How to Adopt a Cat
Here are some questions you might ask yourself when you're thinking about adopting a cat.
Will my lifestyle allow me to adopt a cat?
Before you adopt please consider seriously whether your lifestyle can realistically accommodate a pet. Although they are independent, cats still require a stable living environment and regular care and affection. Give thought to whether you should adopt if you might be moving to a place that does not allow pets, or you just don’t want the hassle of bringing your cat with you. Should you adopt if someone in your household may be allergic to the cat? What if you decide to have children? Would you be able to continue caring for your cat? Adopting a cat is a lifelong commitment – a cat has a life expectancy of 15 to 20+ years and will need your love and care for all those years.
How do I find the right cat for our family?
Adopting a new cat is a big commitment. Each cat or kitten has its own unique personality and some will better suit you and your family. Ask the volunteers at the adoption agency to help you select a cat and spend some time with it at the adoption center. It is better to be sure you’ve found the right cat before you adopt.
Is an older cat better or should I get a kitten?
Kittens are very cute, have a great deal of energy, and are fun to watch as they play. On the other hand, it is easier to judge the personality of an adult cat. Kittens require more care than adult cats and, as their immune system is immature, may get sick more often than adult cats do. Also, keep in mind that if you are not home most of the day and do not have other animals as company, a kitten may get very lonely, much more so than an adult cat.
Are two cats together better?
Yes! Cats may not be solitary creatures after all. A survey of 175 U.S. veterinarians conducted by Arm & Hammer found nearly 90 percent believe cats prefer to live in the company of other cats. Most cat owners are unaware of the signs of loneliness in their cats and of the fact that what a cat may desire most is a cat companion.
Here are seven good reasons to adopt two kittens together:
- One kitten can become lonely and bored, especially if the owners are out working or at school for a good portion of the day.
- Two kittens socialize each other. When they play rough they let each other know how much biting is too much. They learn what is acceptable play behavior and what is unacceptable aggressive behavior. When they have a playmate their age, they learn to be much better cats.
- Two kittens are less trouble than one. One lonely kitten gets into all kinds of mischief out of boredom. Two kittens keep each other entertained and out of trouble.
- It is great fun to watch two kittens play together.
- Kittens find comfort in each other – just watch them sleeping, curled together.
- Some adopt a kitten when they have an older cat with the thought that the older cat will more easily accept a kitten rather than another adult cat. Not necessarily so. One kitten can drive an older cat nuts; the kitten will want to constantly play and will pester the older cat until it becomes stressed.
- When you adopt two kittens, you save two lives.
