Are you looking for a new family member that looks and feels like a soft, comfy ball and is ready to scare you at all times? But are afraid of choosing the right match for your household and living lifestyle. The good thing is you are at the right place to get your problem sorted out. Cats make excellent partners; their loving and entertaining behaviors and low maintenance have allowed them to fascinate humans for thousands of years. Every pet is unique in its characteristics, and cats are no different. Many people get a cat with higher levels of expectations, and that’s the main reason that many cats are given up for adoption every year. Therefore, it’s essential to choose carefully and make an enlightened decision. Here, we have prepared a well-researched and informed guide to help you choose and find the best companion.  

Choosing the Right Cat

Lifestyle

Cats have to ability to adapt to almost any household where proper food, grooming, and exercise opportunities are present. The big question is whether having a cat fits your lifestyle or not. Having a pet can prove to be challenging at times, so you need to be sure in your decision to get a pet. In order to make a decision, ask yourself the following questions.

• Do you have the time or energy to provide for the cat’s need?
• Do you have the proper space to pet a cat?
• Can your new cat adapt to your present pets?
• Is anyone in your family allergic to cats?
• Do you have the proper resources to own a cat?

What choices do you have in cats?

Cats, like dogs, come in many purebred and mixed breeds and are available in different sizes, personalities, and coats. Both purebred and mixed breed cats make excellent pets. Purebred cats are bred for specific purposes that some owners would find desirable. While on the other hand, mixed-breed cats have the abilities or characteristics of two or more different breeds. You can acquire the information of specific breeds from the veterinarians.

Adult or kitten

Now, if you have decided which breed is best for you? The next major step is to decide whether you should get an adult cat or a kitten. If you are a first-time pet owner, then having a kitten in your house could be tiring. Though it’s difficult to resist a kitten, there are many things that need to be taken care of with a kitten around. There are also no signs of what your kitten would be like after becoming an adult because judging a kitten’s character is difficult until they are at least one year old. Whereas, if you are going to get an adult cat, it is mandatory to check whether the cat is vaccinated correctly and make sure that there is no underlying health problem present. Adult cats are usually more mannered than kittens and usually, when their mood allows, are keen to cuddle with their owners. In the case of getting an adult cat, you can also get information from the previous owner about its food intake, litter tray habits, temperament, and behavior.  

Personality and behavior

Each pet has its own distinctive behavior and personality, and that’s what makes them unique. Some will allow you to handle them and pet them all day long. In contrast, others will tend to disappear after some rubs. Choosing the right cat is essential, especially in a family with children and elders. It would be best to decide whether you want an active companion full of energy or are you more comfortable with a furry fellow that spends most of its time curled up asleep.  

Is my home right for a cat?

Though cats don’t require an exercise routine as dogs do, having an adequate space for cats to roam around is essential. This would help them to burn extra calories, in playing and exercising. Some cats like to go outside and would require an outdoor space, whereas indoor cats can adjust with limited space. Before letting your pet go outside, you should properly vaccinate your cat against all dangerous viruses and other diseases.  

Cats, with children around?

Cat and children are capable of becoming great friends, and as they get older, having a pet in your house could prove to be beneficial. But, before getting a cat in a children’s household, it is important to make sure that the cat is healthy and there are not any negative experiences happened to your cat before. You should also know what you are expecting from your pet. We all know how intrigued children are with pets, especially with kittens or puppies. Having a kitten will, no doubt, make children more enthusiastic about it, but kittens are more delicate beings and need special care and should never be left without supervision. It would be best if you taught your children about the unique needs of cats and how to take care of them. Cats are usually friendly with children, and if otherwise, they would leave your children alone. So, if you have a newborn in the house or if you are expecting one, then there is no need to worry about having a cat; there is a lot that you can do.  

Cat with other pets

We all know that cats are solitary beings, and they prefer to live alone. However, some cats have the tendency to accept other pets or cats into their lifestyle. It is essential to know about the personality of your present pet before introducing a new cat. Make sure that your present pet would allow you to welcome a new cat into your household. Introducing a kitten is relatively easier as compared to introducing an adult cat. Many cats live in harmony with other pets. The main step is introducing your new pet with the present one and knowing that first impression counts. You should take things slowly and leave your pets unattended only when you are sure that they are comfortable with each other. You can also follow different guides available on introducing new pets.  

Sex of your cat?

Deciding the gender of your cat is also an important factor while choosing the best cat companion. Male cats that haven’t been neutered possess a more dominant personality and will often spray urine and fight with another cat for territory. As a means for marking their territory, they will spray both inside and outside the house. On the other hand, queen cats, a female cat in heat, will wander off in search of a male cat which can lead to unwanted kittens. Cats can also spray when they sense some outsider in their territory. The best solution to avoid any of these mishaps is to neuter your cat at a young age.  

Special needs of cats

Now, if you have chosen your cat buddy, you should know that there are some daily needs that must be met; this includes feeding, playing, interaction with other pets or humans, and exercising. If your cat has long hair, then a proper grooming routine should also be maintained. You would also have to clean the litter box almost daily and replace the litter at least once every week. In order to avoid any risk of injury or disease, keeping your cat indoors is essential and should only be allowed outside under your supervision.   Finding the cat We hope that you have now decided what type of companion you want, so let’s move to the next big step, which is finding the right cat for you. There are different sources available that you can opt to find the best furry fellow for your family. Kittens or cats that are taken from friends or other family members may give you an advantage of knowing what the cat’s eating habits, behavior, and health status are. On the other hand, if you have made up your mind about getting the purebred cat, then you can look into the local breeders in your area. You can also get information from your friends and family. Pet shops also provide purebred and mixed breed cats, and shop owners can give the health records and registration data.  

Final Thoughts

Last but least, one can always adopt new cats from the adoption center and provide them with love and care that they deserve. All types of cats, including kittens, adults, purebred, mixed breed, males, and females, are available at the adoption center. These cats are also mostly spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Most people also adopt stray cats present in their neighborhood. Before making your final decision, you should make sure that the cat is healthy and there is no foul smell present in the cat or in the building or if there is an underlying health problem. Cats that are sick have dull coats, urine or diarrhea stains on their fur, are weightless, and are not active or friendly. When getting a purebred cat, ask for the proper documents and make sure you are getting the best companion.