Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Keeping pets, especially cats, has been shown to reduce stress and blood pressure. While a new cat in the home may be inspiring for the whole family, consider it carefully. You should choose a cat that suits you, the lifestyle of yourself, your family, and your surroundings to help both you and your cat lead a healthy and joyful life.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Needs and Lifestyle Considerations

1. 

   Take on long-term responsibility. Cats have the highest life expectancy is 20 years. If you adopt or buy a cat, it will stay with you for a very long time (even longer!) The time the children live with you. So make sure you are able to nurture cats for the rest of your life.

2. 

   
   
   Make sure you have permission to keep cats. This is an animal that is suitable for people living in tight spaces, such as small apartments. However, you need to talk to your landlord, rental company, etc., to make sure they allow you to keep cats indoors.
   • Cats should not be left in the open air. Indoor cats tend to live longer, have better health than cats who go out often, and are less likely to get sick and hurt. Furthermore, indoor cats are also comfortable with humans.

3. 

   
   
   Take the right amount of time to care for your cat. Cats don't usually require as much intimacy as a dog, but determine how much time you need to spend nonetheless. If you don't have time to play, provide enough food and care, and bond with them, this is not the right time to raise your cat.
   • Spend at least an hour a day with your cat. This helps you bond and makes them feel happy or healthy. If you have a long-haired cat, you will need to set aside 20-30 minutes a day to groom them.
   • Talk to your veterinarian or ranch staff about timing with caring for your cat. They may suggest that you have a pair of cats, especially if the two are siblings. If you have two kids, you can let them play while you're away or away on the weekends.
   • Kittens require you to spend more time because you have to train them to use the litter box, not scratching objects, etc.

4. 

   
   
   
   
   Budget calculation. Feeding and caring for a cat can be quite expensive. In the US, the average costs can range from 500 USD - 1000 USD per year. The amount you spend will depend on whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, as well as on which cat breed you choose. Medical care and hygiene items will get bigger over time.
   • Keeping kittens can be quite expensive, as they require vaccinations, deworming, and sterilization. They are growing and growing soon, so you have no reason to wait. You can keep an adult cat as they tend to have a calmer personality.
   • Although cats have a self-cleaning instinct, long-haired species require extra grooming. Short-headed, or "indented" cats (like the Persian and Himalayan cats) often need a cleaning of the fur around the eyes to prevent infection.
   • Check out the prices of high-quality cat food and snacks. This step will help you determine how much it will cost to keep a cat.

5. 

   
   
   Consider your home. Before adopting a cat, you need to determine what characteristics of your indoor space is. Here are a few questions that you need to answer:
   • Do you have other pets in the house? Will the cat get along with them?
   • Are there any children in the house? Children are often quite rough with kittens and will unintentionally hurt them.
   • Activity level in the house like? Are you quite active and move around or prefer to lie still on the sofa? Kittens are usually hyperactive and will need constant supervision. Adult cats are calm and do not need constant supervision, although each species and even each individual will have a different personality.

6. 

   
   
   Consider health issues. If you or another family member has allergies or other health problems, consider how the cat is affecting you or a loved one. Millions of people are allergic to pet things like hair, saliva, dead skin, and urine. You should carefully consider the length of your cat's coat to avoid causing allergies.
   • A short-haired cat (soft, shiny coat) is usually best suited. This breed does not need much grooming. If they shed their feathers, you can use a vacuum cleaner or brush to quickly clean them.
   • Cats with medium long hair (moderately fine coat) and cats with long hair (long, droopy coat) often require regular grooming. You should brush them regularly. For long haired cats this should be done every day.
   • Some breeds of cats are hairless (and hypoallergenic). However, they often get cold and need to be dressed to stay warm. Moreover, when petting them will not create a soft feeling, making many people dislike.

7. 

   Choose a suitable companion. The breed and age of the cat you adopt will affect your relationship with them. Would you like the cat to sit on your lap and relax with you? Or do you want them to play and interact with you? Identifying your needs for a new member of your family will help you choose the right cat for you.
   • A kitten's personality hasn't fully developed yet, so it will be difficult to determine your type of attitude and relationship with this friend until they are older.
   • You can consult cat encyclopedias, such as Animal Planet's Cat Breed Directory, to learn about common characteristics of each cat breed, such as vocalisation, independence, and intelligence. Remember that every cat has a unique personality.

8. 

   Study cat breeds. Purebred cats have both advantages and disadvantages. Each breed of cat has a constant trait that is passed down from generation to generation, such as the very vocal Siamese or the Siberian cats that love to be touched. If you like a cat with certain traits, you might want to consider keeping a purebred cat. However, keep in mind that there is no guarantee that any cat will have these characteristics.
   • Purebred cats often experience special health problems. The Persian and Himalayan cats, for example, tend to suffer from heart and kidney problems, while the Maine Coons are more prone to hip and heart problems.
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Part 2 of 3: Finding Cats

1. 

   Visit the local animal farms. Animal shelters, humanitarian associations and adoption networks often gather a wide variety of cat breeds looking for owners. In the United States, every year charities receive 6-8 million pets, but only half are adopted. You can check with your local humanitarian or zoological association, or search online to see if there are cats looking for a home.
   • Pets in rescue camps are usually cheaper to buy from a breeder or pet store.The cats sold in shops and hatcheries usually cost a few hundred thousand to a few million dong, but in animal farms or pet networks, a single cat usually costs no more than 100,000 to 200,000.
   • You do not need to buy purebred cats at the hatchery or adopt them. There are plenty of rescue organizations that offer rescue of neglected or mistreated purebred cats. In fact, about 25% of all animals in the zoological farm are purebred.
   • Talk to the animal shelter staff or volunteers. They will provide information regarding the cat's history as well as some of its health or behavior problems.

2. 

   Go to the hatchery. You should research your breeder before you buy a cat. If possible, visit and check on the health of the cats in the farm. You should not pay your breeder to buy an abusive pet. If you see a cat being mistreated or feel that the breeder is being dishonest, do not buy the cat there.
   • Look for signs of abuse in your cat, such as loose hairs, an unpleasant odor, injury, and elongated nails. They need to be healthy and happy.
   • Ask about the cat you are targeting. Ask the breeder if they have health, behavioral problems or special needs. Producers need to be knowledgeable and straightforward about these issues.
   • Make sure the cat gets along well with animals and others.
   • Beware of surprisingly cheap prices. The precious cat breed, which costs several million VND, has been sold for several hundred thousand, which may be a sign that the owner is hiding or being dishonest about the cat's condition. However, the heavenly price is not sure to ensure good quality.

3. 

   Search on Internet. You can find ads online or in newspapers that are selling discounted or "free" cats. While it is possible to adopt a neighbor's cat or a stranger on the classifieds, there are a few possible risks you should keep in mind:
   • The cat dealer may not be knowledgeable about personality, history, or species. You will need to have medical records or other documentation from the cat dealer.
   • If the cats are on sale, then you can hardly get your money back if they differ from what is advertised online.

4. 

   Go to the pet store. The pet store sells cats from the breeding camp, or the "adoption center" that accepts rescued cats. Keep in mind that shop staff can love animals, but they usually don't know as much about cats as workers at the ranch or rescue groups.
   • You should always ask the store where they get adult cats and discount kittens. Some stores get cats from unethical kittens and in hazardous conditions. You need to find out about the ranches that provide cats. They need to be knowledgeable about the breed of the cat, and potential behavior and health problems, and the cat's history (family, etc.). Purebred cats will have an accompanying document from the veterinarian, such as a certificate of registration or a health certificate.
   • If the pet store offers cats from the rescue camp or receiving authority, then you can choose one of them. Adopting cats instead of buying them is a way to keep you from adding profits to unethical kittens.

5. 

   Adopt a stray cat. Sometimes a cat from nowhere will show up at your doorstep and beg for humanity. This is one way to help you get a cat in your home, but there are a few factors to consider as well:
   • You need to make sure the cat does not belong to anyone. Sometimes, "stray" cats can escape their owners, and they are eager to find them. You can post information on the classified ad or online that describes the cat you have spotted. Call the ranch to see if they are looking for a lost pet.
   • Keep in mind that feral cats will often have behavior problems. Life outside isn't easy, and stray cats can have difficulty adjusting to a new home, especially if you have another pet.
   • Take the cat to the vet before bringing it inside. Cats can carry diseases and infections. Before adopting and letting a stray cat stay with you, you should take it to your doctor to make sure it is healthy.
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Part 3 of 3: Choosing Cats

1. 

   
   
   Don't just look at your cat's appearance. Just like humans, you shouldn't judge cats by their appearance. It is okay to be attracted to a cute cat, but consider many factors in addition to its beauty before making a decision.

2. 

   Inquire about adoption counseling. Many lifeguards and pet networks often offer free adoption advice by learning about your needs, lifestyle and personality to make recommendations. This is the best way to have a cat that suits you and your own needs.

3. 

   
   
   Follow the family member the cat will be in regular contact with. Be sure to understand your cat's ways of communicating with family members, especially children. If possible, take them to see the cat to see how they react.

4. 

   Offer to contact the cat. You can ask the staff or volunteer for instructions on how to touch the cat. Each animal likes to be held in a variety of ways these staff can be quite competent. This helps to avoid being bitten or scratched by a cat. If the cat resists, don't force it. Some cats are very affectionate, but do not like to hold them. Others find it uncomfortable to be exposed to a new environment and will adapt over time.
   • Clasp your hands and head towards the cat. What is the way humans imitate cats' greetings. If the cat is rubbing its head in your hand, this is a friendly gesture. If they look away or step back, they may not like meeting strangers.
   • Just because a cat tries to scratch or bite it doesn't mean you shouldn't adopt it. Many are scratching or biting when they are stressed or scared. However, cats that are prone to scratching and biting are not suitable for households with young children.

5. 

   
   
   Check for signs of illness in your cat. You need to make sure your cat is in good health. If you find a problem, don't adopt them. Sometimes, cats in animal shelters or volunteer houses have a health problem that only requires a little care and love to recover. Here are some signs to look for:
   • Eye. Eyes should be clear and free of secretions or residue.
   • Nose. The nose should not drain and the cat should not sneeze too much.
   • Ear. There is no flax or black residue inside the ears and a bad smell. The cat was not constantly shaking its head or scratching its ears.
   • Chest. The cat's breathing should be steady, without wheezing or coughing.
   • Hair. The coat is clean and free of parasitic animals such as fleas or ticks. Look at the skin on the cat's armpits and belly for fleas.
   • Skin. Skin is clean and unharmed. If your cat has old wounds, they should be dry and healed.
   • Anus. Clean and no signs of diarrhea or worms. (Check the litter box for diarrhea or parasites.)

6. 

   Ask about the cat's history. You should gather a lot of information related to the cat before making a decision. Here are some questions to ask:
   • How long has the cat been here?
   • Why is it here?
   • How does it interact with fellow humans, employees, and other animals?
   • What is its personality like?
   • Are there any concerns by Volunteers / Staff / Breeders?
   • Do cats have any health problems?

7. 

   Learn how to get along with your cat. Especially for purebred kittens, they should mingle with others, their surroundings, sounds, scents, and other experiences during their first 12 weeks of life. If they are not well adapted, they may become disliked to humans, or even very aggressive. Research has shown that kittens that come into contact with humans during the first 7 weeks of life are more likely to become friendlier and more comprehensive.
   • Effective adaptive training includes holding and cuddling your kittens for at least a few minutes a day right after they are born. However, do not separate the newborn cat from the mother for more than a few seconds in a row.Otherwise the mother will be stressed and even risk abandoning her baby.
   • Other activities during adaptive training include playing with toys, communicating with people through games such as chasing and exploring many surrounding objects such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and claw posts. .
   • Make sure the kitten is not taught how to view human fingers as a toy. Kittens may accidentally scratch or bite while playing, but this should not be discouraged. Kittens should be instructed to play with other toys if they are scratching and biting.
   • Kittens should also interact with many people so that they don't become timid with strangers.

8. 

   Consider having an adult cat. Maybe you will be captivated by adorable kittens and forget the rest of the adult cats. However, adult cats have some of the following advantages:
   • Their personalities are often pre-defined, so you will be able to grasp their behavior and attitude.
   • Adult cats are trained to use litter boxes, and you don't need to be watched as often.
   • Adult cats are usually calm and treat young children well.
   • If an adult cat doesn't get along like a kitten, you can still teach a less sociable kitten. This may take a long time, but with perseverance and the right training, you will make them more friendly.

9. 

   Find out if the cat you are targeting is paired with another. Sometimes a cat admitted to a rescue camp with another kitten has a strong bond or formed a bond while together. If separated, they can be mentally traumatized and have difficulty getting along with other pets in the future.
   • If you want to adopt two cats, choose a couple as they will comfort each other to overcome the stress of moving into a new place.

10. 

    Check your cat's medical record. If possible, find out what diseases your cat has been tested for or vaccinated. This helps you to evaluate their overall health and prepare for medical expenses if any in the future.
    • You need to check if your cat has the Cat Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Cat Leukemia (FeLV) before bringing it home with another cat. These diseases are very contagious to other animals. You should check the cat thoroughly before adopting it, whether you are keeping another cat at home or not.

11. 

    Inquire about the vet services that accompany or are available when buying or adopting a cat. In many cases, this service is often accompanied and even required when adopting a cat. Often times you will be given the opportunity to bring your cat for the first visit in a period of time to catch some of the things you miss. You can talk to your veterinarian about your newly adopted cat's needs.
    • If you have a cat or other pet in the house, you should bring your newly adopted cat to the clinic before bringing it home.

12. 

    Inquire about the trial. Many shelters and pet networks allow you to bring your cat home for a short period of time (usually a few days or a week). This will help you make sure the cat gets along with the family and other pets.
    • Keep in mind that your cat can be quite stressful the first time you go home. Be patient as they will gradually adapt to their new environment.
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Advice

• Many animal camps have a set time of visit. The best time to know a cat's true personality is in the morning. At the end of the day, many cats are subjected to rough treatment and they may be sleepy or willing to attack you for overstimulation.
• Buy the necessary items (litter box, litter box, food, bowls, toys, etc.) before adopting your cat so you can take them home directly. Also, make an appointment with your veterinarian before adopting a pet. If the arrangements go well, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor on the day of the cat's adoption to take them to the clinic on the way home.
• Be a responsible and knowledgeable owner: It is a good idea to read a cat care guide before choosing one for you. Each species has its own characteristics, care requirements, and health issues that you need to be aware of. Also, you need to estimate how much time is spent visiting each year, and which common diseases / problems require more attention.
• After spawning, male and female cats will not show much difference in friendliness or behavior, except that male cats still have a greater habit of marking territories than female cats even though they are castrated.
• After you bring your cat home, your cat can be quite timid and this is okay. It takes time for your cat to adjust to a new, friendly and safe environment.
• Be aware that your kitten's personality will change from year to year, depending on how close you are. They are generally not taught how to respond to being held or petted compared to an adult cat.

Warning

• You should watch out for some pet stores that try to urge you to buy a cat but do not follow the steps outlined above. They put their profits above the interests of customers and cats. The friendly shop will happily let you touch the cat as you like. Some stores even have private rooms with cat chairs and towers that you can interact with without having to pick them up.
• Be careful when keeping a feral cat. Even a well-looking cat is at risk of carrying leukemia, meningitis or some other disease that can be passed on to a pet that you have in the house. You should bring your stray cats to the veterinarian for an examination before bringing them home.