The most important thing when deciding which cat to choose is not the breed, but how well the cat's temperament, activity level and care needs fit with your everyday life. A cat can live for 15-20 years, and it thrives best when its needs are met by the time, the space and the calm you can realistically offer. That is why the right choice begins with an honest look at your own life: how much are you home, how much space do you have, and how much coat care and stimulation can you manage on a daily basis.
Below we go through the questions you should ask yourself before deciding, so that you end up with a cat that suits your particular everyday life, and not just the cat that looked the cutest in the picture.
Start with your everyday life, not with the breed
Before you even look at breeds or kittens, look at your daily life. Do you live alone in an apartment without a balcony, or are you a busy family with children, a garden and plenty of life? A cat that has to be alone a lot during the day often thrives better with a companion cat, while a cat with access to a calm home and an attentive owner can do just fine as a solitary cat. Also consider the noise level, small children and any other animals. A curious, people-oriented cat loves a lively home, while a more cautious cat needs a steady framework and places where it can retreat.
Ask yourself how much time you have for daily contact. Some cats are demanding and want to be close to you all the time, while others enjoy their own company and only seek contact on their own terms. Both can be wonderful, but it requires that expectation and reality match.
Kitten or adult cat, and what the difference means
A kitten is charming, but also a lot of work. It needs to be socialised, learn to be house-trained, get used to your home and be cared for closely during the first months, when it is curious, active and vulnerable. If you choose a kitten, you get the chance to shape it from the start and watch it grow into the family. If you do not have the time or patience for the intense beginning, an adult cat may be a far better match. An adult cat already has an established temperament, so you know in advance whether it is calm, playful or affectionate, and it typically requires less supervision in everyday life.
Also consider a senior cat. Older cats are often overlooked, but they are usually calm, settled and grateful for a safe home, and they suit anyone who wants a gentle companion without the kitten's chaos. Whatever you choose, feeding should be adapted to the cat's life stage, so you meet its needs precisely, whether it is meals for kittens, meals for adult cats or meals for senior cats.
How to match the cat's temperament with your life
Temperament often matters more than breed. Some cats are very social, talk readily and follow you from room to room, while others are independent and prefer to observe from a distance. If you are the type who wants a cat that meets you at the door and sleeps on the sofa in the evening, you should look for a people-oriented and contact-seeking cat. If you would rather have a calm housemate that keeps to itself for most of the day, a more independent cat suits you better.
Activity level is part of the same consideration. Cats with a high activity level need play, climbing opportunities and daily stimulation, otherwise they can get bored and develop unwanted behaviour. Cats with a more moderate everyday life make do with shorter play sessions and long naps on the windowsill. It is a good idea to visit the cat several times before you decide, and ask the breeder or shelter honestly about its nature. A The Licking Mat is a good aid for stimulating the cat mentally during the quiet moments, regardless of its temperament.
Long-haired or short-haired, and what the coat demands of you
The coat determines a large part of the daily work. A long-haired cat is beautiful, but requires brushing several times a week, sometimes daily, to avoid matting and hairballs. If you do not have the time or desire for regular coat care, a short-haired cat is far more manageable, although it too sheds and enjoys a brushing. Also think about shedding in the home if someone in the household is sensitive to cat hair.
No cats are completely allergy-friendly, but if allergy is an issue in the family, you should spend time with the specific cat before taking it home, and consult a doctor. Good, nourishing nutrition also supports a healthy coat and skin, and here a supplement such as the omega 3 oil can contribute to the coat's shine and the skin's wellbeing.
Indoor cat or cat with outdoor access
Your living conditions help determine which cat suits you. If you live in an apartment without safe outdoor access, you should choose a cat that thrives as an indoor cat, and in return you must provide plenty of enrichment in the form of climbing trees, toys, scratching opportunities and a view. An indoor cat needs mental stimulation so as not to get bored. If, on the other hand, you have a garden or rural surroundings, a cat with outdoor access can give an outlet for its natural instincts, but be aware of traffic, neighbours and risks in the area.
Whether the cat stays indoors or goes out, the litter box and cat litter must be in place from day one. In the cat litter collection you will find products that make cleaning easy from the start, which is especially important for indoor cats, where the box is used diligently every day.
Give the cat the right start with good meals
Once the choice is made, the first meals lay the foundation for the cat's wellbeing in the home. The cat is by nature a carnivore, and its meals should therefore be rich in high-quality animal ingredients, composed with care and prepared from fresh, select ingredients. At ESSENTIAL FOODS, all cat meals are premium, and you do not choose between different quality levels, but between preferences in terms of taste, ingredients, life stage and needs. To find the right match for your new cat, you can start in the cat food collection or let it sample its way through with trial meals for cats.
A gentle transition is important, especially if the cat is coming from a different food, so that its stomach and appetite have time to get used to the new one. If you are in doubt about what suits your particular cat and its life stage, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers are ready by phone, chat and email to help you choose the meals that meet the cat's needs. Choosing the right cat is ultimately about knowing yourself just as well as the cat, and when match, care and nutrition come together in harmony, you have the best starting point for many good years together.