Things You'll Need
- Food
- Bowls
- Toys
- Brush
- Scratching post
Instructions
Decide on the type of cat you want before you go to the shelter. Does it have to be a kitten, or would you consider an adult cat? Do you have a breed or color preference? What kind of temperament should your cat have? Does it need to be good with kids? With other animals? Make a detailed list.
Once you have your list, search online to see which local shelters and rescue groups have cats that might meet your criteria. One popular website for finding shelter pets is www.petfinder.com, but many shelters have their own websites. Narrow down the places you want to visit and the cats you want to see.
Visit the shelters to meet the cats you are most interested in. Bring your entire family so you can be sure that everyone will be happy with the final choice.
Ask the shelter to give you as much background information on the cat as possible. If it came in as a stray, the shelter might not know much about it. If it was turned in by a previous owner, the shelter may know more about its personality, how well it gets along with people and other animals, and other important information.
Spend enough time with each cat you're considering to assess its temperament and personality. Does it warm up to you right away? Is it shy or friendly? Quiet or playful? Does it like being handled, or does it struggle? Your gut feeling and your observations will tell you whether or not it might be the right cat for you.
Be flexible. Even if you came to the shelter to see a specific cat, another one might catch your eye. Even if it's the wrong breed, color or age, be open-minded if you can sense a connection. This is especially true if you wanted a kitten but are drawn to an adult cat. Adult cats are less destructive and already have a developed personality, so they can be a better choice than a kitten.