Finding the purrfect feline friend

Welcoming a furry companion into your family is an exciting time but ensuring you make the right choice and are prepared for this new addition is essential. Here are a few handy tips from the RSPCA to help you out.

Adoption

Adopting a shelter cat means you’re saving a life. There are loads of fantastic shelter cats and kittens looking for a loving new home, so make sure your first stop is your local RSPCA shelter or a reputable animal rescue organisation. All RSPCA cats and kittens are given a veterinary health and behaviour (temperament) check, vaccinations and are desexed and microchipped prior to adoption.

If you can’t find the right cat or kitten, or have your heart set on a specific breed or type of cat that isn’t currently available at the RSPCA, you’ll need to find a good breeder. The most essential thing when looking for a breeder is ensuring you visit them in person and are happy with the health, care and living conditions they provide the cats and kittens.

Get a senior

Kittens are often more popular but there are a lot of advantages to choosing an adult cat. Older cats have developed their own character, are house trained and are less excitable. Many older cats are well socialised, affectionate and aware of what it means to be part of a family. If matched well, a cat will take no time fitting into the existing family dynamic.

Tucker time

It’s important to check with your vet for in-depth dietary advice, but essentially a high quality, balanced premium commercial product that is appropriate for the life stage and health status of your cat is what you need.

Kittens and cats should also be offered human-grade (this is important!) raw, meaty bones to help keep teeth and gums healthy. For example, 1-2 raw chicken wings per week with a few days in between each serving. Cats must have a source of animal tissue and meat in their diet.

Safety

Keeping your cat in a safe, comfortable area from dusk until dawn is essential as it helps to protect them from disease and injury through fighting and accidents, increases the opportunity for owner/animal interaction and reduces the impact of hunting by cats and disturbance to neighbours. Just make sure they have adequate exercise and environmental enrichment including plenty of food and water.

A few things to keep in mind when considering a feline addition to your household.

For more information on getting or caring for your cat visit RSPCA