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Picking out your New Cat

Choosing which cat you take home with you from the pound/breeder is an important step in the pet-owning process. You want a healthy, vibrant, and alert cat that needs a good home. There are certain things you need to look for when you are there choosing your new family pet in order to determine which cat would make a good match for you and your family.


First, you want a healthy cat. Look for any signs that any of the cats there are unhealthy or sick. Look for sneezing, colds and any discharge from the nose. These are some common signs that a cat is unhealthy. If a cat with any of these symptoms is in a cage or pen with the other cats, be sure to stay away from them, many diseases are communicable.

If you decide you like one of the cats at the pound/breeders, ask if you can take the cat to see a veterinarian first for a check up before officially adopting him. You want to make sure you are bringing a healthy cat into your home before you risk spreading any other kinds of diseases among your family and other pets.

Ask any questions you should have before adopting your new cat, they should be willing to answer you and eager to help you. Most people who breed cats are honest people who only want the best for the pets they sell. However, there are dealers out there who are only in it for the money. You should feel comfortable with the person or shelter in which you are buying your cat.

Ask to see the mother and father of the cats before deciding to adopt him. This will give you a good idea of what your cat will look like when they grow up. Also, if you spend a few minutes with the parents, you can get a good idea about the demeanor of the kittens. This will help you make an informed decision about whether to buy/adopt a particular kitten.

Many breeders and pet stores have policies about buying pets and later deciding you cannot take care of the cat, typically you have two weeks. Alternatively, if you decide you do not want the cat (because of illness or disease), you can bring the cat back for a complete refund (or they let you exchange the cat for one that is healthy). This is a good policy. It helps you to feel more at ease that you are getting a healthy cat, and can help you decide whether it can adapt well to your environment.






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