Will you soon be hearing the pitter patter of small feet? Or tiny paws? Your new cat will be a new member of the family, offering companionship and a friendly face around your home. Each cat comes with its own personality and temperament: affectionate or aloof; wise or silly; active or slothful; loud or mute; social or independent. Whatever the case, you’ll need to put some thought into choosing a cat. Follow our guide to going on a quest for a kitty:

1. Take responsibility for your cat’s care
Acquiring a cat may not seem as major as having a child, but the same rules of responsibility apply. You wouldn’t have a baby if you weren’t committed to raising and caring the child; neither should you take on a cat or kitten without considering all aspects of your decision. Consider:

• Time – am I willing and able to give your cat the amount of attention she’ll need in order to feel loved and wanted?
• Finances – am I able to afford cat food, medication, vet fees for having my cat neutered or spayed, and any other costs that may arise?
• Place – is my house or apartment a good environment for a cat? Are there outside spaces and quiet streets?
• Lifetime care – am I able to commit long term to caring for a cat, taking into account my travel plans, job and lifestyle?

2. Visit New Zealand catteries, cat breeders and pet shops
Once you’ve decided you can offer a good home to a feline friend, it’s time to find the one that’s right for you. Don’t rush your decision: take some time to look around. There are many places to find a cat or kitten:

• Breeders – for those who want a pedigree kitten, a reputable breeder is the best way to go. Check out cat clubs and classified advertisements offering cats for sale. Ask if they are registered; if not, ask if you can talk to previous purchasers.
• Animal shelters – there are many cats, both kittens and older cats, at animal shelters. Animals that have been abandoned or found neglected can make wonderful pets; any behavioural problems are usually dealt with before a new home is found for the cat. When buying an animal from a shelter, you won’t usually be able to find out about the cat’s history or breed.
• Pet shops – kittens are available to buy from many pet shops. If you’re buying a pedigree cat, ask where the cat was bred and check the cat’s family history to see if there have been health problems or behavioural issues. If choosing a crossbred cat, look for one who is active, playful and looks in good health.

3. Choose a cat
When choosing a cat, visit a number of pet shops, animal shelters, breeders or private sellers. It can be hard to resist the many delightful kittens and cats you will see, but you’ll likely find yourself drawn to one or two individuals.

• Choose a cat with a personality which appeals to you.
• Ask to stroke the cat to get a sense of how comfortable the cat is with human contact. Bear in mind the cat may be worried by its unfamiliar environment.
• Take note of whether the cat appears to be in good health, is playful and active. Remember that cats in a shelter may be recovering from neglect.
• Long or short hair? Remember long haired breeds require regular grooming!
• Kitten or cat? Generally, a cat will be more relaxed and require less attention than a kitten. Kittens may be mischievous, require training and may not be suitable for households with very young children. Consider which will better suit your lifestyle.

4. Make your cat feel at home
Once you’ve found your ideal feline match, the next step is to get your new companion home safely and settled into a new environment.

• Use a sturdy cat carrier (don’t let her run loose in the car!)
• Find a quiet room in the house where the cat can adjust to its new home for a few days. Provide food, water, bedding and a litter box. Slowly introduce your cat to other parts of the house and other people in the household.
• If you already have a cat or dog in your home, introducing the new arrival will need some care, tact and patience. Mostly, a new cat will get along with other cats and dogs, but you’ll need to keep the new cat isolated for a few days first.

5. Create a good life for your cat
When your new cat is settled and feeling at home, ensure that you continue to pay attention to your cat’s needs.

• Cleanliness – cats will intuitively groom themselves (this is also a comfort mechanism for them), but from time to time you can help your cat by getting to those hard-to-reach places: cleaning ears gently with a cotton bud, cleaning your cat’s teeth and grooming her fur.
• Litter box – you new cat should be quickly able to learn how to use a litter box (place the cat in the box if she doesn’t seem to be catching on). This should be changed daily or several times a week, as needed.
• Health – care for the health of your pet with regular check-ups at the vet. Newly acquired cats may need vaccinations, neutering/spaying, and a general health check.
• Discipline – teach your cat not to scratch furniture, jump on the bench, eat from your plate or destroy potted plants, with repeated, gentle guidance. Reward her for good behaviour and provide alternatives, such as a scratching post, plenty of toys and access to a garden or outside area if possible.

This article was kindly supplied by NZS.