Adopting or buying a cat: what’s the best choice?

Buying a kitten is best done through a recognized breeder who is a member of a breeding association.

• You’re well informed about the lineage and background of your young cat.
• Kittens are playful and active, and it is a joy to watch them grow up.
• You are well aware about the character of the kitten you’re bringing into your home.

• Kittens need more attention than adult cats. Make sure you have enough time set aside for training and play.
• Some purebred cats have an increased predisposition to hereditary health problems. However, a good breeder pays attention to this and carries out the necessary tests on the parents before breeding with them. As a buyer, it is always a good idea to ask about this.

At a shelter, you will find adult cats and kittens of all walks of life. The shelter staff can definitely help you choose the cat that best suits your personal situation.

• By adopting a cat, you help combat the overpopulation of cats both inside and outside the shelter.
• Shelter cats are de-wormed, vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered.
• They’re often already toilet trained.
• Older cats generally have a more stable, calmer disposition.
• Giving an older cat a new, safe home can be very rewarding.

• You don’t always know the animal’s (medical) history.
• Adopting a shy or traumatized cat takes a lot of patience, but it can be very rewarding.

In this blog post, you can read more about the things to look out for and what you need to know if you want to adopt a cat.

Whatever your choice, adopting or buying a cat, this is one of our most important tips: give your cat a warm welcome home! Provide a safe place to sleep, a scratching post and some toys, give them food that is adapted to their needs, and above all: lots of love.