Judging a Cat's Disposition
If you are choosing a kitten, try to look beyond the cuteness; all kittens are adorable. You should observe each kitten's behavior. Is it bold or shy? Friendly or defensively aggressive? Unless you are prepared to deal with potential behavior problems, opt for the friendly, outgoing one. If a timid kitten is the one who captures your heart, you will need to take extra time and handle him very gently to bring him out of his shell, but it is possible. You should pass up any kitten that cowers and looks terrified. If you're choosing from a group of kittens, hold out your hand and see which ones come to investigate; then, pick up each in turn. Hissing and panic can be bad signs. Well-socialized kittens will rest in your arms or may squiggle to be let down. Separate the one that interests you from the others. Handle the cat, dangle a toy, and see how he fares on his own; some apparently retiring kittens liven up when away from their siblings, or may just have been sleepy.
- Adult Cats — The personality of an adult cat is usually easier to read; you can gauge his temperament by how he reacts to you when out of his cage. Even so, aggression or timidity may just be a reaction to the stressful shelter environment. Spend some time with him to try to get a sense of his true character. If this is your first cat or if you have children, select a cat that is friendly and outgoing after a few quiet minutes alone with you. While even a less well adjusted cat will come round eventually, you may not have the time and patience to wait it out.
- Pet Stores — Although pet stores often house darling-looking kittens, they are not your best option. The stores count on impulse purchases, the worst reason to acquire a pet. The kittens may not have been checked by a vet or vaccinated and may be unhealthy, especially if they have been acquired from one of the unscrupulous operations known as kitten mills. These are large-scale breeding farms where the animals are bred indiscriminately, housed in terrible conditions and are often sick. Why support needless increases to the pet population when millions of cats in shelters are euthanized each year because of a lack of homes? Even pet-store kittens labeled "purebred" may be suspect, as the better breeders only sell to individuals they deem suitable for one of their kittens, never to strangers through pet shops. There is an exception to this pet-shop boycott. Pet-supply stores that cooperate with local shelters or rescue groups to showcase a selection of available kittens and cats follow shelter guidelines for placing a cat. The store's payback comes from selling food and supplies to new owners.
- The Vet Connection — Some kind-hearted veterinarians serve as clearinghouses, offering kittens, a stray they have nursed to health, or the cat a client can't keep for some reason. The vet may already have examined the cat for serious health problems and if it is not already altered, the vet may give you a discount on the surgery. Many vets that don't have animals on site may have a bulletin board listing cats and kittens needing homes.
- Adopting Through a Friend — Adopting from a friend or neighbor or through an ad in the paper usually means you will know more about the animal's background and previous treatment. You should still spend time interacting, using the same criteria as you would when adopting from an animal shelter.
