Adopting Cats

Adopting a Cat or Kitten

So, you want to adopt a cat or a kitten? What issues do you need to address first? Well, perhaps the first thing a potential adopter should think about is why they want a cat in the first place.

Here is a partial list of questions to ask yourself:

Is this a first cat or kitten? Or are you adding to your current household population?
Do you want a companion? Or are you just looking for a mouser?
Do you want a cat with certain personality traits? Or does that matter?
Must it be a male or a female?
Do you intend to breed them?
Is anyone in your home allergic to animal dander? If so, are you willing to use medication for that?
Do you have small children? Are you willing to supervise them and teach them proper pet care?
Do you have time for an animal?
Can you afford to support a pet?
Do you have landlord approval?
Is your home pet friendly?
Do you have a dog? If so, is he OK with a cat?
Are you willing to learn new things about animals?

As you can see, there are many things to think about before adopting a new pet. Many people are willing to take on the responsibility, while others adopt first and ask questions later. Or, sadly, surprised by the unexpected problems, some people simply give up without learning how to share their homes and their hearts with other beings.

A very important thing to consider is whether you are willing to save one of the millions of homeless cats that crowd shelters in all areas where animals are rescued in hopes of finding them new homes. Many cats in shelters are former pets - not always street strays - and some are purebreds, originally purchased from a breeder or a pet store for large sums of money. It always pays to at least check out the rescue groups and shelters.