Finding and Choosing a Cat: How to choose the right cat as your perfect pet

How to choose the perfect cat

After 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 39 types of purebred cats recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association, as well as a myriad of mixed-breed cats. 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 housecat, even the more aloof breeds, will crave and appreciate your love and attention -- when they want it.

There are a few factors to consider in your decision process for choosing a cat. Age, size, breed, appearance and personality can all play in to your individual preferences.

Kitten or mature 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.

There are many advantages in adopting a mature cat:

Adopting a kitten versus a mature cat
Trait	Kitten	Mature Adult Cat
Physical fortitude	Delicate. More easily injured or harmed.	Sturdier. Better able to escape danger.
Energy level	Very active, mischievous	More relaxed, less likely to get into trouble.
Time and attention	More time required to train and feed.	Already trained. Feeding schedule easier.
Safety problems	Less aware of its surroundings. May get under foot.	More aware of its surroundings. Able to avoid problems.

Shorthaired cat or longhaired cat?

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.

Purebred or mixed breed?

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.

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 – although it’s likely they eventually bond – may not be thrilled about sharing their space and your attention. Introducing any new animal to a preexisting dynamic takes time, patience, and finesse.

A lifetime commitment

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that you’ll be making a commitment that will last the lifetime of the cat – perhaps 10, 15, or 20 years.

Where to find the cat of your dreams

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, where do you find the cat of your dreams? 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

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.

Advantages: You’ll often get to meet the parents of the kitten. Health guarantees, instructions for care, and follow-up advice on training and behavior problems are usually offered to you.

Disadvantages: Costly, but less so than pet shops. If animals are confined to cages, conditions are unsanitary, and many different breeds are produced, the breeder may not be reputable.

Pet shops

Pet shops that sell cats or kittens will often keep them in individual or group cages, and will allow you to handle and play with the cats you are considering purchasing. Take advantage of this: by doing so, you can get a sense of whether the cat or kitten is healthy, engaging and playful.

When young pet shop animals are extremely shy, anxious or fearful, it could be a warning sign that they’ve come from a kitty mill – a mass-breeding facility where animals are often kept in unsanitary, unsafe conditions and inbreeding is common. Although you can ask the pet shop where they get their animals, if they’re from a kitty mill, they usually won’t admit it.

Advantages: May pet stores have purebred cats and kittens. Health guaranteed.

Disadvantages: Expensive – more than breeder. You also can’t be sure of where the kitten or cat comes from (it could be an unhealthy environment).

Rescue organizations

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 or parking lots, usually on weekends, to give the public opportunities to meet available cats and kittens. Some 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 rigorous screening process may be involved.

Advantages: Health and behavior of cats/kittens is screened. After observing the cat, the rescue may know of a cat’s particular likes, dislikes and problem behaviors. Adoption fees (donations) vary from nominal to costly.

Disadvantages: A rigorous screening process of the prospective adoptee and an adoption agreement or contract may be required.

Animal shelters

Animal shelters are funded and operated by a city, county, or private organization (usually nonprofit). They are a wonderful place to find an adult cat, and often 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.

Advantages: Nominal adoption fees. Spaying/neutering and vaccinations included. Volunteers often assess cat’s behavior and friendliness, and may be available to assist you if problems arise after adoption.

Disadvantages: No health guarantees, although existing serious problems may be diagnosed. Unknown history of cat/kitten’s previous care and treatment.

Settling in with your new cat or kitten

Before bringing your new cat home, purchase all of the items you’ll need to provide the best care and comfort for her.
Have a cat carrier ready to take your new cat home in – a cat should never ride loose in a car.
It may help to prepare a small area (a closet or bathroom) where your cat can stay for the first few days until he feels more comfortable. Leave water, food, a litter box and some toys, and let him adjust on his own time.
If you are concerned about the cat scratching up your furniture, invest in a good scratching post – it can be a couch’s best friend!
Meet with family members to agree upon who will be responsible for which aspects of the cat’s care and how the transition period will be handled.
Find a good veterinarian. Get references from other pet owners.
Take your new pet to the vet as soon as possible for an examination, as well as to establish a relationship with the vet, which will be ongoing. Discovering any existing or serious health problems as quickly as possible gives you options. Sadly – and although it is rare – there might be instances when a pet’s health is so seriously compromised that keeping it would be beyond your capabilities. It’s best to know before you get too attached.
Understand that everyone in your household, including the pet, will need a little time to get to know each other and adjust to new elements in their lives.
Some experts believe it’s best to keep housecats safely indoors from the time you bring them home and that they’ll never miss going outside.
Notice ways in which your life is enriched by your new cat’s presence, and start enjoying a wonderful new relationship with your pet.

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Finding and Choosing a Cat

How to Choose the Right Cat as Your Perfect Pet

In This Article:

How to choose the perfect cat

Kitten or mature cat?

Shorthaired cat or longhaired cat?

Purebred or mixed breed?

Other pets in your household

A lifetime commitment

Where to find the cat of your dreams

Breeders

Pet shops

Rescue organizations

Animal shelters

Settling in with your new cat or kitten

Related links for finding and choosing a cat

Deciding to get a cat

Choosing a cat or kitten

Shelters and rescue organizations for cats

Pets and children

Cats and other household pets

Benefits of cats