Buying a Cat – Are You Ready?

So, you've decided it's time to start thinking about buying a pet cat. However, before you shop for your kitten, you may need to consider a few important things.

After all, buying a cat can become an important lifestyle decision, and finding out that a cat is not for you after you've already grown attached to her can be heart breaking.

The main reason that people have to find their new felines new homes is that they are allergic to cats.

If you've never spent much time around cats, be sure you can spend a few hours in a home with them without developing an allergy attack.

Also, check with friends and family to be sure none of them are highly allergic as well, or you won't be getting too many visitors in the future :-)

Next, as we mentioned above, you may want to consider your lifestyle.

Although most cats need less interaction and people time than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day.

A bored cat can easily become a bad cat. If you work long hours, consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company during the day (or night) while you are away at work.

Don't forget to take a look at your home and be sure you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories.

Cats need litter boxes, food dishes, toys, and a scratching post. 

If you have children, the litter box will need to be located in a place that your children can't get to, but somewhere your cat can access easily.

Once you decide that a cat will fit into your household, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or an older cat.

Most people take one look at that cute, fluffy kitten and fall in love. Since kittens have not developed bad habits, a kitten is the perfect choice for people who have time to litter box train their new pet.

Most kittens have not yet been altered or de-clawed and must receive a series of immunizations to protect them from infectious cat diseases.

Older cats are a good choice for people who want a slightly less energetic pet and do not have time to train their cats to use the litter box. 

Most older pet cats have already been altered and will only need to take booster vaccinations.

Now that you know whether you want a cat or a kitten, you will need to find out where to buy your new cat.

If you just want a great pet and aren't concerned with owning a specific breed, the best place to look is your local humane society or animal rescue.

These organizations are usually overrun with healthy, sweet cats and kittens. 

If you are looking for a specific cat breed instead, a cat show can be a wonderful resource. Or you can check out our cat breeds page where you find lots of information on many different breeds of cats.

Many exhibitors bring along a few kittens that are for sale. Even if you can't find kittens of the breed you are looking for at the show, you can ask exhibitors to place you on a waiting list for one of their kittens.

Once you bring your new pet home, don't be surprised if your cat takes several days to settle in. To help your cat adjust quickly, be sure you have a bed, litter box, and food dishes set up in a permanent spot.

So, are you ready to buy a cat of your own? To read more, visit our cat breeds page for information on many different breeds.

Or click here to return to the cat ownership tips home page.