Adopting The Right Cat For Your Family

Are you thinking of adopting a cat into your home? It’s an exhilarating decision! But once you’ve decided your family is ready for a furry addition, it can become a little tricky finding the perfect feline fit. After all, every cat is as distinct as every family!

Cats aren’t just fleeting amusements; they become treasured family members that can fill your life with joy for 15 to 20 years. This also means long-term costs for their health, daily living, and your time. So, what factors should you look at to guide your decision? Here are our cat adoption tips to ensure a harmonious bond for years to come!

Adopting A Kitten Or Cat

There’s no denying it, kittens are irresistibly cute and energetic. On the downside, they demand a lot more of our time than adult cats! Their ever-evolving characters can be unpredictable and there’s no knowing how a kitten’s character will develop. If you’re drawn to a relaxed temperament, adopting an adult cat is probably your best bet. They’re more likely to enjoy a quiet snooze during the day and will also hopefully be litter trained.

That doesn’t mean you should rule out adopting a kitten altogether. They can still be great companions; just ones that require far more of our attention! If you’re wondering how to choose a kitten, much of the same rules apply as adopting an adult cat. Keep reading for more kitten adoption tips and advice on how to prepare your home. 

Pedigree Or Moggy?

Choosing between a pedigree cat breed or mixed breed (often known as a moggy) is a complex decision that involves more than just aesthetics. While pedigrees tend to adhere to specific breed characteristics and personalities, moggies often emerge from diverse and unpredictable genetic pools. Essentially, with a moggy, you can never be truly certain what characteristics might develop!

If you’re leaning towards a pedigree cat, it’s essential to research their health concerns. Some breeds with exaggerated features, such as shorter legs or muzzles, can face serious health issues. On a similar note, long-haired cats can certainly be striking, but short-haired breeds demand less grooming.

Male Or Female?

When it comes to personality, there’s no ‘better’ sex. While the internet is rife with debates on whether male or female cats are more suitable as pets, it’s essential to remember that individual personality is far more significant. The only real variation between the two sexes is that male cats are often slightly larger than female cats. 

Either way, one of our main cat adoption tips is to consider neutering if you don’t want any unexpected kittens! Female cats tend to become sexually mature at around 4 months, and 7 months for males.

Personality Matters

Would you prefer a cat that has lots of energy and is eager to play? Or more of a relaxed cat that prefers to watch life roll by? Whether adopting a docile cat or an independent spirit, gauging a cat’s temperament is crucial. Before adopting a kitten or cat, spend a little time with them and seek insights from their current caregivers to discern their nature. As mentioned already, this may be easier to judge for adult cats as their personality is more likely to have finished developing.

Families With Children

Cats can be brilliant companions for children. However, as with so many of our cat adoption tips, it’s important to pay attention to personalities! Outgoing and tolerant cats generally fit better into families with young children. If you’re looking for cat and kitten adoption tips specific for families, finding out about a cat’s prior experience with children can be helpful. Likewise, when introducing a cat into your home, it pays to teach children to interact gently.

Other Pets At Home?

If you already have a pet and are wondering how to choose a kitten, think about the introduction process. How will your existing pets welcome a new member? Gradual introductions are key when introducing cats and dogs to one another, and understanding your existing pets’ personalities should guide your decision. A simple question like “Can I have both a cat and a dog?” can have complex answers based on their respective temperaments.

Indoor Or Outdoor

While outdoor access offers a whole world of stimulation for cats, it can also bring risks. If your living situation doesn’t permit safe outdoor access, keeping cats indoors can be okay. Just ensure they get plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation! Playtime is a great way to achieve this and also provides an opportunity for you to build your bond with your cat.

Bringing Your Cat Home

Once you’ve made your decision and have found the perfect companion, it’s essential to make the transition to your home as smooth as possible for your new family member. FELIWAY Classic Spray can be effective for reducing stress and helping your cat to remain calm during the car journey. For the home itself, FELIWAY Optimum is great for setting up a comfortable environment that can ease your cat’s adjustment. Just plug the FELIWAY Optimum diffuser in and leave it to do its thing!