Dear Critter Corner: My partner and I have finally agreed that now would be a good time to expand our family due to a change in our work schedules. Since my job has now switched to fully remote, I am available to do more hands-on work with the kitten or cat that I end up adopting. Since there are so many cats and kittens available for adoption in my area, how should I go about finding the best match for my lifestyle?
The first thing you should think about is how much time you have available to care for this animal. Kittens require a lot of hands-on work due to their energy level, need for enrichment, and more. Adult cats are a bit more independent and normally require a bit less hands-on work than kittens, so they may be a better fit for a family who is out of the home for prolonged periods of time. Figuring out what age group would fit with your lifestyle is the first step in finding the right cat for you!
It is often true that we look with our eyes for the perfect cat, but it is important to also make sure that their temperament or personality is a good match for our lifestyle before adopting. Just like us, cats have different personalities and some do better in certain living situations than others. If you do not host large gatherings and live in a quiet household, a cat that is on the shy side could be a good fit for you. If you happen to have a high activity household with ample time to spend with your cat, a confident, higher-energy cat that loves to interact with people could possibly be a good fit for your family. I would also suggest checking in with your local rescue or shelter staff to see if they have any recommendations about which adoptable kitten or cat in their care might be best suited for you. Each cat and kitten is different, so it is important to remember to give them time and space to decompress when you bring them home!
Amanda Loo is a Behavior Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, call 650-340-7022×419 or email aloo@phs-spca.org.