Where to Find Your New Cat

Now that you’re sure you want to share your life with a cat, let’s examine the many sources out there for acquiring your new companion whether a kitten, an adult, a purebred, a mixed breed, long-haired, short-haired, male, or female.

As I’m sure you’re well aware, cats aren’t in short supply. You could probably open up your back door and literally find one hanging out in the yard. I live on three acres and almost every morning I spot a different cat crossing through the field.

While a great many people come across the cat of their dreams through rescue efforts, that method isn’t for everyone. The injured or starving cat you pickup from the roadside, or the one you rescue from the shelter ’s death row, may or may not turn out to be the friendly, trusting, well-socialized animal you’d hoped for.

I’m certainly all for anyone who gives a cat a second chance at life, but you should make sure you know what you’re getting into. I want you and your cat to spend many, many happy years together. Make sure everyone in your family is on the same page regarding the type of cat you want and the amount of time and patience you have to help that cat get beyond any negative history.

A note of caution: When you begin your search, I recommend that you not bring your children along. Your first visits to shelters, breeders, etc., need to be strict to evaluate the facilities.

I’ve seen too many owners coming home their first day out with a kitten they weren’t prepared for because the children fell in love.

Oh, and by the way, children aren’t the only ones who suffer from the inability to walk out of a shelter empty-handed—we adults wrote the book on impulsivity.

Shelters—Finding Your Diamond in the Rough

Walking into a shelter is a very emotional experience for an animal lover. Walking out empty-handed is very difficult for an animal lover. Be prepared, you can’t save all the animals. It’s very tough to go from one cage to the next, staring into the eyes of the cats in need of homes.

As much as you may want to take the neediest of the cats into your arms forever, be sure you know what it’ll require. Making an impulsive decision you aren’t ready for could end up being wrong for you and for the cat.

There are many shelters around the country, ranging from public animal control facilities to nonprofit private organizations. In your search, you’ll find well-run facilities and you’ll come across horrible jailhouses. Chances are very slim that you’ll be able to come across a purebred cat at a shelter but it does happen.

If you’re looking for a kitten, they go fast, everyone wants kittens, especially around Christmas. But if you’re open to the idea of an adult cat, you’ll find many ages, colors, and personalities.

Although shelters are staffed by caring people who try their hardest to house the cats in as comforting of an environment as possible, considering how stressful shelter life is, don’t expect the cats to be on their best behavior.
Very often these cats are in emotional shock. Many have been abandoned by their
owners, lost, homeless, injured, or maybe even abused. Suddenly they've put in a cage away from anything even remotely familiar from life as they knew it and they’re terrified.

 Even though your heart’s in the right place and you plan on giving a cat the best home in the world, initially he may not act very appreciative. Some cats who’ve been relinquished to the shelter by a family due to a behavior problem may pose an extra challenge to you.

Very often though, a cat adopted from the shelter eventually puts his past behind him and ends up being the love of your life. Some of the smartest, prettiest, most sociable, tolerant cats I’ve seen came from shelters.

I toured nationally with the famous Friskies Cat Team and these talented cats who are seen on television and in movies were rescued from shelters. When on tour, that fact always surprised people who assumed that “performing” cats had to be specially raised from kittenhood. Not true! Just ask Flash, Harley, Squash, and Spike, four feline headliners with shelter beginnings.

Shelter staffs work with cats when they’re first brought in to help them become adoptable. Volunteers come in daily to interact with the animals, offer comfort, affection, attention, and playtime.

Many shelters now take an active role in providing behavioral information to the volunteers as well so they can interact with the cats in the most productive way. At many shelters, new owners can also find behavior support resources in order to help them through the adjustment period with an adopted cat after the honeymoon period has ended.

Shelters do an amazing job even though they’re all overcrowded and underfunded. Before you decide to go the shelter adoption route, inspect the facility, ask questions, and be completely informed regarding their policies.

Some shelters even require an in-home visit first to make sure the environment will be appropriate. Don’t be offended at the questions asked of you. The staff is trying to make sure you’re matched with the best cat for you.

Cat Rescue Groups

If you’d like to provide a home for a kitty in need through a local rescue agency, keep in mind that as with shelter-adopted cats, you may be dealing with a traumatized animal. These cats need stable, secure, loving homes with owners willing to help them blossom in their own time.

Some of the cats rescued may not have had the advantage of having been socialized to humans during kittenhood. This is an important thing to consider if you absolutely want a cat who will sit in your lap and view life in a carefree way.

A cat who has been rescued may need a bit more time before daring to trust. When it happens, though, it’s amazing to watch as the cat begins to lower his guard and let you in. The times I’ve experienced it will stay in my heart forever.

Breeders—The Good, the Bad, and the Bottom of the Barrel

If you truly have your heart set on a purebred, your best source will be a
breeder. A good breeder isn’t so easy to find, though. As with any other
business, when money is involved, ethics can get lost on the way to the bank.

A GOOD BREEDER

• is very knowledgeable about the breed

• welcomes any questions you may have

• competes in cat shows

• offers references

• welcomes inspections of his/her cattery

• lets you see the parents of the kittens

• has all registration papers

• requires the buyer to spay or neuter the cat

• has documentation of health exams and vaccinations

• doesn’t sell any kitten less than 10–12 weeks old

• prohibits declawing

• specifies in the contract that the cat must be kept indoors

• doesn’t pressure you to buy

• displays a genuine love for the breed

• screens you to make sure her/his kitten goes to a good home

• offers a refund and not just a replacement kitten

• requires the kitten be returned if you can’t keep him

Good breeders are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of their breed. They lovingly keep a very clean, healthy cattery, and are knowledgeable about cat health, nutrition, and behavior. Good breeders welcome questions and inspections of their catteries.

They should also be willing to supply references. To begin your search for a good breeder, start by attending the cat shows in your area. Even if the nearest one is a bit of a drive, it’s worth it. Good breeders show their cats.

It’s a good opportunity for you to talk with several breeders. Unless they’re getting their cat ready to be judged, they should be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Raised underfoot is a phrase you’ll hear very often when talking to breeders.

That means the kittens have been handled by and socialized to humans as opposed to being locked away in cages. Beware, though, anyone can claim that their kittens were raised underfoot; it’s up to you to decide if they’re truthful. Make a list of breeders and do research on them. Talk to veterinarians, join online breed groups, check blogs and online review sites.

Visit the cattery; ask questions; carefully observe and handle the kittens. Remember, a registered kitten means he comes with an official-looking piece of paper. It doesn’t guarantee that he’s a well-adjusted kitten.

If the breed has congenital defects, a reputable breeder will openly discuss that and what she/he does to reduce that risk. Look for a breeder who asks you lots of questions. If a breeder is quick to sell you a kitten without inquiring about your home and lifestyle, that’s not the breeder with whom you should do business.

The breeder shouldn’t release kittens until they’re ten to twelve weeks old. Don’t go with a breeder who is willing to let you have a kitten earlier than that.

Buying by Photograph

Whether you’re dealing with a breeder or a private owner, don’t agree to purchase a cat you haven’t seen. Some breeders who live out of your area will agree to sell cats long-distance. They e-mail a photograph or video and the first time you actually get to meet your cat is when you pick him up at the airport. My word on this practice? DON’T.

If the breeder of the specific breed you want lives far away and you absolutely have to have this kitten, then get on a plane and go see him, evaluate the facilities, and then if all seems right, take the kitten back with you. Don’t commit to the sale until you’re there in person.

Online and Newspaper Ads

Be cautious. Just because a kitten is advertised for free and the description sounds perfect doesn’t necessarily mean things are as advertised. Treat the owners as you would a breeder by asking questions.
How was the kitten or cat raised? In the case of older cats, ask why they need to find another home. The reason may be stated in the ad, but ask for more specific details.

Check out the home carefully. Don’t let the owners meet you at the mailbox with the kitten in their arms. You want to see where he was raised and, if possible, see the mother cat. If the owners are trying to place a cat who has behavior problems and you still want to adopt him, find out everything and I mean everything you can.

Not only what the problem is but where, when, and how it happens. What methods did they use to correct the problem?

The behavior problem may be a result of something going on in that household and might be solved just by removing the cat.

Just make sure you’ve received full disclosure and that you’re prepared to be patient through the cat’s adjustment period. Sometimes adult cats are put up for adoption because there have been changes in the family.

For example, the owner may have passed away and the relatives are trying to place the cat. If you know the reason why the cat is being rehomed, you can be better prepared to help him through the changes.

An adult cat from a previous home often makes a wonderful companion as long as you have the time and patience to help him.

Cats who have lost their owners, been abused, or are suddenly shunned (because of something such as rejection by an owner ’s new spouse), are confused, scared, and in crisis.

With your love, though, they stand a chance at a wonderful life. If it’s a kitten advertised and the ad states that initial vaccinations have been given, don’t just take a stranger ’s word for it. Ask to see written a proof in the form of a vaccination record and veterinary clinic receipt.

Don’t be satisfied by one of those little “My Pet’s Record” folders where the vaccinations are checked off and the date entered. Anyone with a pen can write in those booklets. Find out who the veterinarian is and call for verification if the owners have no written proof. If the owner has the mother cat, find out if she is up-to-date on vaccinations

and has tested negative for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Another big question that should be on your mind is why did this owner allow the cat to become pregnant? Are they backyard breeders who thought they could make a little money by mating their purebred with some friend’s male purebred?

By purchasing a kitten from such people you only encourage them to continue this practice. If you think you’ll be getting a valuable purebred at a bargain, you’re sadly mistaken. What you may actually be doing is paying a high price for a low-quality cat with genetic defects.

I’m also upset about the people who don’t alter their mixed-breed cats, and then when the cat has a litter, put an ad on Craigslist knowing that people are always looking for kittens and they’ll be able to get those four or five little problems off their hands.