Criteria that you use to adopt ONE cat from a shelter?

You know I think it is one of those instinct and heart things. The posters before me have offered really good suggestions. There is merit in a friendly outgoing cat who comes up to get affection and be friendly and there is merit in getting one that is so lonely and scared that they are afraid to come up to you. The shy cat may have just been placed in the cage or have been spayed or neutered, or have just been dropped off. You may want to have a second visit or have a private visit, most have a private room where you can spend some time with the cat and see how alert it is and maybe check on how loving it is. Some are so curious that you can't tell how loving it is. Also if the cat was named by the shelter it may not know it's name. Good luck if you are about to go on a new venture with a new cat or kitten. Cats that are about a year or two old have already developed their personalities and are harder to adopt so you might want to think about going that route. All kittens are cute. I said I would never get another kitten for a variety of reasons and the one above but two summers ago I got a four month old. She was not a terror but she is mouthy and bossy. She never went through any destructive period of time. That was a blessing to me. She is very opinionated. She had been found in a dumpster on a farm and two tiny kittens were sealed in a plastic bag. I hear that she tried very hard to take care of them. I am so proud of her. I guess all that yelling for help stuck with her.

Well we got our first cat from a shelter. I walked in there wanting an orange or gray cat. And I didnt get either because this cat kept flopping on my feet, not letting me walk a step further. I finally picked her up so I could walk around, and she melted in my arms.. how could I say no? Wonderful post. I will reply to any discussion that lets me talk about my oldest "baby".. we have 3 more after her but they were all rescue strays.

Very cute name. I tend to rescue my animals before they get to the pound...Morgana was a kitten that belonged to a friend of my Niece. They moved and left a mama and 5 kittens under the house in the middle of winter. They caught and found homes for all but Morgana. They finally caught her but couldn't find her a home. My Niece asked me to take her in and here she is!! She's a great cat and we love having her. It's very hard to pick just one pet when you go to the shelters...I always end up crying that I want to bring them all home. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~

I think the way you picked was a good way. I think what I would do is go there and tell the workers I want to adopt a cat. Then I would make them find the one that needs a home the most and that would be my new friend. I adopted a dog once from the shelter and used your method and he was a great little guy. I still miss him.