Before choosing a cat, it is important to think about what type of cat you want in your family. If you think through your choice carefully, it will be easier for you and the cat to get along well together. This way, it will be the best home for the cat and the best cat for you.
Kitten or adult cat?
Our kittens are adopted out when they are at least 12 weeks old and are then adopted together with a friend from the cat shelter or to a home where there is already a kind and playful cat. Cats are first adopted out as single cats at the earliest 6 months of age.
Kittens are not yet fully developed, so it is never really possible to say what personality traits they will have. Two kittens can be a good choice if you have a home where there is a lot going on and where there is time for a lot of running and mischief. We do not adopt out a single kitten to a home without other cats.
An adult cat often has a more distinct personality and is therefore easier to match with a home that suits that specific cat. An adult cat can be a good choice if you have a calmer home.
One or more cats?
When adopting a kitten under 6 months old, the cat should always have a friend as at that age they learn a lot from each other that we humans cannot teach them.
A shy cat may benefit from coming to a home where there is another cat to copy that behavior and more quickly dare to trust its new family. If you are gone for many hours, your cat may need a feline companion. Cats are not pack animals, but they have a great need for stimulation. If you can't satisfy that, another cat is the best thing you can give it!
It is very individual what the cat prefers, some cats love the company of others and become understimulated by being alone while others enjoy getting all the attention themselves. Start from the cat's needs.
Male or female?
Many people already have an idea that they want a male or female cat and there are many theories about differences between the sexes. As all our cats are or will be neutered, the most significant difference is removed and we think it is more important to focus on the individual and not on whether it is a male or female.
Neutered
All cats over 6 months of age are neutered before they leave the cat home. If you choose to adopt a kitten under 6 months of age from us, you sign the adoption contract that you will take care of the neutering yourself when the cat is old enough. The cat are sexually mature at about 6 months of age and it can become noisy, especially if you have a female. Both males and females show their sexual maturity by starting to urinate in the wrong places. When you start to see these behaviors, it is time to make an appointment for neutering. If you have 2 cats at home of different sexes, you may need to neuter the cats earlier than 6 months of age to prevent mating.
Indoor or outdoor cat?
Since the cats that come to us have been strays for most of their lives, we only adopt them out as indoor cats. Exceptions are if there is a controlled outdoor stay on, for example, a fenced balcony/patio or if there is an opportunity for them to walk on a leash.
A cat can thrive indoors if it has an environment that is adapted to the cat's needs. Build at a height, have shelves that fit the cat or place a high scratching post in front of a window! An outdoor cat lives a riskier life than an indoor cat and is more exposed to dangers.
Petsitters
Before you adopt a cat, it is important to plan for travel and when you are going to be away from home for a longer period of time. According to Swedish law, a cat must be seen at least twice a day and then needs not only food and water but also social contact. Ask your family or neighbors, otherwise there are cat sitting sites online where cat sitters offer their services. The best choice is to have the cat at home with supervision 2 times a day so as not to stress the cat with moving and traveling. Otherwise, there are also cat hotels.
Social or shy cat?
A social cat often settles quickly in its new home and is often very little affected by the change. A social and confident cat can be a good choice if you have not had a cat before or have a busy home. If you have had cats before and can imagine taking care of a slightly shy cat, you will get a lot in return when it slowly but surely begins to show trust and affection. Many of our cats have previously been homeless cats with no, or very little contact with people.
Keep in mind that all cats need time after moving to get used to the new environment, any other cats and to you. Even if the cat is outgoing and cuddly at the cat shelter, it needs time to get used to its new home. A shy cat will require a lot of time, patience and work from you to gain the cat's trust. Many of our cats have never had any contact with people before they came to the cat shelter. A shy cat can be a good choice if you have a quiet home and a lot of time to spend on socializing the cat. It can build a very strong bond between human and cat if you allow it to take the time needed.
Remember that every cat is an individual, just like humans, and has different preferences for touch and companionship. Respect where, how, and if your cat wants to be petted, carried, or cuddled.
You are always welcome to contact us at Katthjälpen for advice. We are happy to help with tips and ideas if you choose to adopt a shy cat.