Now that you’ve decided to become a cat parent, you need to determine if you want a kitten, an adult, or a senior cat. Cats have strong personalities even at a young age, so think about what type of kitten will best suit your lifestyle, especially as they grow into maturity.
Remember, cats can live for 20 years or more, so the two of you will have a long and happy life together!
So, how do you select a kitten for your family when there are so many lovely kitties in need of a forever home?
Keep the following guidelines in mind.
1. Learn about a kitten’s personality
The pre-adoption period is also an excellent opportunity to consider how to choose a kitten whose personality will complement yours. Adult cats have distinct personalities, with some being outgoing and others shy, although kittens are considerably more behaviorally adaptable. This is one of the benefits of adopting a kitten.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that young kittens may need some time to adjust to a busy household, especially one with small children or other pets, so be patient. Whether you pick Abyssinian kittens, Maine Coon ones, or simply Bengal kittens for sale $300, studying and pursuing every kitten’s psychology and behavioral pattern is paramount.
Make note that if the kitten appears energetic, it may need more exercise, and kitten-proofing the house may be more difficult. If you prefer a lap cat, look for a kitten who relaxes quickly when taken up and responds well to petting.
2. Have one-on-one time
Spend some one-on-one time with the cat who has captured your heart. Most shelters include “get acquainted” rooms where you can spend quiet time. Now is the moment to watch how you both react to one another.
Are you allowed to pet the cat?
Does the cat enjoy being held?
How does the cat react when you stretch your hand?
Remember that the cat may be scared, and the personality you observe now may not reflect how the cat would act in a home environment free of shelter stress. What counts now is if you feel connected. Allow the cat to come to you and the time it needs to feel safe enough to approach you.
3. Ensure your personalities are compatible
Finding a compatible personality is a key consideration when selecting a pet for your family. To see if it’s a good match, get down to her level—literally. Sit on the floor, hold her, and pick her up if she allows it. Ask the shelter or her previous pet parent about her temperament and how she interacts with other cats and people. Bring your entire family, including any other pets you may have, to meet her.
Never force the interaction on her, however. If she appears terrified or timid, it could be just because she is still learning about the world, but it could also be because she does not feel at ease around you. While this may indicate that she is not the ideal person for you, it could also indicate that you should take things slowly and connect with her at her own pace.
While it is tempting to become fixated on how adorable a kitten is, it is critical to look past its appearance. Assess her personality and how well it will fit in with your family. If she’s lively and enthusiastic, make sure she’s the type of cat you want. If she appears to be a cuddler, ready to share your bed.
4. Evaluate the home environment
What is your family situation like?
Is it frantic and busy, or peaceful and calm?
If you have a hectic family life, consider whether you would have time for a cat. Do you have children at home? What are their expectations? If your children are young, a kitten may not be the best choice since they can get hurt. Do you live alone with limited time at home?
If that’s the case, consider adopting two cats to keep each other company.
5. Evaluate a healthy appearance
Choosing a healthy kitten begins with examining its appearance. Healthy kittens will have bright eyes that are discharge-free. Another thing to look for is a clean, lustrous coat and dirt-free ears. Healthy kittens will not sneeze, squint, or exhibit cold-like symptoms.
Be on the lookout for excessive scratching or licking, which could indicate the presence of fleas or other parasites. Fleas and external parasites are not reasons to avoid adopting a kitten, but if they are present, they should be taken to the veterinarian right once for an adoption checkup.
6. Temperament Test
Let’s choose a wonderful kitty.
They are either a fantastic group, or they are simply not right. So, let’s pretend the answers to the above questions are positive, and you’re standing there looking at a frolicking, cavorting group of cuties.
Sit quietly and observe. This is critical. If you pay attention and wait, the newborns will tell you almost everything you need to know. You must be alone or with a like-minded, silent adult.
Cats are sociable creatures with phases of social development, where the little ones aged 2 to 7 weeks are in a social period. If you observe a group of this age, the kitten politics that play out in front of you will allow you to identify the hardest, baddest cat. This is the pushy one in control. You may not desire this strong guy (or gal), as they may be less affectionate.
If this baby was severely intimidated by its siblings, he or she may be badly socialized. And remember that you do not have to adopt the least appealing kitten just because no one else would.
Final thoughts
Your cat may be shy at first, but she will soon feel at ease—on her own timetable. Kittens should be gradually and positively acclimated as early as possible to any stimuli or handling techniques that owners plan them to encounter during their lifetime (e.g., children, dogs, nail trims, tooth and coat brushing, car transport), according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Once she feels at ease, it will be difficult to get her to quit playing.
Choosing a kitten can be difficult when there are so many adorable kitties to select from, but with these recommendations, you’ll be sure to choose your furry, forever friend!
