Getting a cat
Thinking of getting a new cat/kitten?
Oh how exciting! But for all the excitement, remember that this is an important decision for a variety of reasons. Whether you are an experienced cat owner, it's your first cat or you are adding a new cat to your home with existing animals - it's important to be prepared!
Where to get your new cat/kitten?
If you haven’t had the good fortune of being chosen by the universe—or the “cat distribution system”—you might be wondering where to start when looking for your new cat or kitten!
Here at Butters & Co., we’re big believers in adopt, don’t shop. After years of experience as a family dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats and kittens, we know the power of giving a shelter animal a second chance. That being said, adoption isn’t the only route, and there are valid reasons why you might choose to get your new furry friend elsewhere. We celebrate all happy cats and owners, no matter where they came from, but we want to make sure you’re well-prepared and equipped to make informed decisions!
Rescues/Shelters
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Looking for a new pet? Reputable rescues and shelters are fantastic places to start! Always take the time to research any shelter or rescue organization before adopting, as anyone can call themselves a rescue.
- Adoption Fees - Most reputable shelters include a lot in their adoption fees, which often makes adopting a cat much more affordable than other options! Be sure to check with your local shelter to see what their adoption fee covers. Many well-known shelters, like humane societies, include services such as: Initial vaccination, spaying/neutering, microchipping, vet exams and parasite treatments. Some shelters even offer discounts or fee waivers for veterans and active military members, making adoption an affordable and rewarding choice for adding a new family member.
- Peace of Mind - Reputable shelters and rescues often have return policies in case things don’t work out with your new pet—sometimes for the pet’s entire lifetime. This gives you peace of mind when taking on the responsibility of pet ownership. Good shelters also prioritize the health of the animals they adopt out. They’ll ensure your new cat is healthy enough for adoption, which reduces the risk of surprise vet bills. Most will also provide advice and support after adoption to help you and your pet adjust to your new life together. Additionally, they’ll be upfront about the animal’s behavior and needs, as they know a failed adoption isn’t good for anyone involved.
- Finding The Right Match - Shelters and rescues want to create happy matches—for both pets and people! While they can’t guarantee a perfect fit every time, their staff and volunteers will do their best to make things work. The last thing they want is a pet being returned. That’s why they carefully assess the personality, temperament, and needs of each animal to find the best possible match for your lifestyle. Be honest, open-minded, and willing to explore all your options when working with a shelter.
- Save a Life - Adopting a shelter pet truly saves lives. In the 1970s, over 15 million animals were euthanized annually in the U.S. Thanks to increased awareness, spay/neuter campaigns, and adoption efforts, that number has dropped dramatically. However, the problem hasn’t disappeared. In 2022, an estimated 350,000 shelter animals were euthanized in the U.S., according to organizations like Best Friends Animal Society. When you adopt from a kill shelter, you’re directly saving a life. When you adopt from a no-kill shelter, you’re freeing up space so they can rescue more animals. Plus, your adoption fee supports the shelter’s work, helping them save even more lives—rather than going to someone’s profit.
Purchasing or 'Free To Good Home'
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Sometimes there are valid reasons to adopt or buy a cat outside of a shelter or rescue, but it’s important to understand the potential risks involved.
- Giving a Pet a Good Home - For those willing to take on a bit more risk, adopting a pet through private sales or "free to good home" ads can ensure that the animal ends up in a loving environment. Unfortunately, when pets are sold or given away without proper consideration and safeguarding, there’s a greater chance they might end up with someone who is unprepared, neglectful, or unaware of how to properly care for them. If you’re an experienced cat owner or someone ready to handle the challenges, you can give a kitten or cat a great home. If you choose to buy or take in a pet this way, you can go the extra mile by suggesting spay/neuter options to the current owner and encouraging them to seek assistance from local charities that offer financial help for these procedures.
- Behavior Risks - When getting a pet through private sales or giveaways, there’s always the chance the current owner might withhold information about the cat’s behavior—especially if they’re eager to sell or simply want the animal gone. These undisclosed behaviors could include: aggression or fearfulness, issues with other pets or children, or destructive habits in the home. Taking on a pet without a full understanding of their temperament can lead to stress for both you and the animal. If problems arise, it will be up to you to address them, whether that means investing time and effort to work through the issues or rehoming the pet again.
- Medical Risks (Bills!) - Privately sold or "free" cats are often at a higher risk for health issues, including parasites, infectious diseases, or undiagnosed conditions. It’s critical to ask about the cat’s health history, vaccination records, and the health of their mother, especially to avoid unintentionally supporting kitten mills or unethical breeders. Unlike adopting through a reputable shelter or rescue, where vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and microchipping are often included in the adoption fee, taking in a privately sourced cat means these costs will fall entirely on you. Veterinary care can add up quickly, so be prepared for potential expenses like vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, parasite treatments, microchipping and general health exams. Should they come with any undiagnosed or undisclosed medical problems, this can lead to unexpected bills and possibly infectious illnesses that could pass to any other animals in the home.
Pedigree Cats
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There are some perfectly legitimate reasons to purchase a pedigree cat from breeder.
- Breed Enthusiasts and Communities - Owning a pedigree cat can be a gateway to becoming part of breed-specific communities or participating in events, making friends and having fun with a likeminded community of cat lovers. These groups allow cat enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate their love for a particular breed and support responsible, ethical breeding of pedigree cats.
- Predictability - A reputable breeder will provide you with detailed information about a cat’s lineage, health history, and upbringing. This transparency can be comforting for owners who want to know exactly where their pet comes from and what to expect in terms of potential health or behavior issues. A good breeder will also guide you through the specific care needs of the breed to ensure you're fully prepared for the responsibility of owning that particular cat. However, keep in mind that genetics isn’t everything—behavior and temperament can vary, so it’s important to research both the breed and the breeder thoroughly.
- Research - This is crucial! Pedigree cats from breeders are a big investment, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready. Some breeds, like Sphynx cats, have very specific care needs that require time, attention, and commitment—such as regular bathing, skin care, and nail trimming. It is important not just to be aware of the need for additional care, but remember that if it is not done correctly and from a young age a cat may not be comfortable with these things - for example, a Sphynx needs to be taught to enjoy bathes! Additionally, some breeds may have genetic health risks you need to be aware of, like Persian cats, which are more likely to develop polycystic kidney disease, or Maine Coons, which can be prone to hip dysplasia. Always check the health risks associated with a breed and consider the financial and time commitments involved. Breeds like Sphynx cats should also be tested for heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), so make sure you research what your breeder should be doing with regards to appropriate genetic testing. Do your homework on the breed’s care requirements and ensure you’re choosing a responsible. ethical breeder and you should find a lovely, healthy and happy addition for your home!
Our Helpful Products
Watch this space!
We are here to make things easier. Soon we will announce our first Butters & Co. product launch, which we have tried and tested with our family and our rescues for months in preparation. It has taken a lot of the work and effort out of caring for our cats, and it is approved by our very own Butters & his lady wife Millie above! Coming to Amazon US Spring 2025.
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