November may be ASPCA’s Adopt A Shelter Dog Month, but today is National Cat Day. In honor of National Cat Day, Goodnewsforpets has compiled the top cat adoption tips so you have everything you need if you are looking to add a purrfect addition to your family.
Choosing the Right Cat for You
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 are ready to take on litter box duty, be sure to consider the following before making a final decision.
1. Research Cats Before Adopting
It’s essential to spend time alone with any cat you’re thinking about 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.
2. Purr-sonality Matters
It’s 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.
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.
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 their litter box, not clawing the furniture 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. 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. Schedule a Veterinary Exam Immediately
Most shelters have a limited return policy, so it is extremely important to have your veterinarian examine your new pet right after adoption. Your veterinarian will make an assessment of your pet’s health, and advise you about follow-up vaccinations and the need for future examinations.
Regardless of the cat you select, adopting a feline friend means you’re committing to her for throughout her lifetime—which can mean up to twenty years in age or more. Having a pet insurance plan is an important step in being a responsible pet owner, and helps you give your fuzzy friend the care she deserves should the need arise.
Some more tips for everyday care of your new meow pal.
Cat Supply Checklist
- Premium-brand cat food
- Food dish
- Water bowl
- Interactive toys
- Brush
- Comb
- Safety cat collar with ID tag
- Scratching post or scratching pad
- Litter box
- Litter
- Cat carrier
- Cat bed or box with warm blanket or towel
The No-No List
Do not feed your cat the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Grapes & raisins
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Onions, garlic & chives
- Poultry bones
- Salt & salty foods
- Tomato leaves, stems & unripe fruit
- Yeast dough
Feature photo by Wendy Cope used under a creative commons license, no charges were made.
