How to Choose the Right Cat for You & Your Personality

Cats are one of the most famous pets in the world, and for good reason! They’re smart, curious, and generally adorable. But selecting the right pet is more important than you think– because if your new feline friend doesn’t fit into your home or lifestyle, they can be a lot more work than you bargained for. So, how do you decide which one is “perfect” for you? We’re here to help! Today, we’ll discuss how to choose a kitten based on your personality, lifestyle, and living space and include different important things for all adoptees.

Factors to consider when picking a cat that suits your lifestyle?

Kitten or Adult Cat?

Let’s face it–it doesn’t get much cuter than a tiny kitten, and the temptation to bring one home is hard to resist. Whether you should cave to that temptation depends on your level of patience and tolerance. While they can be a lot of fun, kittens are also extremely challenging as they discover the world around them and develop their personalities. If you don’t have the patience to deal for months, or even the first couple of years, with the rambunctiousness and mischievousness of a kitten, consider adopting an adult cat. Adults tend to be calmer and are in abundant supply. By about two years of age, a person’s personality is fully developed, and it’s easier to be sure what you’re getting.

Family Makeup : 

When considering what type of cat personality to look for, it’s important to consider your family’s makeup. If you have young children, for example, a kitten isn’t the best match unless you have tons of patience and time to provide constant supervision to protect a fragile kitten from exuberant little hands. Also, some adult pets have an aversion to small children. It’s important to look for a cat that will get along with your kids and won’t be jealous of the attention you give them. If you do have small children, it is a good idea to take them to the shelter with you and let them play and interact with the cat or kitten to see how both parties get along. This will help you decide whether a particular cat is right for your children.

If you already have pets, they should also factor into your decision. Some pets prefer to be only pets, while others get along fine with other animals. It’s also important to consider how your current pets may react. The Humane Society warns that if you have a large dog with a strong prey drive, it might not be safe to bring a new cat into the home. Additionally, if you already have a cat, she might enjoy a new feline companion. Still, she also might become resentful and react poorly by picking fights, hiding, or urinating outside of the litter box. And, of course, small pets such as birds, rodents, or reptiles will need to be kept safe from the introduction of a potential new predator into the mix.

Lifestyle and Living Arrangement : 

Think long and hard about your lifestyle and the type of cat personality that will best fit in. If you’re gone from home a lot, you’ll want a Cat that is more independent and doesn’t mind being left alone for long stretches. On the other hand, if you’re a homebody, you might enjoy a lap kitty who loves to cuddle and follow you around. Would you enjoy a vocal cat that constantly tells you how she feels? Do you entertain a lot? If so, a friendly pet would thrive in your home more than a shy kitty who becomes anxious around strangers.

Your living accommodations should also play a factor. Some cats adapt well to small spaces and to being strictly indoor cats, while others do better with plenty of space to explore, stave off boredom, and burn off energy inside a larger home.

Long-haired vs. Short-haired:

While long-haired cats, such as Himalayans or Maine Coons, are beautiful to look at and luxurious to pet, their coats require a lot of upkeep. If you have neither the time for daily brushing nor the budget for the occasional trip to the groomer, opt for a short-haired cat. But before you dismiss long-haired breeds, take note that daily brushing can be an enjoyable bonding activity between you and your kitty.

Cat Breed Personalities:

Once you’ve identified what sort of cat personality you’re looking for, it’s time to research pet breeds. There’s plenty of pets breed information online as well as at your local shelter to get you started. Keep in mind that there are significantly fewer purebred pet breeds than there are dog breeds, and there are also fewer personality differences between each breed. That said, cat breeds do have certain traits that can help you make your decision. For example, Bengals and other exotic breeds, such as Abyssinians, are known to be highly energetic and active, whereas Persians tend to be more easy-going and relaxed. Likewise, American Shorthairs don’t tend to meow a lot, while Siamese has a reputation for being extremely vocal.

Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, it’s a good idea to talk to people who have experience with the breeds you’re interested in. If you don’t know anyone personally, you can search online for forums and social media groups centered around certain breeds. It’s also a good idea to discuss the breed with your veterinarian, who can advise you on any genetic predispositions toward health issues that sometimes result from overbreeding.

Breeder vs. Shelter:

Many purebred cats can be found in shelters–including kittens if that’s what you’ve got your heart set on. Check with your local shelter to see what cats they have available. But, if you’re planning to get your new kitty from a breeder, be diligent in carefully researching potential breeders and looking for one who is reputable. Your vet might also be able to point you in the direction of a good breeder.

Final words:

The key to choosing the right cat personality for your lifestyle is researching and interacting with petsbefore deciding. Take the time to visit animal shelters or breeders and get to know the available cats by playing with and observing them to get a sense of their personalities.

You can seek expert help and guidance in choosing the right cat. This will help ensure that you select a cat that will be a loving and happy companion for many years.