Hi everyone!
Are you thinking about adopting a cat or a kitten? Perhaps you already have a cuddly ball of fur and you want to introduce another kitty into your home. Either way, please be a responsible pet owner.
THINK BEFORE YOU ADOPT!
It is so easy to just go out and get a cat or a kitten without giving alot of thought to this huge responsibility. If you take some time to think and make sure you are ready to adopt a new feline friend, both of you will have a happier and healthier life together. Remember - you will be making a commitment to care for your pet for the rest of his or her life, which can be 15 years or more! You new family member will be depending on you.
While there are many variables that need to be considered when adopting a cat or a kitten, here are 5 tips that will help you make a decision that is right for both you and your new pet.
- Make sure you are financially prepared to take care of your new pet - not just for the first month or year but for the lifetime of your cat. Remember that your kitty will be counting on you to keep it healthy and this means visits to the veterinarian for routine, surgical ( spaying or neutering) and emergency care. It is a good idea to find a veterinarian in your area before adopting your kitten or cat to discuss fees, hours of operation, and how they handle emergencies. Veterinarians love animals and they are willing to answer any questions you may have. Don’t forget to ask about payment arrangements in the event there needs to be expensive procedures done to diagnose and/or treat your little friend. It’s always okay to check around until you find a veterinarian you like and feel you can trust. After all, you are your pet’s voice. Don’t forget about food, water, litter box and litter, carrier, grooming tools, treats and toys. These are just some of the basic needs.
- You need to decide if you want to adopt a kitten or an older cat. There are always an abundance of cats of all ages needing good homes. Kittens, however, are greater in number simply because some pet owners do not have their cat spayed or neutered. Do you have another cat at home? How about a dog? It is important to make the transition into your home as stress-free as possible. If you have a small child, it may be best to wait until the he or she is at least 5 years old to add a feline friend to your household. Children always need supervision around animals. Cats and kittens are quick and can bite or scratch your child if it doesn’t like the way it is being treated. Alot of children play with their kitties by teasing them and pulling their tails. Cat’s do not like that! Also, children can squeeze the cat too hard when holding it, hurting the cat. Waiting until your child is older can prevent injuries to both your child and the cat. It’s important to know that all cats, regardless of age need behavior training so they will know who is in charge - and it’s not the cat! They can literally take over the house if you don’t train them from the start! Cats can be difficult to teach different behaviors. You would do well to get the help of Liz Barton, the cat training expert. She will help you have your cat family trained and well-behaved in no time flat!
- Think about where you want to get your cat or kitten from. You can adopt from your local shelter or from a rescue group that provides foster care to the animal until a good home is found. Some rescue groups specialize in specific breeds of cats. If you think you may eventually want to show your new cat, make sure you find a reputable breeder. You can also find cats and kittens “free to a good home”. In this case, while they are cute, you really don’t know what you’re getting. Remember they are “free to a good home” because the owner of the mother cat did not have her spayed. If someone does not take them, they are destined for a shelter. Adopting a cat or a kitten from your local shelter is by far the best choice. They are overflowing with cats and kittens that will most likely be euthanized to make room for more if someone doesn’t adopt them. Alot of shelters provide veterinary care such as vaccinations and spaying or neutering prior to the adoption.
- When you think you have found your perfect companion, does it look healthy? The cat or kitten should be active and not overly fearful of being touched. The eyes and nose should be clear and there should be no signs of wetness around the tail. It’s best not to adopt a sick kitty even though you think you can take it home and nurse it back to health. Keep in mind, however, that shelters, rescue groups, and breeders do all they can to maintain healthy animals.
- You need to be willing to cat-proof your home. Cats can and will get into everything! Take care of valuable items that can be broken easily. Keep plants away from your little fur ball - they love to eat your plants. While some plants may just cause vomiting, some are actually poisonous. It’s best not to take chances. Kitty-cats love to put small objects in their mouth, such as paper clips and rubber bands. I had a cat who tried to chew the cotton off of Q-Tips! These are choking hazards. Also, keep anything that remotely looks like string to a cat. That can cause choking as well as pull draperies down (experience!). Please be careful with anti-freeze. If you spill anti-freeze, clean it up immediately BEFORE your cat gets to it. Cats love the sweet taste but it will cause rapid fatal poisoning, even with just one lick!
These are just a few of the many things to think about when adopting a cat or a kitten. If you take the time to make the best decision, you will be rewarded with your cat’s life-long love and loyalty.
Read more about adopting a cat or a kitten in my article.
To find local shelters in your area, go to http://www.pets911.com and enter your zip code.
Visit these links as well to adopt a cat or kitten:
Here’s To Adopting A Cat Or A Kitten!
Donzie Welgoss
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Tags: adopting a cat, Adopting A Cat Or A Kitten, adopting a kitten, cat, kitten, tips for adopting a cat or a kitten
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