Many people love sharing their lives with animals, and cats are one of the most common pets. Getting a new pet is an exciting prospect, but it’s important to remember that cats are living creatures with many needs. When getting a cat for a pet, it is important to keep in mind the responsibilities of ownership and choose the right cat for you and your lifestyle.
Considering a Cat’s Needs
Ask yourself why you want to have a cat. In order to choose the best possible cat to bring home it is important to understand the motivation behind wanting to get a cat in the first place. Some common causes include:
Deciding Where to Find the Perfect Cat
Visit an animal shelter. While most shelter cats are mixed breed, it is possible to find purebred cats at a shelter. Adopting a shelter cat also means that it has been examined by a veterinarian and is often spayed or neutered before adoption. This is one of the lowest cost options, and adopting a cat also gives them a second chance at life, which is a great cause.
Choosing the Best Cat
Also research the temperaments of different breeds. Different breeds of cats have different characteristics, and it is important to do some research to determine the breed that best suits your lifestyle. While less than 10% of cats are considered “pure bred” for a specific breed, an understanding of breeding groups in general will be very helpful, even if you are adopting a typical domestic cat.
bringing your cat home
Bring the cat into your home in a controlled environment. Close doors and let the cat sniff and listen to the environment, being sure to do this with the cat in the carrier if there are other pets or small children in the area. Show your cat the special area you have set up for it that includes a litter box, bed, and food.