When you are looking at cats for adoption, you may look into their eyes and fall in love instantly. All pets are not going to be a good fit for you, so you really need to know what traits are important to you in a feline before you get attached.
Questions you need to answer before adopting from a shelter include:
- What is the reputation of the shelter?
- Do the animals look cared for properly?
- Is the shelter clean?
- Where is the animal from, for example a rescue or brought in by the owner?
- Does the animal have any behavioral issues, and if so, what are they?
- Are there any known health problems or susceptibilities?
- Is the pet purebred, a cross of two breeds, or unknown origins?
- What is the age of the pet?
- How does the pet get along with children? Other animals?
- Has the pet been left alone during the day (if you are normally not home) and if so, how did it do?
- Is the pet passive, outgoing, aggressive, or have other prominent personality characteristics?
Expect to be asked many questions by the shelter staff as they want to make sure that the animal will be taken care of and that the pet is a good fit for your household.
Bring your entire family with you when choosing the pet to make sure that everyone is in agreement with which pet to choose. Also, you may find that a pet will get along wonderfully with some family members and totally avoid others. By having everyone present you can see how the animal reacts to each family member.
If you want to adopt a cat, definitely visit the shelters to see if you can find the perfect pet for your family. You may even save a pet from death or at least having to live their life out in a shelter cage.