Things to Consider
Before Buying or Adopting Your First Cat

Have you been thinking about buying or adopting your first kitten or mature cat? Well before you shop for your cat, you may need to consider a few important things first.

After all, finding out that a cat is not for you after you've already grown attached can be heart breaking for both the cat and you.

I mean just look at how cute they are.

Allergies

Before buying or adopting your first cat it is important to figure out if you are allergic to cats.

People who have never spent much time around a cat may not even know if they are allergic to them or not.

If you've never spent much time around cats, be sure you can spend a few hours in a home with cats before getting a cat of your own.

Play with a cat and let their fur rub against the inside of your bare arm. Most times if you are allergic, your skin will become itchy and small spots will develop on your arm. You may also start sneezing. Yes, you can wash the fur off of your arms and the spots will disappear, and you can take allergy pills, but do you really want to do that every time you hold your cat?

Also, check with family and friends to be sure none of them are highly allergic.

Your Lifestyle

The next thing you may want to consider is your current lifestyle. Although many cats are independent and need less interaction than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day.

A bored cat could become a bad cat.

If you work long hours, consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company.

Remember to take a look around your home to be sure that you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories.

Cats need a comfortable cat bed, a litter box, food and water dishes, cat toys, and a scratching post.

Also, if you have children, the litter box will need to be placed in a place that your children can't get to, but that your cat can access easily.

Another thing to think about is who will look after your cat if you go away on vacation, even for a weekend trip? Perhaps a friend, family member, or a trusting neighbor?

Kitten or Mature Cat

Okay, so if you decide that a cat will fit into your household, then you will need to think about whether you want a kitten or an older cat.

Most people take one look at that adorable, fluffy kitten and fall in love. Since kittens have not developed bad habits, a kitten could be the perfect choice for people who have time to litter box train their new pet.

Most kittens have not yet been altered or declawed and must receive a series of immunizations to protect them from infectious cat diseases.

Older cats are a good choice for people who want a slightly less energetic pet and do not have time to train their cats to use the litter box.

Most older pet cats have already been altered and will only need to take booster vaccinations.

Finding the Right Cat

Now that you know whether you want a cat or a kitten, you will need to find out where to buy your new cat.

If you just want a great pet and aren't concerned with owning a specific breed, the best place to look is your local humane society or animal rescue.

These organizations are usually overrun with healthy, adorable cats and kittens.

If you are looking for a specific cat breed instead, a cat show can be a wonderful resource. Many exhibitors bring along a few kittens that are for sale. Even if you can't find kittens of the breed you are looking for at the show, you can ask exhibitors to place you on a waiting list for one of their kittens.

Once you bring your new pet home, don't be surprised if your cat takes several days or even a few weeks to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a cat bed, litter box, and food and water dishes set up in a permanent spot. Most cats love sleeping with their family at night. It will be up to you to decide whether or not you will allow your new cat into your bedrooms.

How to Prepare Yourself Before Adopting or Buying a New Kitten


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