Introduction
If you are adopting a new cat, you can find a cat that is the right fit for you, and your home, by taking a look at other animals or people in your home and what type of relationship and behavior you are expecting from your new pet.
Identifying a Cat That Is Right For You
Homes that already have other animals, or children, need to be taken into consideration before a new cat is adopted. If the children, and other pets, are young, adopting a young cat or kitten would be a good fit. If the children or pets are older, than adopting an adult, or older, cat would be best.
It can be difficult to know what an animal’s personality is like before they are adopted, and whether or not their personality will suit yours, but you can use the cat’s initial behavior towards you as a guideline. Cats that come right up to you and want to be held and petted will generally be very social and cuddly cats when they are in their new home, cats that seem uninterested in you may not be as social, but that does not mean that they will not warm up once you take them to a new home, and cats that are extremely fearful will need a lot of special attention and gentleness so they learn to trust and bond with their new owner.
If you are looking for an immediate relationship with a friendly cat, then adopt a cat that seems friendly and open when you approach it. If you really like a cat but it seems uninterested in you, take a chance anyway; with time and patience the cat may open up and form a strong bond with you. If you do not have a lot of time, patience, or a quiet household, do not adopt a cat that seems extremely fearful of other people and animals.