Advice about adopting a kitten?

Question

If a person were to adopt a kitten are there any specific breeds that tend to become good natured and gentle adult cats? I read somewhere that grey and black tabby cats generally have a nice, affectionate temperment. I don't know if this is true but I have had 2 tabbys and they were both really sweet little lap cats. I know I could adopt an adult cat that has already developed a personality but because I've recently put my cat down after 19 years I do think I would like a very young cat or kitten so I don't have to go through another difficult loss for a long time. I've never adopted a cat before because my first 2 showed up at my door and adopted me!

Answer 1

I agree with the other posters - get a cat around a year or two if you must go that young.

As a shelter volunteer I have seen many young cats come in and give birth to kittens. All the kittens are adopted and the sweet young mother is passed over for them.

So do get one a little older as you can tell much more about their personalities and they need a good home such as you obviously are prepared to give them.

Answer 2

Tabby is a color variant, not a breed. There are a million old wives tales out there regarding the temperament of various colors of cats, but almost none of them are true. It IS true that different BREEDS have different temperaments, but unless you are buying a cat from a reputable breeder, chances are you'll have no idea what breed your cat is.

It is very hard to see a cat's personality when they're a kitten. Most kittens are rambunctions and ALL kittens are cuter than heck! I know you don't want to lose another one soon... but even a cat as young as 6mo or a year will have a well-developed personality. When you're talking about a 15-20 yr life together... what's 6 months?

Good luck with your new kitty. I love hearing about people who've had A cat for years and years. Too often the story is that they've had a million cats in the last 10yrs... which leads to an entirely different conclusion about their suitability as a pet parent. :)

Answer 3

If you get a cat that is a bit under a year old, they likely will be either spayed or neutered, and some shelters will include that with the adoption fee for younger cats. A cat alone, with a window to look out, can do very well in an apartment. A cat tree is useful for exercise and entertainment, and most toys you would get are really inexpensive. Most use clumping cat litter, and odor problems really are rarely an issue. If you are concerned, then you could consider an automatic litter box which sweeps the clumps into an enclosure after use. Obviously, long haired cats shed the most, but you can get shedding from short haired cats also. Regular brushing and combing will reduce that to a low level. As far as scratching, most cats take right away to cardboard scratchers. And cats can be trained not to scratch on sofas, etc. And there are soft paws that you can cover your cats claws with that will work for several weeks before they have to be replaced. If you are extremely concerned about scratching, most shelters will have cats that have already been declawed. Please do not get a cat and then decide to declaw it. Realize that the younger the cat, the more turbocharged it will be. So make sure your apartment is child proofed, as your cat will want to get onto and into everything. Typically, your vet expenses will run about $100/year (vaccinations and check ups), and food and litter possibly under $25/month. So your main initial outlays will be adoption costs, and getting litter boxes, food dishes, perhaps a cat tree, and some inexpensive toys like furry mice. If the cat has not been fixed, spaying is more expensive than neutering, and costs range from $100-200, with males less than that.

Answer 4

I think the most important thing for a nice temperment is that the kitten stays with the mother long enough. If he's taken away too early cats can have problems. Loads of shelters or individuals have cats available so just look there. Find a kitten with a calm mother and wait until he's about 12 weeks old before you seperate him from the mother. That will give a good chance of him being calm and loving.

Answer 5

As far as just "regular" cats go, I've read about some differences. I'm not talking about purebred cats, just strays or domestic cats. One of the books I have on cats says that short haired cats tend to be more independent and long-haired cats are more needy of attention and affection. I have one of each, and I can say that this "old wives tale" is true between the 2 of them :)
When adopting, just look for a good natured, healthy looking cat. As someone else said, it's hard to tell their precise temperament. Most kittens are alike. You just don't want one that is overly afraid of people or hisses a lot.

Answer 6

Hi there...cats are like people each personality is unique to themselves regardless of breed. Purebred cats although share similar traits still can be also individual in personality. Two of the same breed (e.g. Siamese)...one may be very outgoing and very affectionate where another may be reserved and only trust no one but their master, a bit aloof, etc--both however may be talkers which is common to the breed are examples.

Kittens can be so active that it's difficult to determine their true behaviour until they've grown a little and settle. However, kittens who come up to you and show interest can be a tell tale sign that they may be an outgoing nature vs. one who enjoys being petted but is a little apprehensive to greet someone.

Answer 7

Having been a "Cat Mum" all of my life. I find that, ginger toms (Think Morris the 9 Lives cat), tend to grow into affectionate lap cats. Especially the long haired ones, in my experience. l also recommend getting two kittens, of the same sex . They keep each other company and help each other work off that kittenish energy, usually taken out on your curtains and furniture.

Answer 8

i have had many different cats come throw my house and i have 3 young kids(8,6,&2). the best natured cats where always the male orange tabbys! they are always sweet and good with the kids! kittens can be a hand full! always sracting, biting, ect.! i would sagest since you had a older cat is get get one atleast about 6 months! they are commer by then! still kiiten like(attitude) but not such a pain!! lots of luck:) p.s. please adopt! they make great friends!!!

Answer 9

I have had many cats over my lifetime and I tend to like male cats better than females. The male cats I have had are lovers whereas the females have all been mostly aloof. The male cats love to be held and petted and seem to genuinely like people. When you pick out your kitten you should check out the males. When I picked out my kitten I held him like a baby on his back and he loved it and purred while I petted him. I took that as a good sign.

Answer 10

Just get a good old fashioned domestic cat. You don't need a fancy breed to have a great cat!

Here's a great place to start looking! Good luck!
http://www.petfinder.com/