First Time Cat Adopter Seeks Advice On How To Pick The Right Feline At The Animal Shelter, Interwebs Assist

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kalila courban
Jul 5, 2023 11:00 AM EDT

Hey there, fellow cat lovers! Get ready for a heartwarming journey as we join this first-time cat adopter in their quest for the perfect feline companion. So, this person heads to the county shelter, excited but also a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of cats and their timid nature. They're just like us, unsure of how to read a cat's true personality in that shelter setting. But fear not, because we've got the internet on our side!

The original poster turned to the interwebs for advice and discovered a treasure trove of stories and advice. One person shares how their cat chose them by screaming for attention, while another recounts their experience with a once-shy cat that turned into a loving friend. It's incredible to see how cats have a way of finding their human companions! And the suggestions from fellow cat enthusiasts are pure gold. Some recommend talking to shelter volunteers, who have insider knowledge about the cats' personalities. Others propose fostering as a way to test the waters and potentially end up with a foster fail (aka adopting the cat you fostered!). And the original poster ended up finding the purrfect cat for them. Things have a way of working out the way they are supposed to!

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  • 01
    Font - Posted by u/Actual-Swing9316 21 hours ago How do you choose a cat at the animal shelter?
    via u/Actual-Swing9316
  • 02
    Font - Yesterday I went to the county shelter looking for a cat to adopt. I didn't adopt one, I'm going to go back this morning when there's less people and it's not as crowded. I was a bit overwhelmed because there's so many cats and most of them are scared (which is completely understandable - I would be terrified too) so it's hard to really tell their true personality. I love cats and when I was little my family had a rescue cat that turned out to be the sweetest kitty. But it's also a little
    via u/Actual-Swing9316
  • 03
    Font - Edit: I found a sweet cat!! Someone dumped her in the shelter parking lot yesterday. I pick her up next week after she's spayed.
    via u/Actual-Swing9316
  • 04
    Font - AcceptableRoutine338 · 20 hr. ago Definitely ask to see whatever ones are acting like they want you through the cage. Then, once you're with them, make sure they are still acting friendly, wanting you to pet them, purring etc. This how we picked each of our cats 14 years apart and they both were the sweetest cats I've ever known!
    via AcceptableRoutine338
  • 05
    Font - emeretta 19 hr. ago I short listed cats from the website. Based on pictures and descriptions. I adopted the one that took a swipe at my through the cage. I had no other animals and no kids. That cat was not going to go to a home unless it was like mine.
    via emeretta
  • 06
    Font - qtjedigrl 20 hr. ago Is it one where you can just hang out with the cats? I used to hang out at the shelter for a couple hours a week when I was severely depressed because the cats would cheer me up. I wasn't intending on adopting one, but long story short, a cat chose me.
    via qtjedigrl
  • 07
    Font - Missbeccaz - 13 hr. ago I picked the one with the saddest eyes, he was wholly uninterested in me. Literally the next night after bringing him home and he was showing me his belly. Three months later, all he does is scream at me, love me, and protects me while I'm in the bathroom. Please don't discount the shy babies
    via Missbeccaz
  • 08
    Font - Excellent-Peanut-183 18 hr. ago Haven't seen if anyone else said this, but I asked which cats had been there the longest, and then went around and met each of them, spent some time with them, and eventually picked one of them - only to come back a few days later and someone else had put in an application for him before I could! I then met one more and picked him immediately. He took some time adjusting (he'd been in the shelter over 3 years) but he's so friendly now, about 6 months later.
    via Excellent-Peanut-183
  • 09
    Font - Neil Diamond-Hands 19 hr. ago I chose the one that chose me...she reached out and grabbed me when I walked by her cage. Initially went to see a different kitten, but ended up adopting my sweet orange girl instead. Best decision I've ever made.
    via Neil Diamond-Hands
  • 10
    Font - sanna43 20 hr. ago When I held him in my lap and he purred. My heart melted, and I knew he was the one for me. He still purrs every time I pick him up, or play with him.
    via sanna43
  • 11
    Font - Maleficent_Scale_296 · 17 hr. ago We chose our guy because nobody else wanted him. He'd been picked up from the street and was a biter. He'd been at the shelter three months. We've worked gently with him and three years later he's the sweetest friend ever. Will still bite once in awhile but hey, nobody is perfect!
    via Maleficent_Scale_296
  • 12
    Font - glassteelhammer 19 hr. ago I walk in and say, "Who's your most difficult adoption, and what's up with them? I'll take them"
    via glassteelhammer
  • 13
    Font - lonesomeonyx. 19 hr. ago Ask about a fostering program. It's a great way to slow roll the process of becoming a pet owner and familiarize yourself with your potential new housemate. Also, even if the foster cat that you start with isn't the best fit, you still give them a break from shelter life and can take photos and write a bio that helps them get adopted by their forever family. It's a win win.
    via lonesomeonyx
  • 14
    Font - gargravarr2112 - 20 hr. ago The cat chooses the owner, Mister Potter. Going back at a quieter time is a great idea. Ask if you can just spend some time with the cats, and if they have an enclosure they can walk around in, see if you can go in and just sit with them. If not, just slowly walk around the cages and see if any of them perk up when they see you. Oftentimes, one cat will work up the courage to come over to you when they realise you're friendly. They're the one(s) to keep.
    via gargravarr2112
  • 15
    Font - Blonde_Mexican 19 hr. ago Asked for the bonded pair that had been there the longest. No regrets
    via Blonde_Mexican
  • 16
    Font - CalmChaos Cat - 20 hr. ago I would speak to the volunteers and get their thoughts on the cats as well. I was in a similar situation to you, I got very overwhelmed the first day and disappointed that the cats I'd seen on the website were not available. One of the volunteers gave me their email and we emailed during the week. When I went back to meet more cats, I spoke with another volunteer about what kind of cat I was looking for, and she introduced me to the cat I went home with less tha
    via CalmChaos Cat

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