Bringing a new cat or kitten into your home is always exciting, but to avoid any problems, you should make sure that your new pet will suit your lifestyle and household.
Personality
Just like people, cats come with different personalities and temperaments. They can be lively, quiet, playful, or introverted. Think carefully about what will suit you and your home so everyone, including the cat, is happy.
Lifestyle
How much time will you have to spend with your cat (and are you out at work every day with no one home)? Although cats are often independent, and may seem aloof, they get attached to their humans, so it’s important to remember they need lots of care and affection.
Age
Kittens are cute and adorable, but they are also more work and will need playtime and training. They could also be in your life for up to 20 years, so think ahead. If you think a kitten may be too high maintenance for you, consider adopting an older cat.
Health
Some older cats may have pre-existing health conditions, so find out about their care needs, to be sure you are able to manage these once you bring them home. Cats with pre-existing health issues still make wonderful pets – they just need that extra bit of care, which may also mean more vet bills.
Long or short hair
You will find many different breeds of cats available for rehoming, both long and short-haired, and some mixed breed. If you don’t have the time for long or daily grooming sessions, a short-haired cat would be more suitable, as they only need weekly grooming (but still do need grooming).
Indoor cats
The RSPCA recommends that cats should be indoor pets, to protect them from the dangers of ‘roaming’. At the very least, cats should always be kept indoors from dusk until dawn as this helps to reduce the risk of accidents and fights and provide some protection to wildlife.
