🐱 Choosing a Cat
Welcoming a cat into your home is a 15+ year commitment that can bring immense joy, companionship, and calm to your life. Every cat is unique, so it’s worth taking the time to find a cat or kitten that is healthy, well-socialised, and suits your lifestyle.
👇 Make an Appointment with the Vet →
📞 Or call us on (02) 9913 7979
🩺 How to Tell if a Cat is Healthy
🐾 Cat Flu
Many rescue cats and kittens have had cat flu, a group of viral infections that can cause sneezing, runny eyes, and nasal discharge. Once infected, cats may experience recurrent flare-ups throughout life.
When meeting a new cat:
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Look for clear, shiny eyes
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Listen for sneezing or nasal noise
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Check for discharge from the eyes or nose
😺 Dental Health
Dental disease is common but often overlooked. A cat or kitten with clean, healthy teeth and pink gums is off to a good start. If in doubt, book a dental check-up.
⚖️ Body Condition
Adult cats should be a healthy weight — not too thin or too round. If your new cat is underweight or overweight, our vets can help guide you on the right diet and portion size.
✂️ Desexing at Pittwater Animal Hospital
If your new cat isn’t desexed, we strongly recommend doing this at around 5–6 months of age.
At PAH, your cat will be:
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Safe and well-monitored
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Given excellent pain relief and aftercare
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Discharged with full recovery advice
👉 Learn more about desexing at Pittwater Animal Hospital
🐾 Coat Type & Grooming Needs
Most cats shed hair — especially long-haired breeds.
Long-haired cats need to be brushed regularly to avoid painful matting, which often begins behind the ears or on the belly.
If mats develop, we are highly experienced at sedating and clipping cats safely and comfortably. While the look may be dramatic, the coat grows back and is much easier to manage.
😻 Temperament: Kitten vs Adult Cat
Temperament can be tricky to judge early on, but here are some general tips:
Kittens
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Socialisation is key — kittens raised in homes with regular human contact tend to be friendlier.
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Gentle, frequent handling helps shape their behaviour.
Adult Cats
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Adult cats may take weeks or even months to fully relax in a new home.
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A nervous cat can grow into a loyal and loving companion with time, space, and patience.
🐶 Cats and Dogs
Kittens with Dogs
Kittens typically adjust to dogs more easily than adult cats, but safety is essential. Supervise early interactions closely.
Adult Cats with Dogs
Adult cats need time and safe spaces to observe a new dog.
Provide:
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Elevated resting places
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Boxes or hidey holes
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Gradual introductions with calm supervision
Give them space, and don’t rush — cats are thoughtful and cautious by nature.
🐈 Multi-Cat Households
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Littermate kittens often make great lifelong companions.
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Introducing a new cat to a home with a resident cat can be tricky and should be done gradually.
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Provide multiple litter trays, separate feeding areas, and plenty of personal space for each cat.
