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Purr-sonality Matters
When searching for your new furry friend, it’s important to pick a cat that has a personality that will fit your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a lap cat, you’ll want to choose a cat or kitten that is comfortable being held and pet. If you want a cat that is playful, you’ll want to choose one that responds well to you and doesn’t slink away to nap in the corner.
It’s important to remember that if choosing a cat from a shelter, sometimes being in a strange place can be unnerving to animals. Some cats may seem more docile than they might normally be, so it may take a bit more love and attention to help bring them out of their shell.
Young or Mature Cats?
Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to consider adopting a mature cat rather than a kitten, or vise-versa.
While kittens may be cute, they require a lot of initial training and commitment. Kittens tend to be more playful and mischievous than older cats, and need to be supervised to ensure they’re using their litter box, not clawing the furniture or chewing on household plants.
Adult cats are usually housebroken and have a routine of their own. They normally don’t require all of the training that comes with a new kitten, and are usually not as demanding as their younger counterparts. Older cats make a nice addition to your home if you work full-time; they often don’t have many needs that require you to attend to them as if they were a kitten. Plus, adopting a mature shelter cat gives a home to an animal that may not have had a second chance.
Getting to know each cat on a personal level before you make a choice can lead to a more positive adoption experience for all involved.
Get To Know Them
 It’s important to spend time alone with any cat you’re thinking about adopting. You might do all your research and know exactly what you want, but if the cat you want doesn’t want you, there may be problems ahead. Getting to know each cat on a personal level before you make a choice can lead to a more positive adoption experience for all involved.
A Healthy Cat Is a Happy Cat
You should always inquire as to the health of the pet you are thinking about adopting and if it has been spayed or neutered. Check with the shelter staff about vaccinations and if there are any healthy issues you need to know about. Ask for a vaccination record at the time of adoption so you can show it to your veterinarian when your pet has its first examination.
Most shelters have a limited return policy, so it is extremely important to have your veterinarian examine your new pet right after adoption. Your veterinarian will make an assessment of your pet's health, advise you about follow-up vaccinations and the need for future examinations.
Regardless of the cat you select, adopting a feline friend means you’re committing to her for throughout her lifetime—which can mean up to twenty years in age or more. Having a pet insurance plan is an important step in being a responsible pet owner, and helps you give your fuzzy friend the care she deserves should the need arise. Want to learn more? Click here.
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In Canada, please contact Petsecure at www.petsecure.com.
Like any life decision, adopting a cat is a choice that should not be taken lightly. There are a number of things to consider, such as your own needs and expectations. If you think you are ready for paw prints on countertops, cat fur on virtually everything and are ready to take on litter box duty, be sure to consider the following before making a final decision. 
