My partner and I are recent graduates, and are looking to adopt. I’ve only lived with a dog briefly and them a cat, so I don’t have insight but I’m not opposed. Casting a wide net as I’m the one lacking confidence here, their gung-ho ;~;
Old versus Young? Do breeds determine personality? Behavioral red flags? I know all floofs deserve a chance at love but we’re fresh faced parents.
Anything helps, thanks all!
We have four:
Rocket, adopted as a kitten from the humane society. 10 years old. She was rescued from a hoarder in Los Angeles.
Keanu, who was a tiny, starving kitten at a co-workers house. 8 years old.
Lorelei, aged 2. Neighbors cat had a litter:
Willow, 6 months, other neighbors litter:
All four have been raised and socialized the same way. Rocket and Keanu both love me and compete for who gets to curl up with me.
Lorelei is, largely, indifferent, unless food is in play. She demands the first right of refusal on all food, which she doesn’t actually EAT, she just wants to inspect it.
Willow is convinced she’s been kidnapped and wants nothing to do with us:
https://youtu.be/9os7eSj2KJo
We’ve been bribing her with treats, but she will not cuddle, hates being touched, and will actively back away from you if you try to pet her.
We once had a rescue like Willow. He decided to live behind a bunch of boxes and only came out when he thought he was alone. Even with the other cats he was like “nah”. Until one day someone dropped a toy made of fake fur and feathers close to his hideout. 180 personality change. He completely lost it and was so focused on this stupid thing that socializing suddenly was no issue at all if he was allowed to bring his toy. Bonus points and cuddles if you engaged in his play. It was fascinating.
Willow actually loves Lorelei and will curl up, cuddle and purr with her. She plays with Keanu. Rocket wants NOTHING to do with her and Willow mostly respects that, but then Rocket also hated Keanu and Lorelei too and warmed up to both of them over time, so we’ll see.