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Cats are unwanted pets Choosing the perfect cat to adopt can be like finding a needle in a haystack. It is therefore essential to choose a cat that best suits your lifestyle and personality. Some people prefer to live with an outgoing, gregarious cat and there are those who find the company of a placid, laid-back feline more enjoyable. Knowing more about the different feline personality types and how they develop can make it easier to locate a cat that will give you years of pleasure and joy.
Cats are unwanted pets
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a purebred cat or a mixed breed cat. Just like humans, every cat has a different and unique personality. Even if the cats are born in the same litter, their temperaments and dispositions will likely be very different. With the wide variety of feline personality types, it’s worth asking yourself what characteristics you need in a cat. Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, BVMS DACVB, former director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, points out that “it takes two to tango. By choosing a cat, you are part of the equation.
Some cats have gentle dispositions, while others are skittish. Some are brave and confident while others are just plain scary cats. Some breeds tend to be “talkative” while others are quiet; and some fiercely independent cats, while others are Velcro.
According to Dr. Dodman, “cat personality types can be categorized into three different basic classifications; Alert, sociable and fair. Alert cats are confident, active, and curious. Sociable defines the range of temperamental characteristics that revolve around the cat’s ability to get along with other cats or other people. At one end of the scale, sociable cats are outgoing and extroverted. They are compatible with other cats and enjoy human company. However, at the other end of the sociability scale, these cats can be antisocial loners. Even cats are even-tempered and can remain stoic even in the face of difficult situations. At the other end of the fair scale however, for no apparent reason, they can suddenly fly away.
Although genetics plays an important role in a cat’s personality, what are some of the other factors that contribute to feline temperament? Dr. Dodman explains that one of the main reasons for these distinct personality types is the cat’s critical bonding period. This sensitive development phase occurs between two and seven weeks of age. Kittens that are frequently handled by various people and exposed to other species and situations tend to be more social, less frightened of humans and other animals than kittens that have been deprived of these critical socialization events.
Cats are unwanted pets
If you’re looking for an adorable lap cat, Dr. Dodman suggests adopting an adult cat with a “what you see is what you get” personality may be a solution. Adult cats are generally calmer and less pernicious. However, Dr. Dodman recommends that no matter what type of feline temperament you’re looking for, if you’re adopting a cat from an animal shelter, it’s wise to ask the shelter staff for any relevant information they might have about the cat’s history.
Since the history of some cats released to shelters is generally unknown, ask about staff interactions with the cat. Is the cat’s personality stable? Is the cat friendly and outgoing? Is the cat easy to handle? Does the cat have any medical issues to worry about?
You can make your decision whether or not to adopt a specific feline companion easier by having time to interact with the cat. Some shelters will allow adopters to spend supervised time with a potential adoptee. Take advantage of this opportunity and observe how this cat behaves and interacts with you. However, some cats are wary of strangers, so their true personality may not immediately shine through.
Since purebred cats are known to have distinct personality traits, it may be easier to predict a kitten or cat’s behavior if you buy or adopt from a reputable breeder. For example: Siamese and Oriental Shorthair cats can be “too” talkative and demand attention, while Persians and Scottish Folds are sweet and gentle by nature.
But just because a particular breed is known for certain personalities doesn’t mean that every cat or kitten of that breed will exhibit those traits. It all depends on what the kittens have been through during those first two to seven sensitive weeks. If you are considering buying a purebred cat or kitten, ask the breeder if their kittens or cats have been handled extensively, are used to being around people, children, visitors, and are comfortable with other animals.
When evaluating a cat’s personality, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Cats react in different ways in different situations. For example: during a visit to the veterinarian, a fearful cat may “freeze”, seeming to behave well; while others become surly and difficult to deal with.
According to Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, Clinical Instructor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Animal Behavior Clinic, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, with patience, compassion and understanding, even a cat that has what is considered an “undesirable disposition has the potential to slowly transition into a more confident and predictable nature.
Since cats need a predictable routine, scheduled daily activities can foster bonding and trust. As extremely intelligent animals, cats thrive on physical and mental stimulation. As predatory animals, they thrive on games that exercise their predatory nature. Interactive play several times a day using feathers on a string can speed up the bonding process. To stave off feline boredom, kibble-filled puzzle toys will keep most cats busy for hours. Games and routine facilitate trust and affection.
However, cats that do not have the critical bonding period with humans may not readily accept human contact. They can co-exist with their guardians but will have difficulty interacting with them. These cats can take up to six months to settle more comfortably into a new home and may prefer feline companionship. While some people desire friendly, outgoing cats, on the other hand, these cats can be the perfect feline companion for people who don’t need a lot of interaction with their pet.
No matter which type of feline personality is attractive, the proclamation penned by Paul Gray, the famous American musician and songwriter, “You have to love a cat on its own terms”, gives us a glimpse of the most important lesson to have a successful and meaningful relationship. with a cat.
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