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Behavior traits in cats don’t vary as much as dogs, but each cat has a distinct personality. These tips can help you discover which cat will be your perfect pet.
So, you’ve decided to get a cat. Congratulations—having a cat can give you years of love and companionship. People with pets also tend to be happier, healthier, and better adjusted than those without.
While cat behavioral traits do not vary as widely as those of dogs, each cat is definitely an individual—just ask anyone who has a feline companion or two. Ultimately, looks and personality are usually the deciding factors when selecting a particular cat.
Before you choose a cat, though, it’s important to decide if a cat is the right pet for you.
Do you have other pets in your household? When your household already contains other pets, especially a dog, carefully consider whether a cat will be a welcome addition. While some dogs get along well with a cat, others may not. Even other cats may not be thrilled about sharing their space and your attention—although it’s likely they will eventually bond. Introducing any new animal to a preexisting dynamic takes time, patience, and finesse.
Are you ready for a long-term commitment? When you adopt a cat, keep in mind that you’ll be making a commitment that will last the lifetime of the cat—perhaps 10, 15, or 20 years.
Once you’ve decided to bring a cat into your life, the next step is to figure out what kind of cat you want. There are 42 types of purebred cats recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association, as well as a myriad of mixed-breed cats.
There are a few factors to consider in your decision process for choosing a cat. Age, size, breed, appearance, and personality can all play into your individual preferences.
Different breeds have specific characteristics, appearances, and needs. For example, Persians are more lovey-dovey lap cats, but require regular grooming to keep their long hair from matting.
Siamese cats tend to be vocal, but are more standoffish. Main coons are big, relaxed cats that will follow you around, but don’t like to be babied. Still, any house cat, even the more aloof breeds, will crave and appreciate your love and attention—when they want it.
[Read: The Joys of Owning a Cat]
While a kitten may be adorable, they do require a lot of work. Kittens need to be litter-box trained, and can often be very needy and energetic. Their tiny size also is a consideration, especially if there are any rambunctious children or other pets living in your household.
On the other hand, older cats may be set in their ways, and have personalities that developed in conjunction with their last owner. Cats are very adaptable, however, and most will adjust very quickly to new environments and people.
When deciding between adopting a kitten or a mature adult cat, consider the following traits:
Kitten: Delicate. More easily injured or harmed.
Mature adult cat: Sturdier. Better able to escape danger.
Kitten: Very active, mischievous.
Mature adult cat: More relaxed, less likely to get into trouble.
Kitten: More time required to train and feed.
Mature adult cat: Already trained. Feeding schedule easier.
Kitten: Less aware of its surroundings. May get under foot.
Mature adult cat: More aware of its surroundings. Able to avoid problems.
When choosing between a shorthaired cat and one with long hair, think about the practical considerations. Although all cats need to be brushed regularly—and most actually enjoy it—frequent grooming of longhaired cats is a necessity to keep them mat free.
If you don’t have time or an interest in daily grooming of a cat, you may prefer a short-haired variety. If you like the look of a long-haired cat, make sure that you are prepared for the care and upkeep it will require.
Cat fanciers who enjoy participating in cat shows and organized feline activities may prefer purebreds. But for those that are looking for a stay-at-home companion, a cat is usually selected based on appearance and personality, whether it is purebred or not.
Mixed breed cats are far more common than the purebreds, and are considerably less expensive to obtain.
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Purebred cats can be purchased from breeders and at some pet shops, or adopted from a rescue group. Sometimes you may even find a purebred cat at an animal shelter. Mixed breeds cats (and sometimes kittens) are abundant at shelters and rescue groups. The experience you’ll have when visiting each of the sources for your new cat will vary greatly.
Breeders are the best place to find a purebred cat, including “exotic” domestic cats—such as the Bengal or Serengeti. Responsible breeders will encourage you to visit their facilities—often a home—to meet and interact with their cats. Reputable breeders want to make sure that their animals are a good match with the people purchasing them and that they will be living in a healthy, loving environment.
Rescue organizations literally rescue “homeless” cats and kittens. Although some rescues have facilities where the animals are housed, most do not. Instead, until “forever homes” can be found, the cats and kittens live in foster homes, at boarding facilities, or veterinary offices. In these places the animals are screened and observed for health problems and problematic behaviors.
Rescues hold adoption events in parks, pet stores, or parking lots, usually on weekends, to give the public opportunities to meet available cats and kittens. Most rescues post photos and descriptions of their animals online, so you can see the cats before you contact the organization. Many rescues are careful about where pets are placed, so a screening process may be involved.
Animal shelters are funded and operated by a city, county, or private, often nonprofit organizations. They are a wonderful place to find an adult cat, and many have kittens as well. Visiting an animal shelter can be depressing, with so many cats kept in less than ideal conditions and confined in cages resting side by side.
Hang around the cat cages and notice the different personalities of the cats and their reactions to you—although they may be more passive and less social because of the shelter environment. When a particular cat appeals to you, ask an adoption counselor to assist you. As you spend time with a cat or kitten, notice if they are comfortable being held and stroked.
[Read: The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets]
Find your new best friend from a network of over 11,500 shelters and rescues. (Petfinder)
Find a pet from shelters, rescues, and individuals. (Adopt a pet)
Search RSPCA rehoming centres.
AdoptaPet (RSPCA Australia)
Use the worldwide shelter directory to search for animal shelters, animal rescue groups, and other animal sheltering facilities in your country. (Hugs Society)
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