Buying a Cat – What Should be Considered?

Cuddly cat, house tiger, or velvet paw – every owner will find special endearing words for their four-legged friend. When it comes to pets, cats are at the top of many people’s wish lists, ahead of dogs. If you are one of them, there are a few things you should consider carefully before you decide to buy a cat, and then consider honestly whether you can be a responsible pet owner.

The Well-Being of the Cat – the Owner is What Counts

Regardless of whether your cat will live in a single household in the future or will keep a whole family busy: it will feel comfortable everywhere if you can guarantee a few important things. Cats require daily grooming and contact with their caregivers in order to lead contented and happy lives, and this can take up to 20 years. So if you choose a velvet paw, you have a long relationship with a very special pet in front of you.

Buy a Cat – Young or Adult?

Kittens are especially cute, clumsy, and playful. Many future cat owners definitely don’t want to miss this stage in their pet’s development. If you are looking to buy a kitten, you should make sure that it does not leave its mother too soon. The ideal time for separation comes between the 10th to 12th week of the life of the kittens. But it doesn’t always have to be a kitten. At your trusted animal shelter, you will receive good advice if you want to have an adult cat. The animal keepers know the character of their protégés and can give you helpful tips on caring for them. In any case, you should give yourself and the cat, large or small, enough time to get used to it. This phase should take place calmly, because not only are you excited about this situation, your new pet is too.

Many Breeds with Different Needs

If you’ve lost your heart to a more exotic type of cat, you will likely rarely be lucky in the animal shelter and find the animal you want. If you don’t want it to be a normal house cat, the best thing to do is to contact a registered breeder who has years of experience with these very specific animals. Here are some brief breed portraits:

• Bengal cat: In appearance, the Bengal cat is still very similar to its relatives from the wild. A pronounced urge to move makes them a more active representative of their species. On the other hand, Bengal cats are very affectionate and friendly. With enough activity and care, you will become a very loyal companion.
• Norwegian Forest Cats: Visually, the Norwegian Forest Cats stand out from their conspecifics with their half-length hair and lynx-like ears. Otherwise, however, they are straightforward, meek, and sociable.
• Persian cat: The Persian cat is particularly noble. The long, silky coat also needs daily grooming, which you have to help your pet with to avoid matting in the coat. If the young cat has already got used to combing and brushing, the care time is also cuddling time with this cozy and affectionate velvet paw.
• Savannah cats: It couldn’t be more exotic, because Savannah cats are the result of a cross between an African serval and a European domestic cat. They are among the largest and most expensive breeds of cats you can buy. But be careful: You should make sure that you only buy animals from later generations of breeding, otherwise there will be legal keeping restrictions. From the fifth Savannah generation onwards, the specimens of this breed are to be kept in the same way as other domestic cats and have a friendly, sociable, and playful nature.
• Siamese cat: Blue almond eyes and a light fur with dark colors on the head, tail, and paws make the Siamese cat a special beauty, but one that also has its own head. Nevertheless, the animals should never be kept individually and a life that only takes place in the apartment will soon become too boring for this species. So it is good that Siamese cats, despite their individuality, are very people-oriented and so willing to learn that you can easily take them for a walk on a leash.
• Sphynx cats: This breed stands out for its almost complete hairlessness. With the angular face and the muscular physique, the Sphynx cat is very impressive and is characterized by high intelligence, liveliness, and attachment. Due to the lack of fur, this species has a higher need for food and the light skin must be protected from sunburn.

Preparations for the New Pet to Move in

Before you finally decide on a certain breed, you should think twice about which breed can be reconciled with your individual lifestyle. For example, the question arises as to whether you should buy an outdoor cat or an indoor cat, whether a cat or a tomcat suits you and your environment better, or whether you can cover all costs.

1. Outdoor or indoor cat: The decision for or against an apartment or house cat should be well thought out. Many factors play an important role here. So you should find out exactly which type of cat needs how much space and free space and compare the information with the possibilities of your premises. It is also important how your apartment/house is located locally. If you live in a quieter, more rural area, a breed that needs plenty of exercise and space is a good option. If you live more in the city or on busy streets, you might want to give a cat that lives indoors a home. You should also consider how much free time you have and to what extent you can spend this free time on your pet.
2. Cat or Hangover: It also matters whether you choose a cat or a hangover. You should think about the temperament and playing behavior with which you can imagine a life together. At this point, particular consideration must be given to whether you already own other animals or would like to own them in the future. Harmony and equality should be ensured.
3. Costs incurred: Costs incurred should also be researched carefully beforehand. The first price for the desired animal is often affordable (approx. 70-200 euros), but veterinary costs, costs for pet food, toys, and utensils such as litter boxes, bowls, scratching posts, etc. must also be included. As these wear out after a while, they need to be replaced occasionally. If you go on vacation frequently, you will also need to find a pet sitter for your cat, which in many cases has to be paid for.