Dear Critter Corner: I have wanted to adopt a cat or kitten for the past couple of years and I feel that I am finally ready for this big commitment. Since I have more time on my hands, I am available to do more hands-on work with the kitten or cat that I end up adopting. Do you have any tips and tricks to keep in mind while picking which cat or kitten I should adopt?
Kittens and cats come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the perfect one for your family can be challenging. The first thing that you should think about is how much time do I 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 and may be a better fit for an individual who will be out of the house for a better part of the day. Figuring out what age group would fit with your lifestyle is the first step in finding the right cat for you!
Another important thing to keep in mind is what type of temperament you are looking for in a cat. Just like us, cats have different personalities and would do better in certain living situations than others. If you do not have people over all the time and live in a quiet household, a cat that is on the shyer side could be a good fit for you. If you happen to have a high-activity household with multiple people coming and going throughout the week, a more confident, higher-energy cat 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 kitten or cat in their care might be best suited for your everyday lifestyle. It is important to remember that all cats and kittens are different and to have patience with them as they settle in your home!