Adopting a new cat?

[catlover777]

Hi guys, relatively new to this site. I just lost my beautiful baby girl, Whiskers, today. I'm going to get another cat eventually, but I need to know which breed is best.

For around a year or two, I will be at home but I commute to school. I'd like a cat that is independent enough not to need me during the time I'm not home but will be loyal and affectionate. I like the breeds American Shorthair, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon. If there are cats that are better suited that I did not list, please let me know! I prefer the cat not to be hairless or tail-less.

Thanks everyone.

 

[LTS3]

I'm sorry about your loss

Why not head to the local shelters and rescues and see what is available? The workers can point you to at least a few different cats who meet your criterias. An older cat would be less "needy" than a kitten or young cat.

Long haired cats would need a lot of care to maintain their fur tangle and mat free. And poop might get stuck and fall off in the most randomest places around the house

Specific breeds may have genetic problems or may be be prone to certain health conditions, some minor and others more serious, so look into that before you get a cat.

 

[Columbine]

I'm sorry you lost your furbaby

I absolutely agree that a shelter is the best place to start. You can research breed characteristics all you like, but ultimately cats are individuals and you can never be 100% certain how a kitten will develop. With an adult cat you know what you're getting, and shelter staff put a lot of time and effort into getting to know each individual so as to be able to place them in the best home for them.

If you're really set on a pedigree, most breed societies have their own breed specific rescue places, so you can have the best of both worlds. It's also true that a lot of breeds have their own specific issues - again, by getting an adult you've a much clearer picture of any problems that may have developed over time.

 

[catlover777]

My parents insist on getting a baby -- they want her to grow with me and bond with me. I love shelter cats because I'd like to rescue them, but my parents say if I meet with the breeder, I can meet where the kitten gets its personality - from the parents. I still can't help myself when I see a little sweet kitty at my local shelter.

 

[catpack]

A few things...
If you or your parents are dead set on getting a kitten, I suggest getting a pair of siblings. They will both still bond to you and want your attention; but, will have each other to play with when you are away.

As far as specific breeds, I agree with what had been said. You can visit with a breeder and the parents all you want, and that may give you a basic idea of how the kittens may be; but, in the end, every cat develops their own unique personality. Some will be more demanding of attention and affection and others will be more independent and only want affection on their terms. Can have both temperaments and variations in the same litter of kittens.

I can tell you, that my 2 Maine Coon mixes are super sweet and demanding in different ways. Both require a lot of my attention in their own way and both have hereditary issues.

My soon to be 17 yr old had early set arthritis and also has HCM. He requires a lot of grooming, especially as he has gotten older. When he was younger (up until about 12 yrs old) he followed me all over the house and was always in eyesight. He's also very vocal and likes to talk. He has never been a lap cat; but, enjoys being petted and brushed.

My soon to be 4 yr old has hip dysplasia (he can jump, but cannot climb) and has a mild heart defect. He is super smart and gets bored easily. So, I teach him tricks which helps stimulate his mind and helps. There are cat trees and toys in every room of the house and he also has other kitties to play with, though he will play by himself. He is also VERY vocal and will carry on a conversation with me. I have 4 of his siblings and they all have very different personalities.

 

[catlover777]

Thank you for your response. I've been trying to tell my parents that. Their biggest thing is that they don't want to gamble the cat's health if we got it from a shelter. It might have had a bad past of abuse (my kitty that passed did -- was tortured by kids and her sister would hide around corners to scare her). I want to adopt as soon as I can because I miss having a feline companion. I'm really leaning towards an American Shorthair cat. There are some breeders near me, so I might be heading to check them out!

 

[catpack]

Unfortunately, it can often be the same gamble when adopting from a breeder as some forumists here can tell you. Not all breeders practice ethics the same.

You will need to do your homework and research breeders in your area. Make sure they are registered with the breeding association groups. Ask around to see what type of reputation the breeder has. Go to cat shows where the breeder shows. And, make sure kittens are raised "under foot" and not kept in cages.

Make sure the parents aren't kept in cages either (though I do know many studs are kept in outdoor enclosures b/c they spray...but, make sure the area has plenty of room to move around in and is clean.)

 

[catlover777]

If I were to adopt from a shelter, what kinds of questions should I be asking about the cats? Health history? How the were found? Anything helps!

 

[Columbine]

Age, background, personality, suitability for your lifestyle, any known health problems, any quirks you need up know about....the shelter will be anxious to pair up suitable cats and owners (they don't want the cats to be returned, after all - its in their interests to get it right too).

I've never got a cat from a shelter (somehow I've always cut out the middleman, and had them move in off the street or rescue them myself!), but my greyhound came from a shelter in London. They really gave me the third degree to make sure I was suitable, and it was easy to get a sense of which dogs were possible too. Each dog had its own card on the door listing approx age, how it came to the shelter, how long it had been there, the kind of home it would suit...All kinds of things really. It sounds callous, but I went in with a 'shopping list' of requirements and traits that were important to me, and walked through the rows of kennels looking first only at the cards and immediately discounting and that didn't meet my criteria. It sounds really harsh, but its actually in the animals best interests as well as yours. Having done that, I let my heart into the equation. You have to start out being cold about it though, or you'll want to walk out with every animal you see!

I will say that over the years I've had 10 cats. 4 have been british shorthairs from 2 breeders (2 pairs of brothers), and the rest have been rescues. The pedigrees have had the most health problems (not counting injuries, of course). Equally, if you want, say, an American shorthair, see if you can find a breed specialist rescue. They do exist.

Either way, it's wonderful to give a home to a cat in need.

 

[catlover777]

I'm heading to the shelter today I'm going to do what you did...thank you so much for your help!

 

[Norachan]

At this time of year shelters will have litters of young kittens with their mothers, so you will be able to see what the mother cat looks like. Good shelters will have treated them for fleas and worms, tested the mother for any diseases that might be passed on to the kittens and made sure they are vaccinated too. Not all breeders do this so a shelter cat might actually be healthier than one from a breeder.

Good luck at the shelter, I hope your kitty find you.

 

[catlover777]

Update: We've decided a kitten is too much too handle right now. We've found this beautiful 10 month - 1 year old cat. Her name is Dinah. We are hoping to adopt her, maybe meeting her tomorrow!

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• catlover777
• Apr 20, 2015

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• catlover777
• Apr 20, 2015

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• catlover777
• Apr 20, 2015

 

[Norachan]

Congratulations.

 

[Columbine]

I'm so glad you're going with a shelter cat She sounds like a great match for you.