Think carefully in picking your's cat's purrfect match

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that this time of year is known as “kitten season” due to the abundance of pregnant cats and newborn kittens arriving at shelters across the country. While there are many reasons people chose to adopt kittens, a common belief among many adopters is that their adult cat at home is lonely and needs a friend. In reality, a kitten may not be the best match for your cat. If you’re looking to add another cat to your family, keep these tips in mind before running out and adopting a kitten.

Know your cat’s personality

Do you have a lazy cat that likes to snooze all day or an active cat that is always looking to play? For the best match, your new addition should have a personality that meshes well with your current cat. Remember- adult cats already have established personalities while you are often picking out a kitten just based on appearance.

Remember that kittens are very energetic - and a little annoying, too

Kittens are little balls of energy, and if you’ve got an older, quieter cat, a kitten is going to do nothing but annoy them all day. This is why you’ll often hear us recommend people adopt two kittens instead of one – so they can wear each other out!

Look beyond a cat’s age

The perfect match for your cat may be 8 years old, not 8 weeks old. Try to focus on a compatible energy level and personality instead of limiting yourself to cats of a certain age. And don’t forget: kittens are small and cute, but they will grow into larger adult cats very quickly.

Male vs. female

Female cats tend to be divas while male cats are more easygoing. Typically, it’s easier to introduce a male cat to another male cat than it is to introduce two females. Every cat is different, though, so be sure to talk to the shelter staff about each cat’s personality.

Be your cat’s best friend

If you think your cat is bored or lonely, consider spending more time with him instead of bringing home another pet. Trying getting him more toys – cats go nuts for laser pointers! Some cats do best as solo pets, so remember that the real best friend your cat might be looking for is actually you!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with three parrots, two cats, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org