What to Consider when Choosing a New Cat

Are you prepared for the commitment? Cats can live up to 20 years, so getting a feline friend is a long-term responsibility. Consider if you have the time, resources, and dedication to provide a loving home. They’re relatively low-maintenance compared to dogs, but they still need daily care, including feeding, grooming, and playtime. 

Before you get your new addition, you should evaluate your living situation. Do you have enough space for a furry friend to roam and play? While they don't need as much space as dogs, they still require room to move around comfortably. If you live in a small flat, ensure you have vertical spaces like cat trees and shelves to keep them entertained. If you’re going to keep your kitty indoors, they need plenty of space to exercise indoors or they should be trained to walk on a lead so you can help them to stretch their legs. 

Think about your lifestyle. Are you often away from home for long periods? Cats are more independent than dogs and can be left alone for longer durations, but they still need social interaction and mental stimulation. If you travel frequently or work long hours, consider if you can meet their emotional and physical needs. 

Pedigree cats come with specific traits and characteristics. When you choose a pedigree pet, you're opting for a breed with well-documented traits, including appearance, behaviour, and health issues. This can help you predict what your kitten will be like as it grows. That said, pedigree cats can be more prone to genetic health problems, so it's important to choose a reputable breeder. Line breeding usually means a smaller gene pool which is how these breed-specific issues usually develop. 

Breed-specific diets aren’t essential when you get a cat as long as they’re fed a balanced diet but some food is made with the health issues of specific breeds in mind. A dry cat food doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny and still be nutritionally balanced for your furry family member. Even if you don’t get breed-specific food, some pedigree cats are more prone to being picky eaters like oriental breeds so you may have to feed them more costly wet cat food instead. In general, pedigree pets will make your wallet a little more lean.  

Moggies, or mixed-breed cats, offer a wonderful array of personalities and fewer health issues. Moggies are often healthier due to their diverse gene pool, and they come in various colours, sizes, and temperaments. If you’re adopting a moggy from a rescue, it also gives a homeless kitty a chance at a loving home. 

Kittens are adorable but require a lot of time and energy. They’re playful and fun but also need constant supervision, training, and socialisation. They are curious and can get into mischief, so be prepared for some sleepless nights and a few scratches. Kittens also need frequent meals and vaccinations. 

Adults are usually more settled and less demanding. An adult cat's personality is already established, making it easier to choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Adults are often litter-trained and require less supervision. They are a great option for busy households or people with less time to devote to training. 

If you're a first-time cat parent, an adult may be a better fit. If you have the time and patience to devote to a kitten, you might enjoy the rewarding experience of watching them grow and develop. A kitten will grow into and adapt to your lifestyle and might slot in more easily with a family with children rather than an adult who may not have had much experience with children.  

Adopting from a rescue centre saves lives and offers benefits. When you adopt a kitten from a rescue centre, you're giving a homeless animal a chance at a loving home. Rescue centres often provide vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and health checks before adoption. Adoption fees are usually lower than buying from a breeder. If you visit a rescue like Cats Protection you can provide a kitty in need with a loving home.  

Buying from a reputable breeder ensures specific traits. If you have a specific breed in mind, buying from a reputable breeder ensures you know the lineage. You can use the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy to help find a reputable breeder for your new fur baby.  

Consider your preferences and values. Both adoption and buying have their benefits, so choose the option that best suits you. Whether you adopt or buy, ensure you're prepared to provide a loving and caring home.

Male and female cats have different traits, but both make wonderful pets. Male cats, especially if neutered, tend to be more affectionate and sociable. They are often more playful and enjoy interacting with their humans. Unneutered males can exhibit territorial behaviour and spraying. 

Female cats can be more independent but are equally loving. Females, especially if spayed, are generally more reserved and less likely to stray. They can be more territorial but are just as capable of forming strong bonds with their family. Whether a male or female is better suited to you, the most important factor is ensuring that the new fur baby is spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted behaviours and health issues. 

Some cats are laid-back, while others are energetic and playful. If you prefer a calm and relaxed environment, look for a moggy with a laid-back temperament. If you enjoy an active and playful household, an energetic kitten may be a better fit. Breeds like the Bengal are not usually a pick for first-time pet parents but if you want a big personality and can provide lots of exercise they may be a match for you. 

Think about how much time you can devote to play and interaction. Some require more mental stimulation and physical activity than others. If you have limited time, a more independent cat may be a better match. 

Think about the dynamics of your household and how a new pet will fit in. If you have young children, look for a feline friend with a gentle and patient temperament. If you have an active household, a playful and energetic furry friend may be a better match. 

Take the time to meet and interact with potential pets. Spend time getting to know their personality and behaviour. Observe how they with you and your family members. This will help you choose a cat that fits well with your family's lifestyle. When getting a kitten, meeting the parents will help to understand what their babies will grow up to be like and a rescue can give you a good idea of how each of their animals are.  

You can get a cat when you have children but consider their temperament and your children's age. They can make wonderful companions for children, but it's important to choose one with a gentle and patient temperament. Some cats are more tolerant of children than others. A skittish kitten may find children overwhelming or an older moggy who hasn’t been around them may find them a little scary.  

The most important factor is to teach your children how to interact with cats. Ensure your children understand how to handle and interact with them gently. Supervise interactions to ensure both your new fur baby and your children are safe. You should provide a quiet and comfortable space where your new addition can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This will help your new pet feel secure and reduce stress in a busy household. 

You should consider a cat's compatibility with other animals. Some are more social and adaptable, while others prefer to be the only pet. Introduce your new furry friend gradually and allow the new cat and your existing pets to get used to each other's scent before introducing them face-to-face. Use a baby gate or closed door to separate them initially and gradually increase their interactions. 

Provide separate resources for each pet. Ensure each has their own food, water, litter box, and sleeping area. This will reduce competition and minimise stress. 

If you’re introducing a feline friend to your canine companion, you need to be mindful that you need to provide safe spaces for each pet while they get used to each other. You may need to get your new moggy settled into a single room of the house so they can learn to feel confident before introducing them to your pooch.  

If your pup has had experience around cats before this may go more smoothly and a younger kitten is likely to be more adaptable to making friends. The most important thing is to take your time and introduce your dog and cat in gradual steps to make sure they’re comfortable. They may never love each other but they can learn to share a home with some time.  

Whether you choose a pedigree or moggy, kitten or adult, male or female, the most important factor is providing a loving and caring home. Ready to welcome a new feline friend? Explore our wide range of cat supplies to get everything you need to bring home your new fur baby.