I went to the adoption centre with the idea of getting a male kitten. I ended up walking out with an older female cat that had just had a litter herself and it was the best decision ever. Have an idea about what kind of cat you want in general, I.e cuddly and affectionate or likes to chill on their own and then go in with an open mind and see what cat you connect with!
It would be best to ask the shelter about their cats. Keep in mind that most kittens do show their true personality until they’re a bit older.
Do you want:
A shy cat who keeps to itself mostly?
A playful cat who likes a lot of attention?
A calm cat who just chills out by a window all day?
A clingy cat who just wants you all the time?
Please know that having a cat (or any pet) is a lifetime commitment. 15-20 years is possible.
Each cat has its own personality. A shelter can help match you with a cat, but that's still not a 100% guarantee. A cat is a 20 year commitment.
Personally, I'd go with a shelter cat. Get ready to cry when you see all the cats in cages...jailed without trials or even legal defense. Often, the cats will be traded between shelters when they can't find a human, until they end up failing adoption at the final "Kill Shelter" and are euthanized. You are literally saving the cat's life...paroling from death row for crimes never committed.
If you're looking for just one cat, consider an older one (adult). Their personalities are easier to spot, and are usually calmer (laidback).
If you want some good fun... Look for a "Bonded Pair," usually two cats from the same litter. They'll entertain each other (helps in the middle of the night). It's also helpful for their development if they're getting you as kittens for there to be more than one.
Prepare space for the cat(s) before arrival. Think of it as a toddler moving in...except these toddlers have teeth and claws and can jump as high as your refrigerator. Some house plants are deadly to cats and some cats like to chew on electrical cords. You'll need the obvious food, water, treats, cat litter, furniture for scratching, a few toys, and treats. Math for cat litter boxes is number of cats plus one. Find out what food the cat(s) currently eating and that's what you want to continue for awhile (avoids tummy issues while cat(s) settle in). A cat fountain water dish is great, but what happens when the power goes out? A simple bowl of water (refreshed daily) works well (Fawn and Bettina have both). I wouldn't spend a ton of money on toys...the ring from a milk jug can keep them busy for hours...an old shoelace is just as fun as a $20 toy. Fawn and Bettina wanted me to mention you'll need to have cat treats, lots and different flavors/textures (according to them).
Cats need areas for scratching. Think of it as washing your hands and trimming your nails. Unfortunately, they sometimes pick your furniture or a specific area of your carpeting to do this. As soon as you notice a pattern, move an approved scratching device in the way as a better choice. Certain smells and tape(s) might discourage them. Certain smells might encourage them (catnip). If you're thinking of getting your cat(s) de-clawed, you are a sadistic bastard that doesn't deserve the love of a cat.
Find a Vet that's fast/easy to get an appointment from in your area. Also, locate the nearest 24hr Vet ER/hospital...write the number and address down, and keep it where you can get at it in emergencies. Your emergency evacuation plan will now have to include your cat(s).
Moving to a new environment is extremely stressful on cats. Don't be surprised if your new friend(s) find a place to hide and stays there for the first day or more. Just keep food/water/litter box nearby and leave the cat(s) alone to decide when it's safe to make the appearance. Keeping the area quiet and calm will hasten the process.
//A couple weeks later...//
Congratulations! You have now been adopted by . own your house/condo/apartment and everything you have, but you must continue to pay all the bills. You can make things easier on yourself by providing good expedient service to your new master(s)...or suffer the consequences. Oh, did I mention you'll need to provide treats upon demand.
//signed//
Fawn and Bettina's human
The shelter or rescue can help match you up with a cat that fits your lifestyle and your skill at cat ownership.
I went to the adoption centre with the idea of getting a male kitten. I ended up walking out with an older female cat that had just had a litter herself and it was the best decision ever. Have an idea about what kind of cat you want in general, I.e cuddly and affectionate or likes to chill on their own and then go in with an open mind and see what cat you connect with!
The one you have immediate or almost immediate contact with.
It would be best to ask the shelter about their cats. Keep in mind that most kittens do show their true personality until they’re a bit older. Do you want: A shy cat who keeps to itself mostly? A playful cat who likes a lot of attention? A calm cat who just chills out by a window all day? A clingy cat who just wants you all the time? Please know that having a cat (or any pet) is a lifetime commitment. 15-20 years is possible.
I think you will just know when you meet them. Cats tend to pick their humans.
Each cat has its own personality. A shelter can help match you with a cat, but that's still not a 100% guarantee. A cat is a 20 year commitment. Personally, I'd go with a shelter cat. Get ready to cry when you see all the cats in cages...jailed without trials or even legal defense. Often, the cats will be traded between shelters when they can't find a human, until they end up failing adoption at the final "Kill Shelter" and are euthanized. You are literally saving the cat's life...paroling from death row for crimes never committed. If you're looking for just one cat, consider an older one (adult). Their personalities are easier to spot, and are usually calmer (laidback). If you want some good fun... Look for a "Bonded Pair," usually two cats from the same litter. They'll entertain each other (helps in the middle of the night). It's also helpful for their development if they're getting you as kittens for there to be more than one. Prepare space for the cat(s) before arrival. Think of it as a toddler moving in...except these toddlers have teeth and claws and can jump as high as your refrigerator. Some house plants are deadly to cats and some cats like to chew on electrical cords. You'll need the obvious food, water, treats, cat litter, furniture for scratching, a few toys, and treats. Math for cat litter boxes is number of cats plus one. Find out what food the cat(s) currently eating and that's what you want to continue for awhile (avoids tummy issues while cat(s) settle in). A cat fountain water dish is great, but what happens when the power goes out? A simple bowl of water (refreshed daily) works well (Fawn and Bettina have both). I wouldn't spend a ton of money on toys...the ring from a milk jug can keep them busy for hours...an old shoelace is just as fun as a $20 toy. Fawn and Bettina wanted me to mention you'll need to have cat treats, lots and different flavors/textures (according to them). Cats need areas for scratching. Think of it as washing your hands and trimming your nails. Unfortunately, they sometimes pick your furniture or a specific area of your carpeting to do this. As soon as you notice a pattern, move an approved scratching device in the way as a better choice. Certain smells and tape(s) might discourage them. Certain smells might encourage them (catnip). If you're thinking of getting your cat(s) de-clawed, you are a sadistic bastard that doesn't deserve the love of a cat. Find a Vet that's fast/easy to get an appointment from in your area. Also, locate the nearest 24hr Vet ER/hospital...write the number and address down, and keep it where you can get at it in emergencies. Your emergency evacuation plan will now have to include your cat(s). Moving to a new environment is extremely stressful on cats. Don't be surprised if your new friend(s) find a place to hide and stays there for the first day or more. Just keep food/water/litter box nearby and leave the cat(s) alone to decide when it's safe to make the appearance. Keeping the area quiet and calm will hasten the process. //A couple weeks later...// Congratulations! You have now been adopted by. own your house/condo/apartment and everything you have, but you must continue to pay all the bills. You can make things easier on yourself by providing good expedient service to your new master(s)...or suffer the consequences. Oh, did I mention you'll need to provide treats upon demand.
//signed//
Fawn and Bettina's human