Healthy Shy Kitten Or Coronavirus Positive Affectionate Kitten?

Hi everyone,

I hope this is the right forum to post this. I am starting the process of looking for a new kitten to adopt and I came across a couple at the shelter today. I have never adopted a cat from a shelter, my last kitten was purchased from a lady who was selling from her home.

I really liked 2 of the cats but they are entirely different. One of them is shy and a bit nervous but completely healthy. Although he is reserved in the shelter, his foster mom described him as very well behaved, affectionate, and outgoing at home. He seemed comfortable when I pet him and scratched him but I could tell he was nervous. The other one was so excited and affectionate as soon as I came to his cage but unfortunately he has tested positive for coronavirus. Although I know coronavirus is often not a huge deal, I recently lost my kitten to dry FIP and I'm not sure if I can go through all of that again....

I am a bit torn between these 2 kittens right now. I'm worried that the shy kitten might not fully adapt. Has anyone had any experiences with shy/nervous shelter kittens that changed after a while at home?

This is a tough one. On one hand, I commend people willing to take a cat who may have medical issues in the future. But there may be financial and certainly emotional issues you would need to be willing to take on. Having lost several cats when they were young, I don’t know that I would have the personal strength to do it again.

On the other hand, the shy guy might outgrow his nervousness or might not. But even shy cats can make wonderful pets. So, just looking at my personal happiness I would go with the shy one.

This is a very hard decision. Kittens that may have health concerns need knowledgeable people like you to adopt and help them . But i can definitely understand the fear that comes with this. I always want to take care of the needy ones. A very personal decision.

I am not afraid of shy kittens, they may take a little longer to adapt, or maybe not. But once they do they are wonderful cats. If i had a very loud home with lots of people in and out i might worry a little more. But you never know, when a shy cat finds it home it may be as outgoing as any I have a shy cat that i love bunches, but most people that visit have never seen her

Best of luck with which ever cat you pick. I think either one will enrich your life, and you theirs