20 Questions

Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Cat

Essential questions to help you understand cat care, prepare for adoption, and ensure you can provide a loving home for your new feline friend.

1

What's the cat's age and how does that affect their care needs?

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Why this works

Understanding the age helps you know what to expect in terms of energy, health, and care requirements.

2

What's the cat's personality like and how do they interact with people?

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Why this works

Learning about personality helps you see if the cat will be a good fit for your lifestyle and family.

3

What's the cat's health history and are there any ongoing medical needs?

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Why this works

Understanding health history helps you know what medical care the cat needs and what costs to expect.

4

How does the cat get along with other animals and children?

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Why this works

Learning about social behavior helps you see if the cat will fit well with your existing pets and family.

5

What's the cat's activity level and how much exercise do they need?

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Why this works

Understanding activity needs helps you see if you can provide the right environment and stimulation.

6

What are the cat's dietary requirements and feeding schedule?

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Why this works

Learning about dietary needs helps you understand what food to provide and how often to feed them.

7

What's the cat's grooming needs and how often do they need care?

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Why this works

Understanding grooming requirements helps you know what maintenance the cat needs and if you can provide it.

8

What's the cat's litter box habits and are there any issues?

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Why this works

Learning about litter box behavior helps you understand what to expect and if there are any problems to address.

9

What's the cat's vaccination history and what shots do they need?

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Why this works

Understanding vaccination status helps you know what medical care is needed and what costs to expect.

10

What's the cat's spay/neuter status and what does that mean for their care?

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Why this works

Learning about spay/neuter status helps you understand the cat's reproductive health and any related needs.

11

What's the cat's behavior around strangers and how do they handle new people?

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Why this works

Understanding stranger behavior helps you see how the cat will react to visitors and new situations.

12

What's the cat's history with previous owners and why are they being adopted?

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Why this works

Learning about the cat's background helps you understand their history and any potential issues.

13

What are the cat's favorite activities and how do they like to play?

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Why this works

Understanding play preferences helps you see what toys and activities the cat enjoys and how to keep them happy.

14

What's the cat's sleep schedule and where do they prefer to rest?

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Why this works

Learning about sleep habits helps you understand the cat's routine and where they like to be comfortable.

15

What are the cat's stress triggers and how do they handle anxiety?

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Why this works

Understanding stress factors helps you know what to avoid and how to help the cat feel secure.

16

What's the cat's training history and do they know any commands?

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Why this works

Learning about training helps you understand what the cat already knows and what you might need to teach them.

17

What are the cat's favorite hiding spots and how do they handle being alone?

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Why this works

Understanding alone time behavior helps you see how the cat copes with solitude and what comfort they need.

18

What's the cat's reaction to different types of weather and seasonal changes?

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Why this works

Learning about weather responses helps you understand how the cat adapts to different conditions and seasons.

19

What are the cat's favorite treats and how do they respond to rewards?

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Why this works

Understanding treat preferences helps you know what the cat likes and how to use positive reinforcement.

20

What's the adoption process and what paperwork is required?

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Why this works

Learning about the adoption process helps you understand what's needed to complete the adoption and what to expect.

Preparing for Cat Adoption

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Effective Adoption Strategies

Visit Multiple Times

Spend time with the cat on different occasions to see how they behave in various situations.

Ask Detailed Questions

Don't be afraid to ask about health, behavior, and care needs to ensure you're fully prepared.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Make sure the cat's needs align with your schedule, living situation, and ability to provide care.

Key Discussion Areas

Age and care requirements
Personality and social behavior
Health history and medical needs
Animal and child interactions
Activity level and exercise
Dietary needs and feeding
Grooming requirements and care
Litter box habits and issues
Vaccination history and needs
Spay/neuter status and health
Stranger behavior and reactions
Previous owner history
Play preferences and activities
Sleep schedule and comfort
Stress triggers and anxiety
Training history and commands
Alone time and hiding behavior
Weather adaptation and seasons
Treat preferences and rewards
Adoption process and paperwork

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