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 You
may have heard the saying, "You own a dog, you feed a
cat." It's true that cats value their independence a bit
more than their canine counterparts. But if you've ever
been around cats, you already know they crave and require
love and companionship.
Cats make wonderful pets and most will easily adjust to a
variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a
true individual, though, so it's important to take the
time to choose a four-footed friend who's right for you. A
cat's personality, age, and appearance, as well as the
kinds of pets you already have at home, are all things you
should keep in mind when making your selection.
Choose a Personality
Stroll past a few cat cages at the shelter, and you'll
notice that some cats meow for special attention, while
others simply lie back and gaze at you with an air of
superiority. There are as many different personalities of
cats as there are cats in the shelter. Which disposition
is best for you? You have to decide.
But regardless of individual personality, look for a cat
who's playful, active, alert, and comfortable while being
held and stroked. At the shelter, ask an adoption
counselor for assistance when you wish to spend some time
with individual cats. Keep in mind that, because they are
in an unfamiliar environment, some cats who are usually
quite social may be frightened or passive while at the
shelter.
Kitten or Cat?
As a general rule, kittens are curious, playful, and full
of energy, while adult cats are more relaxed and less
mischievous. Kittens also require more time to train and
feed. Cats are only kittens for a few months, though, so
the age of the cat you adopt should really depend on the
level of maturity you're looking for. Young children
usually don't have the maturity to handle kittens
responsibly, so a cat who's at least four months old is
probably the best choice for homes with young children.
Short-haired or Long?
Cats can have long, fluffy coats or short, dense fur, and
the choice between the two is chiefly a matter of
preference, availability, and your willingness to devote
time to regular grooming. You'll see more short-haired
cats at the shelter since they're the most popular and
common cats. Keep in mind that long-haired cats require
frequent grooming to be mat-free. Felines with short coats
also require brushing, though less frequently. Most cats
enjoy a regular brushing and will look forward to this
daily ritual with you.
Room for One More
If you already own a cat or dog, you're probably wondering
how easy it is to add a cat to the family. The good news
is that cats can get along with other cats and—despite the
common stereotype—most dogs can get along with cats. The
bad news is, introducing a new cat to a home with other
pets will require some patience on your part.
The best way to handle adding a new cat to the home is to
provide time for a period of adjustment. You can do this
effectively by isolating your new feline in a room of his
own for a while—something that's a good idea for a new cat
anyway.
After several days, supervise meetings between the animals
for periods of increasing length. Most cats will soon
learn to accept each other, and some may quite possibly
become the best of buddies. Some dogs simply won't
tolerate the presence of a cat, but by carefully
introducing them, most problems can be solved.
Be Responsible!
Regardless of the cat you choose, you'll want to start
being a responsible pet owner right away. The easiest way
to do that is to keep your cat indoors with you from the
very beginning. If you don't let your new friend outside,
he'll never miss it, and will have a much better chance of
still being around to sit on your lap a few years from
now.
The other big staple of responsible cat ownership is
having your female cat spayed or your male cat neutered.
Spaying or neutering will ensure that your cat never adds
to the millions of animals born each year who never find a
good home. It'll also help him or her live a longer,
healthier life.
Adopt a Cat for Life
Finally, remember that you're making a commitment to love
and care for your new pet for his or her lifetime—which
could mean 10, 15, even 20 years. So choose your new pal
carefully and be a responsible pet owner. In no time at
all, you'll know how wonderful sharing your home with a
cat can be.
Have fun choosing your new cat!
This information is provided by
The Humane Society of the United States
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