Deciding to bring home a new cat or kitten is very exciting. But like all important decisions, it's essential you gather as much information as possible. You'll need to consider how your cat will fit in with your lifestyle. Do you adopt a kitten or an older cat? Choose wisely.
Cat or kitten?
Kittens are instantly adorable. They're cuddly, playful and incorrigibly inquisitive. But, at the same time, they require a great deal of vigilance and attention. Be honest with yourself - are you prepared to invest the time and energy necessary to look after a kitten properly?
An adult cat?
Adult cats can also be playful, but remember that they may have spent their early years in someone else's home, outdoors, or even homeless. Whatever their background, their personality is, however, better established and may therefore be easier to identify. With a responsible animal home or shelter you should be able to get information about litter tray habits and food preferences.
An OAP?
The older cats are often harder to rehome. However, older cats can make excellent new pets and are more likely to sleep through the night. Common problems such as inappropriate urination or aggression, especially to other cats, are less likely in an older cat.
One or two?
If your home already has at least one cat and you're determined to bring home another, a kitten may cause less social conflict than an adult. Probably the best way to decide the ideal age of your future pet is by playing with each cat or kitten available for adoption. Attachment is all about that unique chemistry and difficult to predict.
Male or Female?
If they are neutered, both males and females make great pets. Generally speaking, males are a little bigger than females.
Un-neutered toms can present various difficulties, such as wandering, pungent urine spraying and fighting. Un-neutered females can be very vocal and difficult to keep indoors when they come into season. Cats can become pregnant from very early in their lives, and unplanned litters can be costly and difficult to manage.
Most re-homing charities and shelters will have already neutered their cats before they put them up for adoption.
If you require any further help, then do call your vet for advice. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home also provide an advice service for behavioural issues and will help you make the right choice, as well as offering kittens and cats for rehoming.
Ask your own cat question!
Every month, Your Cat magazine has up to 20 pages of cat questions answered by our panel of experts. If you have a question, email
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and you will receive a personal reply plus your question may feature in the magazine.
Remember - if you are seriously concerned about your cat’s health or behaviour, and especially if your cat is in distress, please take him or her along to your vet as soon as possible.
