What To Look For When Choosing A Rescue Cat

The choice to adopt a cat from a shelter is thrilling, but it can also feel overwhelming. Knowing you’ll be giving a cat a forever home is a fantastic feeling, but you could also be worried about how to choose the proper cat. Being spontaneous when selecting a cat from a shelter might work well, but my advice is to be well-prepared to enhance your chances of being the perfect home for the right cat. Here are my top ten recommendations.

1. Should You Get an Adult Cat or a Kitten?

Both have benefits, but it’s crucial to consider how much time you have available for training. A kitten will need extra guidance and instruction. Due to the curious nature of young kittens and their desire to investigate everything, the home may also need to be kitten-proofed. An adult cat can be your best option if you’re looking for one with a specific temperament.

2. Assess the environment in your home

How does family life go in your home? Is it serene and peaceful or frantic and busy? If you have a busy family schedule, consider if you would have time for a cat. Do you have kids in your house? What do they anticipate? A kitten might not be the greatest choice for very young children because they are prone to injury. Do you lack company at home and live alone? Think about adopting two cats so they can socialize. There might be a pair of already-bonded cats at the shelter.

3. Consider the kind of relationship you want.

Consider what kind of relationship you desire with a cat before visiting the shelter. Are you searching for a quiet, cuddling lap cat or an energetic cat that will keep you on your toes? Will you have the time to brush your long-haired cat every day if you choose one? Do you want a cat that will cuddle up next to you in bed or one that will sleep elsewhere? Consider your expectations for the relationship to help you and your new cat avoid disappointment.

4. Do You Currently Own Pets?

Be aware of your existing furry family. If you already have a cat at home, make an effort to choose a second cat with complementing traits, and be ready to introduce it gradually. Choose a shelter cat who has had prior (and positive) experience with dogs if you already have a dog at home.

5. Consult with shelter staff

They might aid in focusing your search on the ideal cat. They ask questions to make sure there is a good match, so don’t take it personally.

6. Walk through the house and observe the cats before choosing one.

It can be extremely tempting to fall in love with the first cat you see, I can assure you of that, but take a time to make a quick inspection. You could come across a few cats this way that you want to hang out with more. You can miss the most incredible feline love of your life if you only look at the first cage in the room.

7. Spend time alone with someone

Spend some one-on-one time with a cat once you’ve seen one that touches your heart. The majority of shelters include calm “get acquainted” areas where you can relax. Now is the time to observe how each of you responds to the other. Can you stroke the cat? Does the feline enjoy being pet? When you reach out your hand, how does the cat react? Keep in mind that the cat may be scared, and his or her current behavior may not be indicative of how the cat would behave in a home environment free from the stress of being in a shelter. Now, it matters if you experience a connection. Allow the cat to find you. Take as much time as is necessary for the cat to feel safe enough to approach you, even only a little distance.

8. Returning Home

Prepare a space in your home for your newest kitty family member. A litter box, scratching post, toys, food station, and hiding spots ought to be in this space. Even though you are confident that you are giving the cat a wonderful new home, it could take some time for the newcomer to feel at home. It can be intimidating to leave the shelter setting and enter a foreign location. Give the cat access to one room where the new sights, noises, and smells can be acclimated to. Don’t expect your new cat to quickly become accustomed to a brand-new house or apartment.

9. Concentrate Your Search

You should think about any “must-haves” for your new cat before you start your cat search. This might be your preferred cat’s age, breed, color, or location.

• Considerations to Make When Choosing a Cat
• Do you wish to adopt from a rescue organization or shelter?
• Do you prefer a specific breed?
• Does it have to be friendly toward kids or other animals?
• Do you prefer an adult cat or a kitten?

Save time by looking through local pet locating websites if you have certain requirements. These will display cats that match your criteria that are currently available.

10 . Seek out a wholesome cat

No matter where you purchase your cat, picking one that is healthy might help you avoid hassles and expensive vet expenses. A cat’s general demeanor and behavior can provide insight into its general health. Clear eyes, a well-groomed coat, and age-appropriate activity are all signs of a healthy cat.

Find out when the cat has been evaluated by a veterinarian because health cannot always be determined by appearance or behavior. If not, it might be wise to have this done before adopting.