How to Choose the Cat That's Right for You

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Congratulations—you've decided to add a cat to the family! There are a lot of kitties out there, so here are some tips for avoiding a cat-astrophe by choosing the best feline friend for you.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Time and patience to consider your decision
Cat books, magazines, and websites for research
And animal shelters or cat breeders to visit

Step 1: Consider the commitment

You'll be making a commitment to your cat that should last for his entire life, so set aside plenty of time to think about your choice.

Step 2: Consider your family

Consider your family situation. Children under six years old don't mix very well with kittens unless you can be constantly available to supervise, so an adult cat that's been around kids will be a better choice.

Step 3: Consider your personality

Be realistic about your own personality. Kittens are tons of fun—but they also take lots of time, training, and supervision. If you're the kind of person who likes order and peacefulness, an adult cat might provide an easier adjustment.

Step 4: Assess your available time

Make an assessment of the time you have available. Contrary to popular myth, cats love human company. If you have a long workday, you'll want to choose a laid-back cat that won't go nuts if he's alone.

Tip: Consider getting two cats so they can keep each other company when you're not around.

Step 5: Consider your other pets

If you already have other pets, make sure you choose a cat that's has been socialized with other animals.

Step 6: Do research

Do some feline research to read about particular kinds of breeds and types of cats. You can find cat books at the library and cat magazines at most pet stores, and there are tons of cat websites online.

Step 7: Visit shelters, breeders and owners

Visit cat shelters, cat breeders, and cat owners to investigate potential kitty housemates.

Tip: Although it's often said that male cats are friendlier than females, there's not much real difference between the sexes once they've been spade or neutered.

Step 8: Inspect cat's health

Inspect a potential pet to see if he looks healthy. Beware of a cat that has cloudy or runny eyes, a runny nose, dark wax or a foul smell in the ears, mangy fur, fleas, or is sneezing, wheezing, or coughing.

Step 9: Ask advice

Ask the breeder, owner, or the person working at the shelter about the cat. They should have spent time with him—and probably know a lot about cats in general—and can fill you in on his personality to make sure you'll be a perfect match.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• homefamily
• diy
• instructional
• tutorial
• do
• it
• yourself
• tips
• essential
• skills
• learn
• to
• pets
• pet
• cat

[krimzonvillain]

Rawr, I love kitties.

[iGayMonkey]

'Consider getting two cats so they can keep each other company when you're not around' Or, they would fight to the death and ruin all your furniture.

[adocfuly]

How I choose: Rub them against my face until I choose the right one.

[iNitrozX]

Ermm.. ip dip doo?

[Slinky5001]

i want a cat, but meh parents are allergic.

[thechocopuppie]

00:07 WHY DID SHE CONGRATULATE ME?!!?! IM NOT GETTING A CAT!!!!! but i want one

-.-

[IFoundNemoFirst15]

@XxWhat0EverxX They never said they were? They only said some and im pretty sure they meant the other way around also because little kids are usually mean to cats/kittens that don't know to stay away from them. Also they said kids under 6 you were 5 ... close enough.

[TheCrasella]

why am i watching this i am getting 3 cats and i know them very well

[badnisah9]

@TheSupaTwinkie lol

[badnisah9]

@love4life1337 still draw better then me.

[badnisah9]

@sonicsbabe823 i agree. im getting my cat from Cats Protection.

[RavynAGoggans]

So much kittyness! 0.0