Things to Consider Before Adopting a Cat
Cats are beautiful, affectionate, playful and intelligent animals. They make loving and amusing companions. Having a cat can even improve your health by lowering your blood pressure!
Make sure that you are ready to have a rewarding relationship with your pet. Don't allow yourself to contribute to the number of homeless pets in our community.
The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person.
But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:
Can you make the commitment?
Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year.
Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
Do you have the buget for it?
The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
Should I get an adult or a kitten?
Kittens require a great deal more attention and supervision than adults. Just like toddlers, they can easily get into trouble, climbing drapes, chewing on wires etc.
You will have to kitten-proof your home even more carefully than you would for a toddler because kittens are much smaller so they can get into smaller spaces.
Very young children and kittens, though a cute combination, is not a good idea. Kittens have not learned how to retract their claws and inhibit biting.
Toddlers do not understand how to hold a kitten to avoid injuring it and they may also be bitten or scratched.
The main disadvantage with a kitten is that it is very difficult to predict their adult personality. If you choose to adopt an adult cat, their personality is
already developed so you will know what you are getting and can choose one that is right for you. Adult cats are much calmer than kittens and won't get into nearly as much trouble.
Many people prefer to have a kitten so that they can "start clean" and form a stronger bond with the animal. The truth is that an adult cat will bond with you just as strongly as a
kitten and you will be helping them since a cat's chance for adoption decreases with age.
Male or a female?
Males and females make equally as great companions. Cats' personalities are not dependant on their gender and neither is more affectionate, loyal or playful than the other.
Select a cat based on its individual personality. The most important factor is that they are spayed or neutered. Unneutered males will spray foul urine on the walls,
roam and fight with other cats. Females in heat will howl incessantly and will attract male cats to your home.
