Bringing home a new cat can be an exciting experience, but it can also bring feelings of anxiety, especially if your new cat behaves in a way that you were not expecting. Not every cat is suited to every home environment, and it can be a challenge to find the right match to allow your cat to thrive and you to enjoy their company.
So, when you’re thinking of adopting a cat, how can you find the right match for your home?
Your first question may be whether to go for a male or female cat. All domestic cats should be neutered (unless they are actively going to be involved in breeding), so any behavioural differences between males and females will be largely removed. Don’t let this be your deciding factor when choosing a cat. Instead, be open to both and find the cat with the most compatible personality, regardless of sex.
An important factor to think about is whether you are looking to take on a kitten or an adult cat. There are so many adult cats looking for homes for all sorts of reasons, so it could be that your new best friend is already out there waiting for you!
Taking on an adult cat means asking questions about:
You can also ask what their behaviour is like, for example whether they are a lap cat or more independent. This will help you know a bit more about the cat you are getting and whether they are the right fit.
It can be more difficult with a kitten as they are so young even the breeder may not know their likes and dislikes completely, and they will no doubt change so much as they grow and develop. You can still get an idea of how confident they are and how nervous they appear, and you can use this to determine whether this kitten is right for you. For example, if you are looking for a sociable bundle of energy, you choose the cat climbing on to your lap the moment you sit down rather than the one hiding behind the sofa.
It is also worth mentioning that kittens have a lot of energy, and it can be difficult to meet their need for play and stimulation completely for the first year or so. It is often best to get two kittens if this is the case, as they will usually be evenly matched and both enjoy a good chase, pounce and wrestle, which will take the heat off your ankles.
One thing to consider is which breed of cat would be most suited to your home. Cat breeding is not so well established as dog breeding, so you won’t find as much variation between breeds. However, each breed has their own personality traits and housing requirements that you need to consider when finding the right cat for you.
For example, breeds such as the Burmese and Siamese are very sociable and would prefer for someone to be home with them for much of the time. Siamese can also be very vocal cats, which some people love, but other people can find challenging. Other breeds such as Bengals are high energy so need plenty of stimulation, with a fun and interesting home to enjoy.
It is also important to consider a cat’s grooming requirements. Some long-haired breeds, such as Ragdolls or even just domestic long-haired cats, often require daily grooming to maintain their coats.
On that note, remember to be aware of any health issues that certain breeds may be prone to, or any limitations certain physical traits might impose. For example, Persian cats can have breathing difficulties, and Scottish Folds are prone to arthritis.
Breeds aside, the personality of your everyday cat can vary massively. This is all part of their charm! No two cats are the same; they all have their unique quirks which you may not discover fully until they are home, but you can gauge their temperament when you first meet them and can discover if they are the right fit for your home.
Once you know exactly what you are looking for, it is time to begin searching.
Regardless of what is on your ‘wish list’ when adopting a cat, it is always worth reaching out to rescue organizations first. They often have kittens available, as well as various breeds, especially if you reach out to a rescue that specialises in a specific breed.
If you have no luck, reach out to a breeder. Whether they are a professional breeder or a cat owner whose cat has accidentally fallen pregnant, it is essential that the kittens are being raised in a suitable environment. Ask to see the parents if possible as they should be friendly towards people and physically healthy.
Look around the environment and make sure you are happy that the kittens are being well looked after and appropriately socialized to your living situation and environment. There are a few areas to consider when choosing a cat from a breeder:
Finally, some cats just seem to make their way into our lives, be it strays that walk in of their own accord or inheriting a cat from a family member. In these cases, you have no control over choosing the new addition or whether they are a good fit for your home! In this situation, it may work out just fine. However, it is also ok to recognize when this cat is not a good fit and would be happier in a different environment.
Are you interested in finding more tips for adopting a cat or how you can build your bond together? Don’t forget that you can browse all our experts’ articles online! You can also stay up to date with all our latest tips and advice by signing up to our newsletter.