What To Look For When Choosing A Kitten

What To Look For When Choosing A Kitten >Photo © Alexandr Vasilyev – Fotolia.com

Adopting a cat is a commitment that could stretch for decades. So before you decide to adopt a cat, make sure that you have done your homework on the qualities, temperaments, and physical attributes of the pet which you would like to share your life, your home, and your family with in the coming years.

In most cases, cat owners tend to choose cats based on their color, markings, and the length of their hair. Although they could be essential considerations in owning a cat, other factors such as temperament and personality also prove to be of at least equal importance.

It’s important to have a cat at home that is happy and can interact well with humans. But there is a chance that you won’t have that if you have not researched about the cat’s history, and breed.

The personality and temperament of cats actually varies depending on the breed. Some cats tend to be destructive and aggressive while others are friendly and social in nature. Check out our list of the Top 12 Friendliest Cat Breeds.

Also, research shows that as with humans, some behavioral patterns of cats may have been influenced by their experiences as kittens. It is said that the fearfulness, confidence and joyfulness of cats may have been affected by the events that transpired during its kittenhood, prior to their adoption by a new owner. ^[1]

The age of cat upon adoption is also a factor to consider. It is advised to adopt a cat that is about 12 weeks old. Cats at this age are said to be well-socialized, and are now learning to be self-reliant. Also, take time to examine the head of the cat. Its eyes should be clear and bright. A cross-eyed cat is not a good choice, though this can sometimes occur in the Siamese breed.

Meanwhile, the nose should be damp but without discharges. Presence of discharges in the eyes and nose may indicate respiratory disorders or other infections. The coat should also be thoroughly checked. Research shows that some white or blue-coated cats may have higher potential for congenital deafness.

Meanwhile, the ears should not emit a foul smell, and should produce a normal-looking waxy, brown discharge. If a cat has a swollen stomach, it could be that it has worms or, it has been poorly fed before. Checking the coat, it should fluffy, glossy, smooth and free from matting. ^[2]

What you have learned so far are some of the basic tips on what to look for when choosing a kitten to adopt. If you want to uncover more tips, visit this website http://www.catster.com/cat-adoption/choosing-a-kitten

References:
[1] http://www.icatcare.org/advice/cat-care/choosing-kitten
[2] http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/choosing-healthy-kitten

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What To Look For When Choosing A Kitten
Graphic – lovable-cats.com. Image © Alexandr Vasilyev – fotolia.com (under license)