June Is Adopt A Cat Month
Is there anything sweeter than a kitten? Hmm…nope! Like any life decision, adopting a cat is a choice that should not be taken lightly. There are a number of things to consider, such as your own needs and expectations.
If you think you are ready for paw prints on countertops, cat fur on virtually everything and ready for litter box duty, be sure to consider the following before making a final decision. More goes into the kitten’s care than plopping down food and setting up a litter box.
1. Research Cats Before Adopting
It’s essential to spend time alone with any cat you’re adopting. You might do all your research and know exactly what you want, but if the cat you want doesn’t want you, there may be problems ahead. Getting to know each cat on a personal level before you make a choice can lead to a more positive adoption experience for all involved. You also may want to consider taking home two. Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. Plus they’ll provide more benefits to you. Cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves–and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile. A great place to start your search is online. Sites like Petfinder.com let you search numerous shelters in your are simultaneously to help narrow your search and more quickly find the match that’s right for you and your new feline friend.
2. Purr-sonality Matters
Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats. It is important to pick a cat that has a personality that will fit your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a lap cat, you’ll want to choose a cat or kitten that is comfortable being held and pet. If you want a cat that is playful, you’ll want to choose one that responds well to you and doesn’t slink away to nap in the corner. in general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active.
3. Choose a Cat Whose Age Matches Your Lifestyle
Kittens may be cute, but they also require a lot of initial training and commitment, and need to be supervised to ensure they’re using the litter box, not clawing or chewing on household plants. Make sure you have the time to commit to training a kitten.
Adult cats are usually housebroken, have a routine of their own, normally don’t require the training that comes with a new kitten, and are usually not as demanding as their younger counterparts.
4. Ask About Overall Cat Health
You should always inquire as to the health of the pet you are thinking about adopting and if it has been spayed or neutered. You should check with the shelter staff about vaccinations and if there are any health issues you need to know about. Ask for a vaccination record at the time of adoption so you can show it to your veterinarian when your pet has its first examination.
5. Do See a Veterinarian ASAP
Kittens seem indestructible but get sick easily. A veterinarian’s early diagnosis improves the chances of a speed recovery. Screening tests and preventive care –vaccinations, flea prevention, worm medications –save lives and ensure your kitten grows to healthy adulthood. You will want to take any medical records you received from the adoption center along with your pet to your first visit so the veterinary staff can pet your cat and tell you that you’ve chosen the most beautiful cat ever.
Regardless of the cat you select, adopting isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or a piece of jewelry–this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being. So this means that you’re committing to her throughout her lifetime–which can mean up to twenty years in age or more.
Contact our office if you have more questions!