Adopting a cat is a gift you give yourself and your future feline. But you may be unsure about how to choose between the cats at your local shelter. Chances are there are many! We’ve compiled advice on picking the proper age and cat breed to match your lifestyle and interests. Adopting a cat is an exciting and rewarding experience, but with so many choices—between kittens and adult cats, long-haired and short-haired, playful or calm—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or looking to add another furry friend to your home, this guide will help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and family.
While kittens are undeniably adorable, there are many perks to taking home an adult cat that you may not have thought of. For one, adult cats can save you a substantial amount of money, as most have already been spayed and received vaccination shots. What’s more, most adult cats have been litter-box trained, and can adapt more quickly to a new home than kittens. Adopting a grown up cat will save you from having to kitty-proof your house. In general, if you don't have that much time to dedicate to supervising and training a kitten then an adult cat would be a great match for you. You can also narrow down the age of your future adult cat based on your lifestyle and family composition. Younger adult cats are perfect for a home with small children, or for those who work outside of the home and need to leave their cat unattended for hours at a time. Conversely, a more senior cat would we great for a family with adolescents and can act as a great playmate for other adult cats that may have lost a feline companion. In general, adult cats get along best with other adults cats, compared to kittens.
While kittens often trump adult cats on cuteness, there are a lot of aspects to consider before committing to bringing an untrained animal into your house. In general, kittens require a lot of supervision and training. They will need to be taught what they can and can’t play with and where they should eliminate. Also, keep in mind that a kitten will need to be neutered and receive proper vaccinations to maintain her health. The Blue Cross for Pets recommends only taking home a kitten (who is at least 8 weeks old) if someone is able to stay at home for a substantial part of the day to give your cat the care and attention it needs. If you have small children in your house, it’s better to consider adopting an adult cat, as the combination of an untrained kitten and a curious toddler may result in lots of scratches. It’s also important to remember that a cat’s lifespans can be very long, up to 20 years. If you adopt a kitten, keep in mind that it is a long-term commitment. Lastly, it’s very important that you have your potential new kitten screened by a vet for common feline illnesses and that you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
While many wonderful cats in shelters are mixed breeds, understanding how to choose a cat breed can help you identify traits that best suit your personality and lifestyle.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cat Breed
Popular Cat Breeds and Their Personalities
If you’re adopting from a shelter, ask the staff about the cat’s personality traits—often, mixed-breed cats display characteristics of specific breeds.
When choosing a cat to adopt, focus less on breed and more on compatibility. Spend time interacting with different cats to see who connects with you. Whether you bring home a bouncy kitten or a mellow adult cat, what matters most is the bond you’ll build over time.
Adopting a cat is not just about finding the “perfect” pet—it’s about opening your heart and home to a new companion. And no matter their age or breed, that cat will be forever grateful.