5 Things To Do When Finding a Cat for Your Family
A cat can be a lifelong friend and a great addition to your family. Especially if you have younger children, you may find you want to add a cat to the family so your children can grow up alongside the cat. However, finding the right cat isn’t always easy. If you’re thinking about adding a cat to your family, here are five things you need to do first.
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5 Things To Do When Finding a Cat for Your Family
1. Do Research on Many Different Breeds
There are many different cat breeds out there, and they may have different maintenance, attention and grooming needs. Determining the right breed for your family is about understanding what your family really wants from a cat. List all the characteristics you hope to get from your family cat, then look for a breed that meets those characteristics.
2. Consider Allergy Information
Next, you need to know if anyone in your family is allergic to cats or has other allergies to consider. If your family has never been around cats, it’s a good idea to visit with some friends who have cats to make sure you’re not allergic. If you do have allergies in your family, you may still be able to get a cat, but you’ll want to opt for a more hypoallergenic breed.
3. Know All Your Adoption Options
There are many different adoption options out there. Although a rescue cat can be a great way for you to save a cat that doesn’t have an owner, there are also ethical ways to adopt from a breeder. If you need a specifically hypoallergenic cat, for example, or you’re looking for certain temperaments, adopting from a breeder may be the best way to go. No matter how you do it, you’ll want to make sure you’re doing it in an ethical way.
4. Think About a Younger Cat
Younger cats are often better for families with young kids than older cats. A younger cat will be able to grow up with your child, which can be a great experience. Sometimes with older cats, they may have life experiences that might predispose them to have issues with kids. Cats are generally gentle with children, but when you adopt an older cat, you don’t know what they’ve been through. A younger cat may be a better choice if you have a young family.
5. Introduce the Cat Gently
Cats often need a bit of time to adjust to a new home. When you do adopt your new cat, you will need to introduce the cat to your home gently. This is even more important if you already have pets in the home, but even without other pets, make sure you give your new cat time to adjust. This will give them the time and space they need to get comfortable with their new surroundings and become a good house cat and a loving family member.
Caring for Your New Family Member
A cat can be a great addition to your family, and many people treat their cats just like their children, with plenty of pampering and coddling. When you finally decide on your pet, you’ll also need to make sure you’re taking care of them appropriately. Vetster can be a great way for you to ensure your new furry friend gets the high-quality care they deserve.
