Choosing the purrfect Kitten or Cat

When the weather warms up, so does feline romance. That soon means kittens who need homes are suddenly everywhere. But with so many to choose from, how can you decide which one fits with your personality and lifestyle?
  
When faced with a wide range of kittens and cats, most prospective adopters choose based on looks alone. Some favor tuxedo cats, others tabbies. Unusual markings can get other cats and kittens adopted such as 'mustaches' or mittens, perfect symmetrical markings, or pretty patches of rich contrasting colours.

But personalty counts too. This is why when you're looking at choosing a cat or a kitten, you need to look beyond the markings to consider the cat within. 

The feline personality ranges from the love-everyone attention-seekers to cautious, cold-shoulder types. Remember that what you see in a kitten is a window into the personality of the cat that baby will become. Kittens are creatures of their genetics and of what they experience in the first ten weeks of life. Sadly, a terrified or unfriendly kitten does not offer the best possibility of becoming a loving family pet. So for most people, it's better to choose from among the more promising contenders.

Based on years of experience, cats and kittens can be categorized into five different personality types, along with the kind of home each is best suited to. 

The Activity Junkie. Look at that kitten go! These crazy kittens are in constant motion and will likely become cats who are also busy-busy. Choose one of these kittens and expect an explorer who's always on the go. If you like an entertaining companion, this is the kitten for you.

The mo-now meower. Look at me! Pay attention to me! As cute as these kittens can be, remember that if you like a quiet house, you might consider another kitty. Cats are nocturnal, and the noisy, demanding kitten can become a middle-of-the-night-alarm-clock cat. Still, many people love a cat who communicates.

The big-league batter. You Finger? It's a kitten toy! These kittens will reach between the gaps of their shelter enclosures to grab your fingers. These lively youngsters will crave playtime with you and will use all the kitten toys you can offer. If you can't provide daily, regular play sessions with these tin tigers, you may find these felines ambushing your feet.

The purr machine. Love and lap time are what these kitties crave. Touch them or even look at them and thei motors start instantly . As adults, they will be happiest when near you and not happy when left alone. This type is an excellent choice for the person who's home a lot and wants an easygoing lap cat.

The socialite. These friendly, take-it-all-in-stride youngsters are a good match for homes with children and other pets. The socialite eagerly approaches the front of the shelter enclosure to meet and greet you - tail is up, ears forward, looking for a finger to sniff. These kittens should mature into cats who aren't easily flustered by a busy household. 

Of course, you don't have to adopt a kitten. Many lovely, well-mannered, and healthy cats end up in need of new homes through no fault of their own. For many people, an adult cat is a much better choice - "instant" cat, no dealing with kitten craziness.

When you are considering adoption, there are ways to uncover a cat's personality, even in the first meeting.

Tune into our Blog tomorrow for more information.


*This information was gathered from "The Ultimate Cat Lover" book by written by Marty Becker