You can tell whether the cat is laid-back or active, vocal or quiet, cuddly, curious or shy. You’re not looking for a timid, scared kitten. A cat’s personality, age and ability to fit into your lifestyle are the most important considerations when selecting a companion with which to share the next 15 to 20 years of your life. This also means you should look for a cat with a calm, approachable personality. It is the foundation to getting closer … Some kittens might be touch-averse, and you’ll want to know this before taking one home. http://cfa.org/Owners/FindingAKitten/BreedPersonalityChart.aspx, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/choosing_cat.html, http://www.petplace.com/article/cats/behavior-training/training-your-cat/how-to-convert-your-reclusive-cat-to-a-cuddly-lap-kitty, http://www.meowfoundation.com/adopt/selecting-a-cat/, http://www.knowyourcat.info/getcat/choosingkitten.htm, http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2014/01/right-cat-will-pick-you/, http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/how-can-i-tell-if-my-cat-likes-me, http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/seven-tips-for-turning-your-cat-into-a-lap-cat/. A shy kitten will probably be a shy adult. This article was co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD. The first two tips dealt with traits you’re looking for, but let’s talk … The arms and legs are simple tubes, with just a bit of increasing and decreasing to shape the paws. You’d never try to force a friendship with someone you didn’t get along with. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You’re looking for a bright, vibrant kitten with a confident but not aggressive personality and all the signs of good health. They may get down, but they will come back want to cuddle. Just walk away and wait for another day. You know how wonderful your foster kittens are—but now you have to communicate that to potential adopters! Read a book or otherwise engage in a quiet activity. They'll know each cat's personality and be able to tell you which cat is best for what you're looking for. Avoid Aggression. Everything You Need to Know. →, Why Do Cats Spray? Check their backside for signs of sores and matted fur. A spare bedroom or other room that isn’t heavily trafficked by people and other animals is best. To learn how to encourage your new cat to sit on your lap, read more from our Veterinary co-author! Look for traits you like, but also know that the kittens are possibly mildly traumatized and confused at their surroundings. You’re looking for the kitten that sees you and comes towards you, allowing you to pick it up. Some … Naturally, you want to pick the healthiest kitty of the litter, so it pays to look for every sign you can. To learn how to encourage your new cat to sit on your lap, read more from our Veterinary co-author! This really goes hand in hand with the first tip. There are plenty of candidates out there, so exercise a little patience and you’ll find your perfect pet soon. Discover (and save!) You’ll do better off with a kitten that seems naturally predisposed to you. Cats show their health in their fur, so look for a shiny, thick coat. I was 12 when we picked my cat Whisper. It's been my experience that a kitten's personality remains essentially the same as it ages. This is important to know before committing to any particular kitten. It’s pretty easy to pick a kitten like this too, or at least use this method to determine which kitties are in the running. But as they grow up they can become lap cats - may take a few years. Speaking of health, there are several signs you should be looking for to gauge a kitty’s health. The first two tips dealt with traits you’re looking for, but let’s talk about something you don’t want to see in your future kitty; aggression. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Dr. Baker received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin in 2016, and went on to pursue a PhD through her work in the Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory. your own Pins on Pinterest You’ve decided to add a new furry feline to your family and you’re scoping out ideal candidates. An unhealthy coat may look dull, feel thin, or even have bald spots. Everything You Need to Know! Learn more. You want a kitten that’s confident, curious, and playful. Choose an adventurer. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Obtain a very young cat – it’s almost a case of the younger the better (though kittens adopted when they are too young... Raise kittens with kindness and never physically punish them or yell at them. Slightly similar to giving your Kitten attention but this is more interactive play. % of people told us that this article helped them. This tiny breed is active and affectionate and wants to know what everybody's doing all the time. Roland has been an animal lover all his life, with cats holding a special place in his heart. You can usually find a variety of cats, including older ones, at your local animal shelter. Watch the kittens who pounce, play, and boldly go where no kitten has gone before-these are the ones who will be well-adjusted and fun to be with. If you’re looking for the perfect kitten out of a litter, then following these tips will ensure you pick a winner every time. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. She was a sweetheart, always purring. Kittens should look at you wide-eyed and with curiosity. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Either way, the following eight tips, and tricks are sure to help you pick the best kitten from a litter, ensuring that you’ll be more than happy with your pick when you get back home. Get to Know the Cat. When choosing a kitten, you should check the animal for signs of ill-health, such as runny eyes or nose, dirty ears, a dirty or sore area under the tail which may indicate the cat is suffering from diarrhoea. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Be sure to use healthy treats that don’t cause your cat to gain an unhealthy amount of weight. There are quite a few online sources that list various cat breeds and include pictures and personality traits of each breed. 8 Reasons for This Behavior →, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Steer clear from food that can harm them. If none of the kittens in a certain litter feel like the right fit, then wait until you find the kitten that does. You should also eventually move away from giving treats every time and simply praising or petting your cat instead as a reward for sitting with you. With this pattern, you can make a big floppy cuddly kitten. All of these can indicate a kitten’s overall health. If the cat has a problem following your hand with their eyes or their eyes aren’t fully open and alert, it could be the sign of an underlying health issue. By using our site, you agree to our, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Choose-a-Lap-Cat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Choose-a-Lap-Cat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Choose-a-Lap-Cat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid8714268-v4-728px-Choose-a-Lap-Cat-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"