Selecting a Cat

The first question you should ask yourself is if you and your lifestyle will be right for a cat companion. Some factors to consider;

• A kitten does not stay a kitten! Remember it will soon be a cat.
• A cat will often live 15 years or more. You must commit to the cat for its life. Giving a cat to another home can be very traumatic.
• Cost - A cat's needs, food, veterinary care, litter etc., will average between $200 - $300 year but can be more if your cat falls ill.

Cats are fairly easy to take care of, but the one thing that all companions deserve is love and attention. Make sure you have plenty to give!

SELECTING A CAT

Pure bred? Male or female? Cats are special in the fact that their personalities are more unique to the individual, than the sex or breed. Choose a cat because you have a special bond to it, not because it is expensive, "cool", or has "papers"!

Pure bred cats make up less than 5% of all cats. The advantage of a pure bred cat is that there will be some traits, especially physical, that can be predicted to some degree. To some people this can make a difference.

Mixed breed cats have really made a breed class or their own - domestic shorthair or domestic longhair.

Adult or Kitten?

You should always consider adopting an adult cat first, giving a second chance to a forgotten friend. There are millions of wonderful cats at our nation’s humane agencies, each hoping for a new home. One very positive thing to consider about adult cats is that their personalities are fully developed. This way there are no personality surprises like you may have when a kitten grows up. What you see is what you get!

There may be nothing more lovable or cuter than a kitten. However, there are many drawbacks to adopting a kitten. They require much more care than an adult cat, they are more costly due to vet bills and spaying or neutering and their traits as an adult are unpredictable. Kittens are bundles of energy and require constant attention.

SPAY OR NEUTER!

Our nation has a terrible pet overpopulation problem. For that reason alone, you have a responsibility to have your cat spayed or neutered. In addition, unaltered males will spray a horrible smelling urine in your home and an altered female will cry incessantly while in heat. Talk to your veterinarian about the right time to alter your cat.

The first thing to remember when deciding which cat is right for you is to decide if you are right for the cat. Make sure, for example, if you choose a cat that is very active, that you will want an active cat two, five or ten years from now!

TWO CATS!?!

Now that you have gone through the decision process of bringing a cat to your family, we will throw you a curve! How about two cats? Actually it can be a very good decision, especially if you work or are not home for hours at a time. A second cat is very easy to care for. Two cats will entertain each other and can help keep a lone cat from becoming bored and causing destruction in the home. The best time to get a second cat is when you get the first. This will help avoid territory problems later.

WHERE TO FIND YOUR NEW COMPANION

We recommend stopping by your local humane agency and talking with a worker there. They should be able to spend some time with you and help you pick the right cat for you! If you don’t find help there, go to another humane center. Don’t be afraid to ask for the director's help.

There will be a fee for the adoption and most will require that you spay or neuter the cat. They may ask you questions about the cat’s future home - don’t be put out by this, they are just trying to be sure the cat is going to a good home and will not just end up back at the shelter.

If you are considering a pure bred, it is a good idea to go to a local show. Here you will be able to meet breeders and learn about the different breeds. Expect to pay in the area or $300-$400 for a "pet quality" kitten. To find out where and when the shows will be, call your local humane agency or veterinarian, or pick up one of the cat magazines.

We do not recommend that you purchase a pet from a pet store. There are very often health problems and bad breeding. Do not be fooled by convincing stories.

It is not a good idea to buy a kitten from a newspaper add from someone that claims to be a breeder. There are too many unknown variables. However, if you find someone that is looking for a home for their adult cat this may be a very good way to find a cat. Visit the cat in its home and talk extensively with the owner.

 If you have any specific questions, feel free to post your question in our APA Pet Forum.