How to Pick the Right Pet Cat for You

Cats are wonderfully playful and affectionate animals, but picking the right cat should be considered carefully, as cats can live upwards to 20 years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. If you find a particular breed striking, check with local reputable breeders. You may also check in on local animal shelters if pedigree is not your main concern. Most animal shelters carry assorted breeds. www.petfinders.com, an online resource, is also a great way to find a pet in need of a warm, caring home.
2. Consider the temperment and body type that would best work in your housing type (apartment, house, studio, etc) and with those individuals with whom you live (family, elderly, small children, etc). Be sure not to adopt a cat that is clawless if there is a chance that they will get outside, or a white cat if you have all black, cotton-covered furniture.
3. Although kittens are quite adoreable and oh so tempting, be sure you are aware of the amount of care that they will require prior to adoption. Find out which shots/tests the kittens have been given, and what (if any) disorders/conditions they have. Also, consider that a personality is easier to discern in a cat after they have grown a bit and have already been neutered/spayed. Some cats' personalities do change after that process, so that is something to consider.
4. If adopting from a shelter, be sure to allot at least an hour's time to consider and spend time with all the possible feline candidates. Be sure to take each candidate out of the cage and to spend time alone with it to see if it is approachable or takes an unusual interest in you (hissing is not a good sign). Cats come in four basic varieties: warm and aloof, wiry and playful, changeable (can bite or scratch from time to time), and full of attitude. If you are looking for one of the two former personalities, the cat should be easy to hold in your arms, look relaxed, and not growl/hiss/scratch.
5. If you desire to adopt two cats, it's much easier to adopt siblings that already get along, especially if you are introducing them to other cats at home.
6. Feel free to ask the people who handle the animals at the shelter about their experiences with the cat that you are interested in. Ask them as many questions as you can to uncover any issues with the cat's personality. Don't overlook cats that may seem a bit timid at first.
7. Be sure the shelter has a policy allowing you to return the animal should you have any issue with the pet adapting to you or others at home.