Choosing A Cat - Make The Right Choice For You - Cats Protection

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Whether you’re a lifelong cat-lover or a first-time owner, getting a new cat or kitten is a great experience. At Cats Protection, we believe in matching the right cat to the right home. After all, just like people, all cats are different.

Contents 

• Should I adopt or buy? 
• How to choose a cat 
• Should I get a cat or kitten? 
• Should I get a moggy or pedigree cat? 
• Should I get a long-haired or short-haired cat? 
• Should I get a male or female cat? 
• Should I get an indoor or outdoor cat? 
• How many cats should I get? 
• Can I get a cat if I have children? 
• Should I get another cat? 
• Can I get a cat if I have a dog? 
• How to know if a cat is right for you 

Should I adopt or buy? 

Of course, we’re a bit biased, but we think adopting a cat is a fantastic choice! We have thousands of cats in our care waiting for loving new homes, and our experienced teams will do their best to find your perfect match.

When you adopt from us, neutering, microchipping, vaccinations and a health check are all included in the adoption fee. Plus, you get four weeks’ free pet insurance. And by adopting, you’ll be freeing up space for another cat to come into our care and get the help they need.  

But if you decide that you do want to buy a cat or kitten instead, we have lots of advice on how to do this safely and responsibly.  

Adopting a cat Buying a cat

How to choose a cat 

When deciding which cat to welcome into your home, there are a few important things to consider. Think about the type of home you can offer, how much time and money you can dedicate to a pet, and what you are looking for in a new furry friend. With this in mind, read our advice below on which type of cat you should get. 

Personality  

All cats have different personalities, in the same way that humans do. Some are energetic and playful, while others prefer to spend a lot of time snoozing. Some are confident and love a fuss, others are shy and you'll need to earn their trust. Once you know what personality you’d like your new furry friend to have, you can then find the individual cat whose perfect for you.  

At Cats Protection, we get to know each cat in our care so we can match them with their ideal owner. Speak to us about the type of cat you’re looking for, and we’ll do our best to find you a furry friend to suit your home and lifestyle.  

Find your perfect match

Should I get a cat or kitten? 

Kitten

It can be difficult to resist getting a kitten. While they are cute to look at and full of energy, they also demand a lot of time and patience from their owners. There is no sign of what your kitten will be like when they become an adult too. Cats don’t tend to form an established character until they’re at least a year old. If your household is more suited to a more laid-back character, it’s best to choose an adult cat. 

Find out more about getting a kitten. 

Adult

Adult cats are usually more settled and less likely to get up to mischief than kittens. Some of them will even be keen to cuddle up on the sofa or lounge around at your feet. By the time a cat is grown, their personality is well established. If you're able to find out their likes, dislikes, habits and character, it will be easier to settle them into their new home.

Older cat

Mature moggies who are seven years old and over are ideal for quieter households. Sadly, they’re often overlooked by potential owners, but they still deserve a loving home and make fantastic pets. They are likely to be quieter throughout the day, sleep through the night and stay close to home. 

Find out more about older cats. 

Should I get a moggy or pedigree cat? 

Pedigree cats are selectively bred to have a certain look. But because of the smaller gene pool they’re bred from, they are more likely to have an inherited condition such as heart disease. Others suffer from health issues related to their appearance. For example, a Scottish Fold cat’s folded ears are the result of a cartilage abnormality which causes painful and debilitating joint disease.  

If you decide to get a pedigree cat, we recommend that you take time to learn about the breed, their individual needs and any potential health and welfare problems they may have. Screening tests are available for some inherited diseases. We recommend making sure the cat’s parents have had any necessary testing to ensure they don’t pass on inherited diseases to their kittens. 

It’s also important to know that a cat’s breed doesn't guarantee what personality they’ll have. A cat’s personality is not just about genetics but also their level of socialisation before they are seven weeks old. All cats are individuals, even within the same breed. 

We think moggies are just as cute as pedigrees, they’re more likely to be healthier and cheaper, and we have thousands in our care waiting for loving new homes.  

Find out more about pedigree cats

Should I get a long-haired or short-haired cat?  

Both moggy and pedigree cats come with varying lengths of fur. The important thing to note is that long-haired cats will need to be groomed once a day to prevent their fur from becoming matted. Short-haired cats will likely only need to be groomed once a week. You will need to make sure you can set aside enough time to groom your cat and keep their fur in good condition.  

Find out more about grooming your cat

Should I get a male or female cat? 

There isn’t much difference between male and female cats, especially if they are neutered. Their personality is shaped by their individual genetic background, upbringing and past experiences in life. Both female and male cats make great companions. 

The main differences between male and female cats are: 

• male cats are usually slightly larger than females 
• female cats can become sexually mature from just four months of age. If they are not neutered, they will become restless and more vocal when they’re ready to mate 
• male cats can reach sexual maturity at around five to nine months. If unneutered, they will fight with neighbouring cats, spray pee and wander away from home when they’re ready to mate 

More differences between male and female cats

Should I get an indoor or outdoor cat? 

Outdoor cats

Outdoor access provides cats with mental stimulation, exercise and reduces stress. It also gives cats a bigger territory, as well as an exciting mix of smells, sights, tastes and textures to keep them occupied. 

But just like people, cats are all individuals. Some cats love going outside while some barely put a paw through the cat flap. While the outdoors has its benefits, it also comes with some risks including possible diseases or injuries. Ideally, it is best to offer cats the chance to have outside access and let them decide for themselves. 

Find out more about outdoor cats. 

Indoor cats

If you cannot offer outside access, it may be best to get a cat who needs to stay indoors due to a medical condition. For example, a blind cat or one with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).  

If you are keeping your cat indoors, it is important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to play and exercise, to keep them happy. You will also need to look out for indoor hazards such as poisonous houseplants and toxic household products. Boredom and frustration can become significant problems for indoor-only cats who are not provided with enough enrichment. 

Find out more about indoor cats. 

Farm cats

If you have a farm, stables or a large garden with shelter and are looking for a pet, a farm cat might be suitable for you.

Cats who need rural homes are usually the ones who have had little or no positive human interaction during their socialisation period when they were a young kitten. They are not necessarily classed as feral but are still very fearful of humans and need a home where they can live outdoors. Farm cats will still need to be provided with food, clean water and have their healthmonitored.

Find out more about farm cats.

How many cats should I get? 

Cats are usually solitary animals and prefer to be the only cat in their home. When they have to share their territory with other cats, this can lead to stress, conflict and behaviour problems.  

If you would like more than one cat, we recommend getting cats who already share a close bond. Bonded cats typically groom each other, rub up against each other and sleep touching each other. They will be more likely to get along than if you get one cat and then introduce another cat later on. You will still need to provide each cat with their own food bowl, water bowl, litter tray, scratching post and bed in separate areas of the home, plus one extra of each. This is so they don’t have to share, as sharing essential items can lead to stress and conflict.  

But it’s important to remember that even if cats share a bond, this doesn’t mean they will get along for the rest of their life. Cats don't reach social maturity until they are between 18 months and four years old. During this time, they may decide they don’t like the cats they’ve been living with. Changes in their environment and stress can also cause cats to no longer get along.  

How to help cats get along

Cats and your family 

Can I get a cat if I have children?

Cats and kids can become great friends as they grow and having a pet can be of great benefit to little ones. But you’ll need to bear in mind a cat’s previous experiences and personality as well as ultimately what you are looking for in a pet. 

While children might be enthusiastic about homing a cute kitten, kittens need plenty of care and attention as well as regular supervision. Adult cats can be calmer, which suits many families. Teaching children basic cat care as well as how to treat them carefully is a great idea and encourages a sense of responsibility too. 

Find out more about adopting a cat with children. 

Should I get another cat?

If you have other pets in your home, think carefully about whether they are likely to get on with a new cat. Consider your pet’s age, personality and previous experiences. 

Cats are solitary creatures, meaning they tend to want to live alone and don’t need friends. Some cats can tolerate other cats when they come into the home, others will find it very stressful. Consider your existing cat’s behaviour and how they will react. Introducing a kitten into the household might be easier than introducing another adult cat into their territory. 

Find out more about introducing cats to other cats.

Can I get a cat if I have a dog?

Some cats and dogs can live together in harmony. Think about your dog’s personality and behaviour towards cats. Have they come across a cat on their walks and reacted negatively? Do they get along with cats in the neighbourhood? If they don’t react aggressively towards cats, they should be able to share their home, with a little guidance. 

Introducing your new cat to your dog carefully is the most important thing you can do, and it shouldn’t be rushed. First impressions count. It’s easier to arrange a gradual introduction than repair a damaged relationship between your cat and dog.  

Find out more about introducing your cat to your dog.

How to know if a cat is right for you 

If you’ve considered all the information above and found a cat that meets your requirements, they should be just right for you. It’s also a good idea to meet your potential new furry friend before committing to taking them on. You can then check you get along and that they’re as advertised and look healthy. Speak to a vet if you have any concerns. If the cat is a little shy during this meeting, that’s ok. Many cats are nervous meeting new people, but with a bit of time and patience in their new home they will hopefully grow in confidence.

How to make friends with a nervous cat

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