Thinking of Adopting a Cat? Here’s What You Need to Know

Know Yourself, Know Your Lifestyle

Bringing a cat or kitten to your life is a long-term commitment, sometimes up to 20 years depending on the cat. If you’re thinking about adding a cat to your household, think carefully about your lifestyle.

What is your living situation like? Are you in a house or apartment? If you rent, you will want to be sure you understand your landlord’s policies on pet ownership, or you might be saddled with some unexpected extra expenses.

How much time do you really have to devote to your new pet? Kittens are adorable and can provide you with hours of entertainment, but they are high energy and will likely require you to kitten proof your home, train them to use a litter box, and be available for hours of play time.

If this doesn’t sound so appealing, consider adopting an adult cat. Adult cats are typically pre-acquainted with the litter box, and playtime isn’t as all-encompassing as it is for kittens.

Consider other people living in your home as well. Be sure to find out if your roommates or family members are willing to help with the cat, or if they would rather not be involved in the everyday care. If there’s a pet allergy, you may need to put your plans on hold.

Do you work from home, with lots of time to devote to training and care? Or is it common for you to travel for work, putting you out of the house for several days or more during a month?

If you’re the primary cat parent, you’ll need to make plans to have someone check on your cat when you’re gone. Though cats are pretty self-sufficient, they can do some serious damage if left unattended for several days, plus it’s simply not good pet parenting.

Prepare Yourself for the Application Process

One of the most common misconceptions about adopting an animal from a shelter is that you can simply walk in the door, find your forever pet, and leave that same day to take him or her home. This is not always the case. Rescues and shelters require potential pet owners to apply and be approved as a good candidate for an adopted dog or cat. They may even require a personal interview before issuing an approval.

Don’t be discouraged if you are rejected by a particular organization. Apply to several places, and eventually you will find the perfect match. Remember that applications and interviews exist to protect the animals and to ensure they end up in a permanent home.

If you think you may want to adopt a pet now or in the future, consider filling out a few applications before you go to the shelters. This makes your odds for leaving with a pet the same day you visit significantly higher. Many organizations will keep your application on file for several months, so you can take your time finding the ideal pet without worrying about whether or not you will be approved.

Few things are as rewarding as sharing your home with a snuggly and soft cat or kitten. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner, or you’ve had several cats in your life, bringing a new cat into your home can sometimes be a real challenge. 

If you’re considering adding a cat or kitten to your family, make sure you check out local shelters and rescues to adopt your new furry friend. Shelters and rescues are constantly inundated with unwanted cats and kittens looking for a new home, and you’re sure to find a fantastic feline to share your life with.

Before you head over and start looking at all the adoptable cats, there are few things you need to know.

Breeds, Gender, and Fur Considerations

If you’ve had your heart set on a gorgeous Himalayan, Maine Coon, or Siamese, you might be thinking a shelter cat isn’t for you. Well, you would be wrong. Purebred cats are abandoned every day.

If you’re willing to look in several locations, you’re almost guaranteed to find your very own purebred cat in whatever breed you fancy. In fact, the humane society notes that purebred animals make up almost 25 percent of pets in shelters. There are even breed specific rescues where you can find your ideal cat.

Whether your cat is male or female shouldn’t be too much of a concern, as both male and female cats can make for wonderful, loving companions. Be a responsible pet owner, though, and be sure to have your cat spayed or neutered if it hasn’t already been done at the shelter.

Not only do unwanted litters produce yet more kittens that may end up in shelters, they can also cost you a significant amount of money in surprise medical bills. If you do not spay your female cat, you are also putting her at significant risk for health issues, including ovarian cysts and uterine infections caused by fluctuating hormones and a higher risk for mammary cancer as she gets older.

Another thing to consider is grooming, fur length, and potential cleanup. Long-haired cats are stunning, but they require significantly more brushing and care than short-haired cats. Additionally, not all cats are amenable to being brushed. Be sure you have the time and willingness to do the extra work before taking a long-haired cat home.

Get Ready to Bring Kitty Home

Now that you know what to expect, get ready to head to your local shelter or rescue and find the perfect cat for your home. If you don’t find your new pet right away, keep trying. Shelters and rescues get more pets every day, and your perfect companion is out there waiting for you to bring them home.