Adopting a cat is a gift you give yourself and your future feline. But you may be unsure about how to choose between the cats at your local shelter. Chances are there are many! We’ve compiled advice on picking the proper age and cat breed to match your lifestyle and interests. Adopting a cat is an exciting and rewarding experience, but with so many choices—between kittens and adult cats, long-haired and short-haired, playful or calm—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or looking to add another furry friend to your home, this guide will help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and family.
ADULT CATS
While kittens are undeniably adorable, there are many perks to taking home an adult cat that you may not have thought of. For one, adult cats can save you a substantial amount of money, as most have already been spayed and received vaccination shots. What’s more, most adult cats have been litter-box trained, and can adapt more quickly to a new home than kittens. Adopting a grown up cat will save you from having to kitty-proof your house. In general, if you don't have that much time to dedicate to supervising and training a kitten then an adult cat would be a great match for you. You can also narrow down the age of your future adult cat based on your lifestyle and family composition. Younger adult cats are perfect for a home with small children, or for those who work outside of the home and need to leave their cat unattended for hours at a time. Conversely, a more senior cat would we great for a family with adolescents and can act as a great playmate for other adult cats that may have lost a feline companion. In general, adult cats get along best with other adults cats, compared to kittens.
KITTENS
While kittens often trump adult cats on cuteness, there are a lot of aspects to consider before committing to bringing an untrained animal into your house. In general, kittens require a lot of supervision and training. They will need to be taught what they can and can’t play with and where they should eliminate. Also, keep in mind that a kitten will need to be neutered and receive proper vaccinations to maintain her health. The Blue Cross for Pets recommends only taking home a kitten (who is at least 8 weeks old) if someone is able to stay at home for a substantial part of the day to give your cat the care and attention it needs. If you have small children in your house, it’s better to consider adopting an adult cat, as the combination of an untrained kitten and a curious toddler may result in lots of scratches. It’s also important to remember that a cat’s lifespans can be very long, up to 20 years. If you adopt a kitten, keep in mind that it is a long-term commitment. Lastly, it’s very important that you have your potential new kitten screened by a vet for common feline illnesses and that you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
BREEDS
While many wonderful cats in shelters are mixed breeds, understanding how to choose a cat breed can help you identify traits that best suit your personality and lifestyle.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Cat Breed
Popular Cat Breeds and Their Personalities
If you’re adopting from a shelter, ask the staff about the cat’s personality traits—often, mixed-breed cats display characteristics of specific breeds.
When choosing a cat to adopt, focus less on breed and more on compatibility. Spend time interacting with different cats to see who connects with you. Whether you bring home a bouncy kitten or a mellow adult cat, what matters most is the bond you’ll build over time.
Adopting a cat is not just about finding the “perfect” pet—it’s about opening your heart and home to a new companion. And no matter their age or breed, that cat will be forever grateful.
Are you thinking of adopting a dog but you’re not sure how to prepare? The process can be a smooth one as long as you are equipped with the right information (and the right treats!). We’ve compiled a list of things you should expect to do prior to and during the first week of welcoming your new pup into your home.
Adopting a cat for the first time is an exciting experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. While cats are often considered independent pets, they still require proper care, attention, and understanding. Whether you're bringing home a kitten or an adult rescue, avoiding these common cat ownership mistakes will set you and your furry friend up for a happy life together.
Here are five common mistakes new cat owners make—and how to avoid them.
Mistake:
Many new cat owners assume their cat is healthy if it looks fine. They might delay or even skip the first veterinary visit, which can be a big mistake.
How to Avoid It:
Schedule a vet appointment within the first week of adoption. A full check-up ensures your cat is free of parasites, up to date on vaccinations, and checked for any underlying health issues. Regular vet check-ups are key to cat health care and early disease prevention.
2. Feeding an Inappropriate Diet
Mistake:
Feeding cats table scraps, dog food, or low-quality kibble is unfortunately common. New owners may not understand the nutritional needs of their feline friend.
How to Avoid It:
Choose a high-quality cat food that’s appropriate for your cat’s age, weight, and health. Kittens, adults, and senior cats all have different dietary needs. Consult your vet for the best options and always provide fresh water.
3. Neglecting Litter Box Maintenance
Mistake:
Litter boxes are often placed in busy or inconvenient spots and not cleaned frequently enough. This leads to cat litter problems and sometimes even accidents outside the box.
How to Avoid It:
Place the litter box in a quiet, accessible location and clean it daily. Use unscented, clumping litter if possible. The general rule? One litter box per cat—plus one extra.
4. Not Providing Enough Enrichment
Mistake:
Thinking your cat will entertain itself is a common misunderstanding. Without stimulation, cats can become bored, destructive, or overweight.
How to Avoid It:
Invest in cat toys, scratching posts, window perches, and climbing trees. Play with your cat daily to strengthen your bond and encourage healthy exercise. Rotate toys to keep things interesting.
5. Skipping Socialization and Training
Mistake:
Some new cat owners believe that cats can’t be trained or socialized. This myth leads to behavior problems down the road.
How to Avoid It:
Start gentle training and socialization early. Use positive reinforcement (treats and praise) to teach basic behaviors like using a scratching post or tolerating grooming. Don’t punish—cats respond best to calm, consistent guidance.
Being a first-time cat owner comes with a learning curve, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can avoid these common mistakes and build a loving, lifelong relationship with your feline companion. Remember: every cat has a unique personality, so be patient and enjoy the journey.
In the US, 40 percent of pets are obtained from friends or family members. Roughly 30 percent are adopted from shelters and rescues while the other 30 percent are purchased from breeders. Our list of benefits for both adopting and purchasing will help you narrow down which choice is right for you.
Do you want to welcome a pet into your home but are unsure if you are ready to make a long-term commitment? Fostering could be the perfect solution. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to providing foster care to animals that need it most.
It’s important to bath your cat or dog when he is dirty. Giving your pet’s coat a thorough wash keeps his skin clean and free of parasites. However, your dog or cat may not get into the water willingly. We’ve compiled a simple instructional on how to make bath time with your pet a relatively hassle-free process.
WHEN:
It’s important to bath your cat or dog when he is dirty. Giving your pet’s coat a good wash helps to keep his skin clean and free of parasites. But in general, you want to only bathe your dog or cat as often as is necessary, lest you strip your pet’s coat of its natural oils. For dogs, this depends on the type of canine you own. In general, dogs with longer coats that get grimy easily should be washed more than once a month while short haired dogs can be washed once a month or less. Ask your vet for a professional opinion on your specific breed. Indoor cats generally don’t need baths often as they groom themselves throughout the day. However, there are several situations that may call for a bath, such as during shedding season or if you cat is older and cannot clean herself as well as she once could. Also, those that are allergic to cats may want to bathe their cat slightly more frequently in order to minimize the dander. In general, if your cat’s coat has become matted and smelly, it’s an indication to start running the bathtub.
WHERE:
While cats and small dogs can be washed in the sink, larger animals should be placed either outside in a plastic tub or in an indoor bathtub.
HOW:
For dogs, bath time requires training like anything else. The trick is to tie bathing to a positive memory and experience, similar to brushing your dog’s teeth. You can start by getting your dog in the habit of spending time in the tub. This may mean putting toys in the tub and giving him a treat when he enters. If you do this often enough, he will happily enter the tub without needing to be rewarded. Slowly work your way up to adding warm (not hot!) water into the tub. Cats are a bit harder to coerce into the bath as they are notorious for shying away from water. It’s best to try the same approach, putting toys in the sink and then slowly adding water and allowing the cat to play with the floating toys. Eventually you may need to place her inside, as she probably won’t go in willingly. TIP: If you are going to clip their nails, do it before the bath so they don’t scratch themselves in the process. Brush your dog or cat’s hair before they get into the tub. If possible, try to put cotton balls in your cat or dogs ears prior to starting the bath. It’s important to avoid getting water inside their ears. Then work from the neck down, shampooing your pet’s coat with a shampoo suggested by your vet. Avoid shampooing your pet’s face, instead use a warm washcloth and wipe around the eyes, mouth and nose. When you have given him a good scrub, begin to rinse and continue until the water coming off your pet’s coat is clear. Have a towel ready so that you can swaddle your cat post-bath or begin rubbing down your dog’s coat. While many people enjoy using dog blow dryers, be careful to avoid burning your dog’s skin. For cats, a household blow dryer will do if you put it on the lowest heat setting. Finally, use a wide toothed comb to brush your cat’s hair. For dogs, be prepared for a slight spray when he shakes his coat out.
If you’ve ever looked into the big brown eyes of your beloved rescue pup and thought, “What are you, exactly?”—you’re not alone. More pet parents are turning to technology to decode their dog's DNA and uncover their mixed-breed origins. Fortunately, today’s pet tech world offers a range of dog DNA testing apps and services that make discovering your mutt’s genealogy easier (and more fun!) than ever.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top apps to identify your dog’s breed, explain how they work, and help you decide which tool might be best for you and your furry friend.
Top Dog DNA Testing Apps & Services
Embark is one of the most popular and comprehensive dog DNA testing services available. The app pairs with a physical DNA test kit that analyzes over 350 breeds and screens for more than 210 genetic health risks.
Bonus: You can connect with relatives of your pup through Embark’s canine relative finder.
Wisdom Panel is another heavyweight in the dog DNA testing world. It provides a detailed breed breakdown and includes health screening options depending on the package.
Their mobile app makes it easy to track results, compare traits, and share findings with your vet.
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to uncover your mutt’s genetic makeup, DNA My Dog offers a simple solution. While not as detailed as Embark or Wisdom Panel, it’s a great entry-level option.
Though the app itself is basic, the service provides a printable breed certificate and includes personality insights based on breed profiles.
How Do Dog DNA Apps Work?
All of these services work in a similar way:
Within a few weeks, you’ll get a detailed breed report, often including family tree info, trait insights, and possible health concerns.
Free Dog Breed Identifier Apps (No DNA Needed)
If you’re not ready to commit to a DNA test just yet, there are some free dog breed identification apps that use AI and photo recognition to guess your pup’s breed mix.
These apps aren’t as accurate as genetic testing, but they’re a fun starting point—and great for social sharing!
Should You Try a Dog DNA App?
Whether you want to understand your dog’s health, curb mystery behaviors, or simply satisfy your curiosity, using a dog DNA test kit and companion app is a smart move. You’ll gain a clearer picture of your furry friend’s past—and a roadmap for their future.
Remember, your mutt’s mix doesn’t define them, but discovering it can deepen your bond and help you provide the best possible care.
Whether you have just picked up a brand new puppy or have given an old dog a new home, it’s not uncommon for dogs to have an accident in their new living environment. We’ve compiled some tips on teaching your new dog to eliminate in the right place every time.
Can you Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
While it’s hard to teach an old dog a new trick, refreshing an adult dog’s housetraining skills is an easier trick than most. According to famous dog behaviorist Cesar Millan, it’s important to first distinguish that your adult dog’s in-house accidents are not the result of behavioral or medical issues, but simply a lack of training. He suggests contacting your vet if you suspect the soiling is related to medical problems, and consulting a canine professional if the soiling is related to a behavioral problems. Otherwise, training to the rescue!
Puppies are like toddlers: they need structure, routine, and lots of patience.
1. Establish a Routine
Set feeding and potty times. Puppies usually need to go:
2. Choose a Designated Potty Spot
Take your puppy to the same spot each time. The familiar scent will help reinforce that it's the "right place" to go.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Immediately after your puppy goes potty in the right spot, reward them with treats, praise, or a short play session. This reinforces good behavior.
4. Crate Training
Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Crate training can help puppies learn to "hold it" and wait until they’re outside.
Many adult dogs have some potty training background but may need a refresher, especially if they're in a new environment or have bad habits from the past.
1. Start Fresh
Treat them like a puppy at first. Establish a consistent routine and supervise them closely.
2. Identify Triggers
Pay attention to when accidents occur. Is it after a certain activity or at a particular time? Adjust your routine accordingly.
3. Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly
Use an enzyme-based cleaner to remove lingering smells. Dogs tend to go where they’ve gone before if it still smells like a bathroom.
4. Reward Progress
Never punish. Instead, reward successful potty breaks and remain consistent.
Senior dogs may face unique challenges like decreased bladder control or cognitive decline.
1. Rule Out Medical Issues
If your senior dog starts having accidents, consult your vet to rule out urinary tract infections, arthritis, or other health conditions.
2. Adjust the Routine
Older dogs may need more frequent potty breaks. Shorter, more regular trips outside can help reduce accidents.
3. Use Indoor Potty Solutions
If mobility is an issue, consider dog potty pads, indoor turf, or even a litter box designed for dogs.
4. Be Gentle and Understanding
Senior dogs deserve extra compassion. Avoid scolding and focus on managing the issue with love and patience.
No matter your dog’s age, potty training is possible with consistency, patience, and positivity. Remember, accidents happen—it’s all part of the learning process. With the right tools and mindset, your dog will be on their way to being fully house-trained in no time.
Whether you're training a new puppy, retraining an adult rescue, or supporting a senior pet, this guide can help you navigate the journey successfully.
There are a host of foods that may wet your appetite, but leave your dog in pain and possibly in the veterinary hospital. We’ve separated human foods into categories of dos and don’ts. Read on to keep your pup from swallowing something he shouldn’t.
While we humans know that brushing our teeth is important, our pets certainly don’t! Many dental problems in cats and dogs can lead to life-threatening infections if left untreated. One study found that three out of four pets over the age of three already have dental disease. Yikes! We’ve created a quick and easy instructional on how to brush your pet’s teeth.