Choosing an Adult Cat: The Advantages and Considerations in Adoption

While many individuals are immediately drawn to adorable kittens, adult cats come with numerous benefits. Typically, they are already accustomed to the litter box, less hyperactive, and easier to get to know. While all kittens are lively and playful, adult cats reveal a more consistent side of their personalities. Do you desire a lap cat? A farm cat? Or a playful cat? Your local animal shelter can guide you to the cat that best fits your lifestyle.

Considerations for Adoption: An adult shelter cat has a history behind them. To ensure that you choose a cat that suits you, it's crucial to inquire about a few key things from the shelter staff.

Consideration #1: Previous Living Situation Cats often end up in shelters because their previous family didn't match their personality or needs. By inquiring about the type of household your potential new best friend lived in, you can gauge whether your own living situation is suitable. Did the cat have outdoor access? Were there other pets or small children in the household? And why was the cat brought to the shelter in the first place?

Consideration #2: Health As cats age, health issues may arise, but many of them are manageable. When checking the cat's health status, also inquire whether it has been spayed or neutered. Unneutered males might mark their territory, and unspayed females can become pregnant, leading to unexpected challenges. Consider having your new companion spayed or neutered before bringing them home.

Consideration #3: Behavior Cats are often surrendered to shelters due to minor behavioral issues. Some might part with their pets simply because of a damaged sofa, even though there's a straightforward solution. Provide your feline friend with various scratching options (cardboard, sisal, etc.) near the spot they like to scratch, and after a few gentle reminders, your cat will likely leave the furniture alone and opt for the designated scratching posts. Also, inquire about the cat's compatibility with other pets and small children if applicable to your situation.

Tips and Tricks for a Successful Coexistence: Once you've decided to bring a new feline friend home, introduce them gradually to your other pets. If you plan to let your cat go outdoors, keep them indoors for at least three weeks initially so they can familiarize themselves with the house and your family. This helps them acclimate and find their way home more easily later on. Don't forget to cat-proof your apartment or house and banish toxic plants from your home and garden.