Adopting a cat: What are some ways to tell what kind of personality the cat has?

Kittens display their personalities early and you will be able to tell whether a kitten is friendly, or standoffish, playful, cuddly, or not. Usually shelters allow you to take the animal out of the cage and go into a private room where you can play with the animal for a while. But, what you say about the older cats possible not displaying their true personality due to being at the shelter is true. My daughter adopted a puppy from the shelter and this poor little guy was so sad and scard that he laid way back in a corner and never once perked up. She ended up choosing him because she couldn't stand to see how sad he was. He was the only animal in the entire shelter that didn't perk up when we came near the cage. The minute she carried him out of there, he perked up and he became, friendly, playful and I swear that dog left with a smile on his face!!!! So, keep that it mind.