I want to get a cat from a cat home and want one that's gentle and calm. How do I know what to look out for?

Question

when I'm there? I was told that you need to study them in a group, so do I look for one that looks shy looking or what?

Answer 1

Problem is that you are not looking at them in a natural environment so it's hard to predict. But here's some advice that has worked for me.

1. How old of a cat do you want initially? An older cat's behavior is usually easier to predict than a kitten's future behaviour (based on what you observe at the "cat home".

2. If you can afford to pay some initial vet bills, check out all the cats - meaning take a look at the cat's in the "sick" or isolation cages. Often there is a hidden "gem" of a cat in the "sick" cages.

3. Here is the best advice. It's my wife's method of choosing a cat. It's how we chose our present cat and he's the best cat either of us have owned. My wife picks up a cat and cradles it on it's back like it's a new born baby. If the cat will allow you to handle it like this and if it likes this and purrs, you stand a very good chance that this is a nice, gentle, loving cat. Our present cat is the most person oriented, "I have to be around my people" type loving cat we have ever been graced with.

In the past I have always let a cat choose me, like some of your other answers mentioned. But I can't argue with results. My wife's method worked well.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

I think that the first thing you should think about is the age of the cat you want .. so you want a kitten or a cat
if you want a cat you can select the gentle and calm cat .. that could be seen clearly when watching them .. but you should know that some cats have already habits that they cannot leave easily .. they were raised by owners and gained habits their first owner(s) accepted. would that be accepted to you? do you want these?
but if you get a kitten it is not possible to know how this kitten will turn into .. but some kitten are known to be gentle cats when grown up .. but then these kitten are will be raised by you and you will teach it what you want .. sit on beds .. enter rooms .. you know .. just like a kid!!
If you are going to get a kitten you should look for the active cat so to ensure that it is healthy .. but do not worry eventually kitten will calm down after a while and then will be just as you want
I got a 1 year old cat but I had some rough time with her to let her forget about other habits .. but there is still one habit that I could not let her forget is the fear of children .. she is still afraid of children!! That is what I meant by old habits .. experience they had with previous owner(s)
Good luck with your new cat or kitten

Answer 3

They should have separate room so that you can bond with the cat. Most places won't adopt a cat out if it has behavioral problem. Most the cat's in foster homes or shelters are abandon or released from there owners for some reason. But the personal in charge of adopting the cats out have their behavior checked out before they are adopted out. Check your local shelters, there are sooooooooo many kitty's that need a loving home. It's the only place were I get mine. It's great to give another a second chance of happiness.

Answer 4

I love Tabby cats. I am not to great on cat subjects, so don't listen to me, but when I volunteered at the shelter, The tabbies were very cute, playful, and so sweet. For future, if you have clawing problems, patience and gentle tapping say "no" will help resolve.

Answer 5

The first one that bonds with you. Don't go to them, let them come to you. When the cat is old enough, make sure to get it spayed/neutered (if it hasn't been done already)

Answer 6

You dont choose the cat, the cat will choose you

Answer 7

DO NOT pick the one hanging from a ceiling fan, not a good choice, trust me I speak from experience...

Answer 8

you let the cat choose you. it will decide to come up to you and be your friend.