Each cat has its own personality and needs. Therefore, we asked Jane to explain how understanding a cat's psychology and personality plays a crucial role in the adoption process and in forming a strong bond between the cat and its owner.
“‘He’s beautiful.’ Or that burdensome (to the cat) ‘She looks just like my Noodles did.’ No. Nyet and non. The more you think about the kind of personality you want in the cat—mischievous, cuddly, gentle, sparky, independent, or social—the better the match.
Consider the age: whether kitten, catten (my term for a teenager), adult, or senior, they each have their stages of development, important to understand and appreciate.
Do you already have cats at home? Dogs? Kids? Noodles will need a careful introduction. Or is she truly happier as the only animal? What does she want? What can you offer? You can’t change her. It’s for her happiness as well as yours. If you’re adopting from a shelter, talk with everyone there who knows her. Watch her alone. With others. The better for her. And you,” wrote Jane.
Some people may be hesitant to adopt a cat due to concerns about behavioral issues or past experiences. So, we asked Jane to share how her expertise as a cat behaviorist can help individuals address and overcome these concerns when considering cat adoption.“I explain to clients that cats, like people, can have behavioral issues for a variety of reasons, from inherited traits to parental influence to past experiences. I also not only deal with the symptoms but the motivation behind Noodles’ behavior—or is it the human’s? Both?
To repeat: each cat is different. Anticipating problems b/c of past ones is not only irrelevant but unfair to the new personality (catality?) in both your lives, it unnecessarily hampers that relationship that not only bonds but absolutely thrives.
After taking as much history of our feline as possible, which is often very little, from shelter to home life, we discuss the cat’s point of view as well as the human’s, needs, and how we can achieve specific goals. I also think it’s important to understand the owner’s past experiences with previous cats to get an idea about how those problems were perceived and handled. His expectations are also crucial; are they realistic for both Noodles and for me?”
We were also curious to know what, in Jane's experience, are the key factors that potential cat owners should consider when deciding to adopt a cat. Jane wrote: “Look for a healthy cat: inner ears, teeth and gums, healthy body and fur condition. Check that litter box, too. How does Noodles respond to shelter people and, of course, to you? Only seeing him in a cage tells you too little; if one isn’t offered, insist on a visitation room. Some advise taking half an hour; I’d recommend longer, to see how he relaxes with you. While it’s also often suggested that a shy, fearful sweetie is not to be considered, I believe she shouldn’t necessarily be overlooked, if you’ve had a great deal of cat experience and are happy to work with him.
Try to avoid a predetermined idea of who you want; an open mind can mean that someone unexpectedly just snags your heart! Of course, it’s a gamble. Of course, it’s worth it.”
And lastly, Jane shared some success stories of how her professional guidance and the commitment of both the client and herself have led to positive outcomes in cat adoption cases.
“The majority of issues a cat behaviorist encounters deal with soiling ‘inappropriately’ (it’s not inappropriate for Noodles, remember) or aggression towards other cats/ animals in the home.
I get an extra charge out of problems with aggression towards the owner. Concerning adopting, the problem sometimes isn’t evident at the time, which is why I encourage prospective cat owners with sometimes unresolved aggro cat issues (heartbreaking) to take more time with the shelter cats, to observe them with other cats, or, if the human has a dog, to ensure that cat has had good or at least tolerant meetings with dogs in the shelter. Often, shelters haven’t provided that.
One of my first questions? ‘What did You do?’”And then there are unusual issues, ones which aren’t covered at all in any research, which I absolutely love; one was a cat who was fascinated with his male owner’s urinating. (Another article, another time…)”
