Adopt a Cat - Save a Life and Enrich Yours

There’s no doubt that kittens are cute, cuddly and active, but don’t overlook adult cats who often make the best feline companions.

Choosing the “purr-fect” cat or kitten from your local shelter can be a daunting experience.  However, with a little education and thought, you’ll be able to find that feline who makes your house complete. To help the cat adoption process go smoothly for you, your cat and your household, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Cat or Kitten?

There’s no doubt that kittens are cute, cuddly and active, but don’t overlook adult cats who often make the best feline companions. Especially in shelter situations, adult cats are passed by all-too-frequently, as all eyes are on the kittens and their antics. Adult cats are generally over the “terrible twos” of kittenhood, so you won’t find them hanging off your drapes. Many would-be adopters are concerned that adult cats are set in their ways, but cats are highly adaptable, intelligent creatures and most cats with a bit of patience, are able to join a household and become “one of the family” in a short amount of time?

A kitten may be too active for an adult resident cat, although young male cats often delight in having an energetic kitten for a playmate.

Male or Female?

The choice is really yours here. Some cat guardians believe that neutered male cats are more outgoing and are more apt to be “cuddlers,” than female cats. However, we all have known female cats who are bona fide lap cats, too. It’s imperative that the entire human family spends an adequate amount of time with any cat that you are considering for adoption. Most shelters offer small, quiet “get acquainted” rooms, where you can visit with your potential new feline family member.

Should We Just Get One?

Many single cats are surrendered to shelters and are absolutely able to become part of a new cat family or remain as a solo cat. However, pairs of adult cats are often brought to shelters, so if your heart and home are large enough, don’t overlook these bonded buddies. Because even the best of shelters are overwhelmingly stressful places for cats—particularly those who have enjoyed life in a household—most cats who come with a buddy won’t be separated. That’s a good policy that takes into account the emotional health of the cats.

What Questions Should We Ask About Our New Cat?

Many shelters now provide a “Purr-sonality Profile” of cats who are available for adoption.  Stray cats, of course, don’t often come with a “resume,” but most of the previously owned ones will. You should ask why the cat was surrendered to the shelter, but remember that many cats find themselves in shelters through no fault of their own. Divorce may have forced a newly single Mom and children to give up their friend in a move to a “no pets” apartment, the cat may not have done well with the family’s large (and maybe playfully aggressive) dog.

You should get a file regarding the medical treatments that have been done to your new companion, including dewormings, vaccinations, testing for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency (FIV) viruses and surgical procedures. Most shelters offer free or reduced medical care for a short period after adoption, to cover such things as upper respiratory tract infections and minor illnesses. Still other shelters offer short-term “pet health insurance,” to cover even major expenses for new cats.

Before your leave the shelter, be sure to know what your financial responsibilities are regarding your new cat. Shelters want each and every adoption to work for the cat and the family. Remember that shelter personnel are working to make every adoption for the life of the animal.

There’s a lot more that goes into picking out the right cat at an animal shelter than merely looking at and falling for the heart-melting faces and outstretched paws of cats and kittens hoping to find humans to love. Listen to your heart, but ask the right questions for you and your family, and you will have a happy home with your new feline friend.