Cats make wonderful pets. They can be less demanding and easily adapt to a variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a real individual, so it’s important to take the time to choose the right friend for you. A cat’s personality and age, as well as the types of pets you already have in the home, are all things to keep in mind when making your selection.
Choose a personality
As you pass a few cat cages at the shelter, you’ll notice that some cats meow for special attention, while others simply lay down and stare at you with a bit of apprehension. There are as many different cat personalities as there are cats in the shelter. You need to consider which personality might be best for you and your lifestyle.
Kitten or cat?
Kittens are curious, playful and full of energy. adult cats are more relaxed and less mischievous. Kittens need more time to train and feed, and keep in mind that cats are only kittens for a few months. Young children generally lack the maturity to handle kittens properly, so a cat at least four months old is probably the best choice for homes with children 6 years old or younger.
Short hair or long hair?
Cats can have long, fluffy coats or short, dense fur, and choosing between the two is mostly a matter of preference and how much time you can devote to grooming your cat.
- You will see more short haired cats at the shelter as these are the most popular and common cats.
- The main thing to keep in mind is that long haired cats require frequent grooming to stay mat free. Short-haired cats also benefit from brushing, although they don’t need it as frequently.
- Most cats appreciate regular brushing and will look forward to it as part of a daily routine with you.
Room for one more
If you already own a cat or dog, you’re probably wondering how easy it is to add a new cat to the family. The good news is that cats can get along with other cats, and despite the common stereotype, most dogs can get along with cats too. The key to introducing a new cat to a home with other pets is patience – yours, not the cat’s.
The best way to add a new cat to your home is to understand that there is an adjustment period for everyone involved. You can ease the transition by isolating your new cat in a room of their own for a while, a good idea for any new cat.
After several days, bring your animals together for brief periods and monitor their interactions. As your pets become more familiar with each other, increase the length of these visits. Most cats will soon learn to accept each other and some will become best friends.
Most dogs will also adjust to a new cat, and with careful introduction most problems can be successfully managed.
Introducing new pets into your household
Whichever cat you choose, you’ll want to keep your cat indoors. If you don’t let your new cat out on day one, they’ll never miss it and have a much better chance of staying safe and healthy for so many years.
Sterilize/Caster for a Better Life
It is also important to have a cat or male cat neutered. Neutering or neutering will ensure that your cat will not be added to the millions of cats born each year who will never find a home. Spaying or neutering your pet can also mean a longer, healthier life.
Our dedicated team can help you find the perfect feline friend in our Port Washington Adoption Center, NYor in upstate New York to our Adirondack Area Cat Adoption Center. If you’re not in the area, you can also find many cats in need of a good home at your local shelter.
View all of our adoptable cats now.
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