaired cats are generally easy to care for, requiring only an occasional brushing and bath. Longhaired cats, on the other hand, will need to be brushed every day and will need to be groomed on a regular basis to avoid matting.If you aren't looking forward to having cat hair all over your furniture and clothes, you might opt for a hairless cat. While these cats often have some hair, they shed very little and require little to no grooming. Selecting a Healthy Cat: Questions to AskOnce you have found a kitten or cat that you like, you will want to make sure that it is healthy. While cats with health problems need homes too, if you are adopting a kitty with a health condition, you need to be aware of all of the care he will require. Vet bills for cats with medical issues can be costly, so, in addition to being emotionally prepared to care for a sick kitty, you will need to be financially prepared as well.
To determine if the kitty you are looking at is healthy, you will first want to observe his appearance. A kitty that has a runny nose or teary eyes could be suffering from a simple cold or a major respiratory illness. Also, a vet should evaluate a cat that is listless and uninterested in his surroundings, as he could have an existing health problem. If you are looking at a kitten, pay close attention to how he interacts with his littermates. If the kitten is not taking any interest in his surroundings, be cautious, as kittens should generally be playing or exploring when they are awake. You'll also want a kitten that more than eight weeks old, as kittens younger than this still need their mothers. Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate the health of your cat:
Places to Get a CatWhen it comes to getting a cat, you have a number of different options, depending on where you live. Here is a breakdown of some places to get a cat, along with the pros and cons of each option:
Selecting a Name for Your CatWhile you may get a cat that has already been named, you may also get to choose a name for your cat, especially if you get a kitten. One important note is to stick with the name the cat responds to if (s)he comes with his own name. Because your new cat will be adjusting to new surroundings, don't complicate manners by making him or her learn a new name as well.
If you get to select a name for your cat, here are some tips for picking the right name:
For example, while you may like the name "Fluffy McGee" for your cat, do you really want to be saying the whole thing each time you call your cat? Instead, stick with either "Fluffy" or "McGee." Not only will it be easier to remember and repeat, but it will likely be easier for your new kitty to identify.
Once you have chosen a name, see how well your cat responds to it. Test a name out for about a week. If after a week or two your cat is still unresponsive, you may have to consider another name. The most important aspect to naming a cat is to consistently call the cat by the chosen name for the first few months. If you are consistent and take time to bond with the cat, you'll have a new best friend in no time at all! Related Cat Sites |
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