You’re contemplating getting your first cat since you know you want one in your life. When you get a kitten, this is especially true.
However, do your homework before making that important choice. Selecting a cat entails a multitude of factors, some of which you may have never considered, just like life itself. Here is the help you need to make that decision. The cat who will be your future, on the other hand, can choose you by chance.
Males and females
There isn’t much of a personality difference between the sexes as long as they are neutered. Male cats are sometimes faithful and lovable. Healthy male cats will fight for a territory outside, and they will liberally spray their pungent scent on the walls and curtains inside to mark their area. Whole females will also spray occasionally. And to make matters worse, they will agitate you and themselves each time their season (the heat) arrives by yowling loudly and exhibiting odd physical gyrations.
But once they’ve been spayed, their personalities will develop. Complete cats are described as unneutered animals. Female cats are allegedly “purrsonified” representations of felicity, according to some. You should start by looking for personality. If you come across a few friendly cats, pay attention to the sex if that is important to you.
Pedigreed cats versus mixed-breed cats
(God forbid!) You may have already fell in love with a particular breed at a cat show or pet store. Unless breeders have years of experience with genetics and carefully pick their breeding stock with the cats’ full pedigree background, undesirable traits will contaminate the “purebred” cat breed. As a result, some breeds are more prone to problems than others, such as Persians who are predisposed to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or nasal problems because of their narrow nostrils. Breeders with a good reputation will examine their cats for physical flaws and offer warranties against them.
The average age of domestic mixed-breed cats, also referred to as “moggies,” is unknown. The moggie you adopt from a shelter or rescue group was probably really an orphan. Because the health and genetic background of shelter cats are unknown, it is essential that they be evaluated for specific diseases and get vaccinations before being sent home.
Adult versus kitten cats
Inside of a shelter. Kittens could be enticing, but older cats are typically more “user-friendly” and will ultimately be happy to find a new home. Due to an owner’s illness, divorce, death, etc., these cats typically come from loving homes and were left behind. Adopting an older cat will benefit you in a number of ways, including:
- Older cats are often taught to use a litter box, aside from feral cats.
- Kittens are exuberant and active. Your home will never be peaceful again when there is an energetic kitten running around. An elderly cat will fit you better if “serenity” is how you live.
- On mature cats, vaccinations and neutering may have already taken place.
- Older cats are often lot more appreciative and may adjust to a new household more readily than kittens. The benefit for the older cat is that while people are naturally drawn to the kittens, the bulk of these cats won’t find homes.
Another factor to consider is your own age. Senior cats may be favoured by older persons because of the aforementioned reasons. You might even want to adopt a cat that has special requirements, such one that is blind, deaf, amputee, or otherwise “handicapped.” Despite their restrictions, these cats make incredible buddies and more than make up for it by being incredibly devoted to and loyal to their human savior.
If you are young or have children who are in school, a cat that is 1 or 2 years old would be a great choice because it can grow up with your kids.
One or more cats?
You might not have even thought about acquiring more than one cat, yet it commonly happens for individuals to go to a shelter intending to buy one cat and come home with two. If you fall in love with a stunning, affectionate cat, you might later find out that she can only be adopted with a companion since she has a littermate or “best pal.” If you have space in your home, a big enough heart, and the resources to care for more than one, you will be more than twice as happy.
You might have preconceived notions about the type of cat you want or that a kitten is preferable to an older cat. While having one kitten is a lot of fun, having two is typically preferable for a variety of reasons.
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