Choosing a Cat as a Pet: What to Consider

Cats make wonderful pets. They are quiet, easier to train than dogs, and are fiercely independent. Their mysterious personalities and adorable looks make them an extremely popular pet, with 16% of Irish households owning a cat.

If you’re thinking of welcoming a cat into your home, there are a number of things to consider beforehand. Every cat is different, and how they behave will depend on their personality, the environment you bring them into, and life experiences.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the different things you’ll need to consider when choosing a feline friend, the types of cat, and where you can adopt one.

What Breed of Cat?

There are lots of different breeds of cat; from pedigree, mixed breed and non-pedigree.

Pedigree: These types of cats are bred from parents that are of the same pedigree breed. They are normally very healthy due to the care taken to raise a pedigree breed.

Mixed Breed: Cross-breed cats are bred from parents that are of different pedigree breeds.

Non-pedigree: These are cats where one or both parents were cross-breeds themselves. They are also affectionately called “moggies.” They can be the most difficult to predict their temperament; however they are possibly the most common type of cat in Ireland.

What Age?

Kittens

Kittens are curious, adventurous and full of energy. Being extremely playful, they require constant supervision until they reach adulthood.

As a kitten, it is difficult to know how it will be as an adult, and taking a kitten home you will become a parent to it. Your kitten will respond to the environment in which it lives and the people it encounters; so its adult personality will evolve as it gets older.

Because of their naturally playful nature, kittens will become more playful among moving feet; so families with toddlers or less than nimble adults, should consider the risk to both cat and owner.

Kittens are relatively easy to house train, with a little patience.

Adult Cats

A cat is considered an adult when it reaches 12 months. By this stage, the cats personality and temperament will have fully developed too; and while still playful, they tend to be calmer and do not require constant supervision.

An adult cat may take a little longer to settle into a new home than a kitten; but with a little patience and lots of love, they will come to call it home in no time.

Senior Cats

Cats can live for up to 20 years; while kittens are playful and fun, unfortunately due to circumstances, senior cats sometimes need to be re-homed too. Like any animal, they should not be forgotten. Older cats make wonderful companion pets; and while an age appropriate diet, and some additional medical attention may be needed, due to age related illness, they make for very un-demanding pets.

Where Can I Get a Cat?

Cats and kittens can be adopted from a local rescue centre or SPCA. Make sure to do your research and compile a list of local groups seeking homes for rescue felines in your area.

Take a scan through their website, social media, and any local media to make sure you’re working with someone who treats their animals well and are ethical in their practices. The Petmania Adoption Centre works with local rescue agencies and can help you find the newest member to your family.

Am I Ready For a Cat?

The most important question you can ask yourself before adopting a cat is are you ready. This means having ample space in your home for a new kitty, and being prepared to take on financial responsibility for your cat too. Cat care costs can typically include spay/neutering, vaccinations, and veterinary care when necessary.

If you have children in the home, take into account their ages and the age of the cat you are looking to adopt. Very young children may not mix well with a kitten