Before taking action to choose your cat, it is essential to ask yourself a number of questions about your desires and expectations about your future little companion: which breed to choose, at what age, of what sex.
Once these points have been clarified, you will be able to go to a shelter, to a breeder, to a pet store or to private homes to acquire your kitten. Observation will be your best bet when choosing it, as it should not be based only on the appearance but also on the personality of the animal. Here are 10 tips that can help you make your choice.
Kitten or adult cat?
Even though kittens are cute, considering turning to an adult can have advantages and sometimes better suit your situation: if you don’t have a lot of time, if you have young children (older cats are calmer). and less fragile than kittens), if you want a cat that is already clean … In addition, the personality of the adult cat is already acquired, so it is easier to predict its attitude and behavior. Finally, shelters are full of adult cats waiting for a new home.
His race
While alley cats are the most common, cheapest, and easiest to find, you might be tempted by a pedigree cat . You should know that the latter are standardized and, in addition to their physique, can have specific traits of the breed, which allows you to target according to your expectations: do you want a playful and active cat, calm and cuddly, discreet? or present? Some breeds are known to be sentimental and close to their owners, while others will be more independent or even distant. The health criterion is also important, indeed, certain breeds have a more or less robust health, the alley cats being often the most resistant.
His age
If you are adopting an adult, of course you can do it at any age because the problem of withdrawal will not arise. On the other hand, if you lean towards a kitten, be careful not to adopt it too early: it should not be separated prematurely from its mother and its siblings, otherwise emotional, social and behavioral repercussions could take place. A kitten is generally not weaned before its 8 weeks, which is why, legally, you cannot adopt before this age, but ideally, it is better to wait 12 weeks: kittens weaned too early often have a difficult character, because they have not been educated by the mother, and may suffer from more fragile health and behavioral problems, especially with regard to cleanliness.
His gender
In terms of personality, gender doesn’t really matter that much to cats, but some details can be important. For example, at puberty (around 6 months), the male cat will begin to mark his territory by urinating and may fight with other cats. It is therefore advisable to have it sterilized to avoid these disadvantages. In addition, the heat of the cat can be difficult to bear and it will surely be necessary to consider having her sterilized if you do not want babies. The Persian cat price in India is about twice as much as that of castration .
Short-haired or long-haired?
This criterion is of course aesthetic but will have repercussions on your daily life: indeed, long-haired cats of the Persian or Maine Coon type lose a lot of hair, and if you are not a fan of the vacuum cleaner, that could be a problem. In addition, frequent brushing is necessary in these cats, so if you are short on time and / or just don’t want a pet that requires so much maintenance, a long-haired cat might not be the best. option. Short-haired cats, on the other hand, shed moderately and don’t need very regular brushing.
A healthy cat
Before you choose your cat, take the time to examine it to check that it is not showing signs of disease: the eyes should be clean and free from scabs, as should the ears, which should not contain excess wax. or dark in color. The cat should not shake or tilt its head or scratch its ears frequently. He should not sneeze too often and his nose should not show any secretions. His breathing should be smooth, without coughing. Observe the skin and fur for lesions or scabs, check the cat for fleas or ticks. Finally, look at his bottom to make sure there are no worms or signs of diarrhea.
Choose your cat from a litter
Faced with a litter of adorable kittens, it is advisable to observe the behavior of each one and not to choose your cat in haste! Ask to take the one that interests you in your arms: it is important to choose your cat that accepts caresses and manipulations. Your future kitten should also be active and playful, even if you are not necessarily looking for this type of behavior, it is quite normal for a small cat and a guarantee of good health. A “normal” kitten should be curious, try to play and follow you when put on the ground, or settle in your arms and purr. Conversely, a sick kitten will not be dynamic and will not tend to come towards you.
Types of kittens
There are three main types of behavior in kittens and although it may seem simplistic, observing them is already a clue to their future personality. A balanced kitten that feels good in its skin will come towards you, let itself be carried, will accept handling and caresses. The shy kitten will not come towards you, but will gently let itself be taken and will tend to hide; it may be difficult to socialize with children or other animals, but may be suitable for a single person. Finally, the aggressive kitten is to be avoided: it spits, lowers its ears and claws when you extend your hand. A Persian cat price in Delhi and also in other cities and countries depends upon which type of kitten you choose.
Dialogue with the seller
When you go to meet your cat, ask questions about his history, his behavior, his preferences … This helps to better understand his personality because the seller knows him well and has been able to observe him since his birth. He can also have information on the behavior of the kitten towards other animals and members of the household, and for example point out to you a history of health or to inform you of his suspicions. Ask if the kitten has seen the vet before, if they have been vaccinated or will be vaccinated for sale, and if they are seeing people on a regular basis which will facilitate their socialization.
Check papers
An adult cat should not be adopted without identification papers or health records, as these documents contain their health history and show that their vaccinations are up to date. The age and race are also indicated on the papers, as well as the microchip or tattoo number . If you adopt a kitten, the transferor (breeder, private individual, pet shop) must complete the animal identification formalities before giving it to you.