Choosing a cat

Getting a cat and not sure where to begin? Find out more about choosing the right cat for you

Choosing a cat

Getting a cat and not sure where to begin? Find out more about choosing the right cat for you

Whether you’re a lifelong cat-lover or a first-time owner, getting a new cat or kitten is a great experience. At Cats Protection, we believe in matching the right cat to the right home. After all, just like people, all cats are different.

Topics covered: 

Adopting a cat from Cats Protection

Watch our video to find out how we can match you with your perfect furry friend.

 

Should I adopt or buy? 

Of course, we’re a bit biased, but we think adopting a cat is a fantastic choice! We have thousands of cats in our care waiting for loving new homes, and our experienced teams will do their best to find your perfect match.

When you adopt from us, neutering, microchipping, vaccinations and a health check are all included in the adoption fee. Plus, you get four weeks’ free pet insurance. And by adopting, you’ll be freeing up space for another cat to come into our care and get the help they need.  

But if you decide that you do want to buy a cat or kitten instead, we have lots of advice on how to do this safely and responsibly.  

Adopting a cat
Buying a cat

How to choose a cat 

When deciding which cat to welcome into your home, there are a few important things to consider. Think about the type of home you can offer, how much time and money you can dedicate to a pet, and what you are looking for in a new furry friend. With this in mind, read our advice below on which type of cat you should get. 

Personality  

All cats have different personalities, in the same way that humans do. Some are energetic and playful, while others prefer to spend a lot of time snoozing. Some are confident and love a fuss, others are shy and you'll need to earn their trust. Once you know what personality you’d like your new furry friend to have, you can then find the individual cat whose perfect for you.  

At Cats Protection, we get to know each cat in our care so we can match them with their ideal owner. Speak to us about the type of cat you’re looking for, and we’ll do our best to find you a furry friend to suit your home and lifestyle.  

Find your perfect match

Should I get a cat or kitten? 

It can be difficult to resist getting a kitten. While they are cute to look at and full of energy, they also demand a lot of time and patience from their owners. There is no sign of what your kitten will be like when they become an adult too. Cats don’t tend to form an established character until they’re at least a year old. If your household is more suited to a more laid-back character, it’s best to choose an adult cat. 

Find out more about getting a kitten. 

Adult cats are usually more settled and less likely to get up to mischief than kittens. Some of them will even be keen to cuddle up on the sofa or lounge around at your feet. By the time a cat is grown, their personality is well established. If you're able to find out their likes, dislikes, habits and character, it will be easier to settle them into their new home. 

Mature moggies who are seven years old and over are ideal for quieter households. Sadly, they’re often overlooked by potential owners, but they still deserve a loving home and make fantastic pets. They are likely to be quieter throughout the day, sleep through the night and stay close to home. 

Find out more about older cats. 

Should I get a moggy or pedigree cat? 

Pedigree cats are selectively bred to have a certain look. But because of the smaller gene pool they’re bred from, they are more likely to have an inherited condition such as heart disease. Others suffer from health issues related to their appearance. For example, a Scottish Fold cat’s folded ears are the result of a cartilage abnormality which causes painful and debilitating joint disease.  

If you decide to get a pedigree cat, we recommend that you take time to learn about the breed, their individual needs and any potential health and welfare problems they may have. Screening tests are available for some inherited diseases. We recommend making sure the cat’s parents have had any necessary testing to ensure they don’t pass on inherited diseases to their kittens. 

It’s also important to know that a cat’s breed doesn't guarantee what personality they’ll have. A cat’s personality is not just about genetics but also their level of socialisation before they are seven weeks old. All cats are individuals, even within the same breed. 

We think moggies are just as cute as pedigrees, they’re more likely to be healthier and cheaper, and we have thousands in our care waiting for loving new homes.  

Find out more about pedigree cats

Should I get a long-haired or short-haired cat?  

Both moggy and pedigree cats come with varying lengths of fur. The important thing to note is that long-haired cats will need to be groomed once a day to prevent their fur from becoming matted. Short-haired cats will likely only need to be groomed once a week. You will need to make sure you can set aside enough time to groom your cat and keep their fur in good condition.  

Find out more about grooming your cat

Free guide

Download our free guide packed full of all the information you need to prepare for your new cat.

Bringing your cat home guide
Find out more

Adopting a cat

Everything you need to know about adopting a cat from Cats Protection.

5 min
Find out more

Preparing for a cat

Discover how to get your home ready for your new furry friend.

10 min
Find out more

Your responsibilities as a cat owner

Learn how to meet your new cat's needs, as required by law. 

5 min
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