Just as everyone in your family is a unique individual, every cat you will meet at the animal shelter will be different. So how can you find “the one?” Size, appearance, temperament, activity level, exercise requirements—these are just a few of the things that set each cat apart.
Short vs. long hair. All cats require grooming/brushing, but grooming a long-haired cat is more time-consuming and involved. See Grooming to get an overview of what it takes.
Personality test. Active, passive, affectionate, self-sufficient—different cat personalities will match with different people and families. Ask the staff to help you find the cat personality that you are looking for.
Cat or kitten? The main difference between cats and kittens is in maturity, training and time. Kittens are cute, but require more time and care than adult cats, and are more likely to get into mischief.
How’s her health? Some breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others. Look at eyes, nose, mouth, and fur/skin and ask the staff about anything that may not look right to you.
