I suggest you visit your local humane society and see which cat picks you! Basically, you go there and visit all of the kitties in the cages and open them up one by one and I'm certain that one of them will just leap out into your arms as if to say "MOMMY!" That's the cat that you should adopt.
If you're inexperienced with cats, I strongly suggest you get an adult cat. Kittens are cute and fun but they are TROUBLE with a capital "T". They get into all kinds of naughty mischief and like puppies, are quite capable of destroying your house, chewing on your stuff, breaking all your knicknacks, climbing up your curtains and pulling them off the rods! Get my drift? They are a handful. I think if you adopt a young adult cat you will be better off.
If the shelter has any information as to why the previous owners gave up the cat, ask away. The more information you have the better. While behavioral problems in cats are manageable with lots of love and care, I wouldn't recommend a cat with known behavioral issues for the inexperienced cat person.
Another thing to think about is whether you are in a position financially to care for a cat. You can adopt a cat that is already spayed or neutered, but if they're not can you afford the vet bills to do it yourself? Cats need annual checkups and vaccinations, especially if they are not exclusively indoor cats. Can you afford that? Can you afford their food, their litter, their toys? Can you afford the time required to bond with your pet? If you ignore your cat or you can't spend any time with it, it may become aloof and unfriendly or worse, resentful and fearful. Cats that are showered with love and affection return it 10 times over. Do you have a job that requires you to travel? If so, do you have a friend or neighbor willing to look after your cat at least once a day while you're gone? If not, can you afford a pet-sitter or kennel?
Another thing you should be aware of is that cats have claws. Declawing is a cruel surgical procedure that is banned in almost all European countries. It's not just a manicure. It involves removing the lower portion of the toe from the last knuckle down. Some declawed cats do just fine, but many end up developing chronic pain in their feet and legs which makes them irritable and aggressive. In addition, because their natural defenses have been removed they can become overly defensive and resort to biting. I have had 18 cats in my 35 years of life and all have had their claws and not once piece of furniture has been damaged. That is because I always provided my cats with a cat tree...it's a type of scratching post, but it's much larger and taller and cats love it. They can cost up to $100 or more, but they are still cheaper than a declaw surgery and a far more humane investment.
I wish you years of joy with your adopted kitty. Inviting a four legged friend into the family is a gift you will treasure for the rest of your life!
2006-06-13 12:04:23
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answer #1
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answered by Alleycat 5
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you can learn a lot going to an adoption day and asking questions.
Know what you expect of a cat too. If you don't want to potty train and go through teething on your furniture then get a little more mature cat.
Are you home a lot or gone? Some breeds, like Siamese, are very social and require more human attention than say your average tabby. My wife and I own a Siamese and she gets lonely and depressed when we are gone a lot.
Do you have other pets? more mature animals can be more difficult to integrate together in a household, especially if the house isn't big enough for the both of them while they feel each other out.
2006-06-13 11:51:58
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answer #2
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answered by Logan A 2
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Adopt one from your local rescue society or humane society.
If you have never owned a cat before, read up on them, learn as much as you can, and then decide if this is the correct pet for you.
The rescue or humane society will tell you everything you need to know about adopting an animal, the vaccinations it needs,etc.
Also make sure that you are able to take the cat or kitten into a "get to know you room". This is for you to test it's temperament, is it skittish, does it attack things, does it bite, is it a total love......If there is something that you question about the animal, you can then choose another.
I received one of my cats from the humane society. My first choice ran and hid behind the chair and was skittish about everything when I had him in the "get to know you room". I choose another, and this one started playing with my purse and jumped onto my head (she was still a little kitten at the time), I found my cat (well actually she chose me).
Good Luck on your new "furry child"!
2006-06-13 11:34:12
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answer #3
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answered by Nicole K 3
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Think about the kind of life you will share with it? They live for many years. Will it have to stay indoors, do you have a garden for it to live in, are there children in the house? An old cat usually won't put up with too much handling but will be a great companion. Kittens are very playful and comical. Someone before said the cat picks you. I think there's a lot in that. Adopt your cat from a place that has many to choose from. Look carefully at them all. You'll know when you have be chosen.
2006-06-13 12:32:48
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answer #4
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answered by vzhnri 3
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Adopt a cat, kittens have no problems finding homes, while cats struggle. No one wants old cats, they want little, cute baby kittens, which results in thousands of cats being put down. Get a cat.
2006-06-13 11:31:21
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answer #5
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answered by Panada 4
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I have two cats and they are spoiled rotten I got both of them when they were 8weeks old. they are both males. Cats are wonderful they help relieve stress, are constant companions and are very low maintenance(excluding the litter box) all in all cats are great if you are looking to adopt an older cat they are great also but always ask if they have any special needs are any behaviorial problem like peeing on stuff.
2006-06-13 11:26:07
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answer #6
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answered by blue_eyed_woman_23 3
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Visit your local humane society. They will be happy to tell you all about adopting a loving family member.
2006-06-13 11:23:30
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answer #7
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answered by Audrey A 6
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One of the important things about Cats are that they are very picky. The cat will actually pick you. Thats been my experiance with them.
2006-06-13 11:25:27
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answer #8
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answered by Racer X 2
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How much do you have to spend? Get a Ragdoll...they are part siamese and birman. We have one, and he is beautiful...23 pounds , fur doesn't mat, very affectionate, silly disposition(that's most cats), beautiful blue eyes. Can you tell I love Sammi?
2006-06-13 11:44:26
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answer #9
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answered by Barby 2
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You should adopt a simese cat. I only suggest that.
2006-06-13 11:32:31
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answer #10
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answered by Ay-mo[BAMF]™ 2
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