Adopting a Cat from a Shelter

Check with your local shelter on the breeds and types of cats they have. While some purebreds can be more predictable in their nature, adopting a mixed-breed cat can be just as advantageous, and usually with fewer hereditary medical conditions. Often they will exhibit the characteristics of their more dominant breed, but the nice part is that you can really see how the cat interacts in certain spaces. Cats at shelters are often placed in larger rooms for exercise and play. You can see how they interact with the space to get a better feeling of how they would engage at your place. If they tend to stay close to the walls and hide out in sheltered places, they are probably more suited to a smaller apartment where they feel comfortable. However, if you see them zooming all around the room and climbing on things, then they have an adventurous spirit and would probably love the space to spread out and explore a large home. No matter what cat you decide to adopt, you can help them adapt to their surroundings by providing them with the essentials.

Preparing Your Place for a Cat

A loft-style flat with plenty of windows gives your cat many opportunities for running, jumping and gazing out the window. If your flat is small and cozy, they'll find plenty of places to curl up and snooze. No matter what the square footage, your cat will need a private domain (and so will you). As VetStreet points out, cats love small spaces where they can snuggle up and feel secure, and if your flat is large, it's especially important to provide your cat with spots they can call their own. Try a strategically placed cardboard box or two, a corner of your closet or under a table or bed.

Pay special attention to the number of cat-accessible windows in the space. If the flat doesn't have many windows, a balcony or patio door makes a great cat-viewing space, too. (For your cat's safety, secure all screens including patio doors to ensure that they won't fall or escape). If the windows or doors look out onto a busy street or a green space filled with trees, flowers and birds, you've hit the cat jackpot!

Non-carpet flooring, such as hardwood, is easier to keep pet hair-free but requires frequent sweeping. If you go this route, be sure to provide your kitty with plenty of soft sleeping spaces in the flat. For example, invest in a plush sofa, love seat or chair (big enough to accommodate you and your cat, of course). Your fur baby will share your bed with you, which means you must invest in big fluffy pillows and piles of blankets.

Before signing on the dotted line, confirm with the landlord that the flat really is a pet-friendly place. Read the fine print on the lease agreement to see what your responsibility is as a pet owner. Many landlords and leasing agencies require an additional "pet security deposit" for any potential mishaps, and you don't want to be hit with any surprises down the road.

By considering what living space works best for your lifestyle and what the best cats for flats are, you and your furry roommate will live happily ever after!