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Cat Care Site

Adopting A Cat Or Kitten

Places To Adopt

There are various places where you can adopt a new cat or kitten, depending on the type of kitten you want. Where ever you adopt your cat or kitten from, always check that it is healthy (see our guide to a healthy cat).

Animal Shelters
When adopting a cat or kitten from a shelter you are giving it the loving and caring home that it deserves. Some shelters specialize in rescuing certain breeds of cat, so if you want a pedigree cat as a pet you may be able to find one. Shelter adoption fees often include vaccinations, spaying or neutering and may include a vet check-up. Check the yellow pages for animal shelters in your area.

Friends Or Neighbours
Someone in your city may be giving away a cat or kittens. Look in newspapers or ask around to see if anyone is advertising kittens. If adopting kittens from friends or neighbours, make sure the kittens are at least 8 weeks old before they are taken from their mother.

Pet Stores
Avoid buying a kitten at a pet store if possible. Pedigree kittens sold in pet stores are often three to four times more expensive than the same kitten bought directly from a breeder. Kittens in pet stores often do not receive adequate human contact during the day.
If you must buy a kitten from a pet store, check that it is healthy. Check that the kitten has had at least one of its vaccinations and ask about the pet stores health guarantee for kittens. Some stores may give you a free vet-check included in the purchase price of the kitten.

Breeders
If you are looking for a pedigree cat either as a pet, for breeding or for cat shows, a registered breeder is the best place to adopt from. Talk to some of the breeders at a local cat show. Check that your breeder is registered with one of the main cat registries, especially if you plan on breeding or showing your cat. Check that the parents of your new kitten have also been registered. If possible, visit the cattery before you adopt your kitten. The breeder may ask you to sign a contract to say you will properly care for the kitten and have it neutered/spayed at a certain age. This is normal, and is a sign of a responsible breeder.

What Type Of Kitten Do You Want?

Shorthair or longhair?
Longhaired cats require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition and prevent mats and tangles. Shorthaired cats require less grooming.

Pedigree or domestic?
Domestic shorthairs and longhairs (mixed breed cats) vary widely in their looks and personalities. They are easy to find in shelters and rescue centres.
A pedigree (purebred) kitten will grow up with looks and a personality typical of its breed. Pedigree kittens must be obtained from breeders, and waiting lists for a kitten may be long. Pedigree kittens are more expensive.

Male or female?
Neutered males and spayed females make equally good companions.

Adult cat or kitten?
Kittens, while cute, take a large amount of training. They have a great deal of energy and need someone to play with and keep them company. Kittens require several trips to the veterinarian for vaccinations and spaying or neutering. Kittens should not be separated from their mother and littermates until 8 weeks old. A kitten's behaviour and appearance changes as it grows older. An adult cat already has a fully developed personality. They adapt well to new homes and bond just as well to their new owners as kittens.

One cat or two?
A single cat can get lonely or bored. If you will be away from the house for most of the day consider getting two cats or kittens to keep each other company.

Questions To Ask When You Adopt

Is the cat or kitten healthy?
Why is it being sold or given away?
When was it last checked for worms?
Has it been vaccinated? When was it vaccinated? What was it vaccinated against? When will it need to be revaccinated?
How long has the kitten been weaned?
What times does the cat normally eat at?
What food is the cat or kitten used to eating?
Has the cat been taking any medication? What for and for how long?
Is there a health guarantee and how long does it last?

If you are adopting from a reputable source such as a breeder or a well-run animal shelter, they should give you most of this information without you having to ask. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the person you are adopting the cat or kitten from.

References

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997

Taylor D, The Ultimate Cat Book, Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley, 1989

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