Should You Or Shouldn't You?
Is Adoption The Right Option For You And Your Cat?
Photo by Karen Leigh
Thinking about adopting a feline friend for your cat? Here are some things to consider first.
-- Know your cat. Some really are "solitary hunters" and prefer being alone. Females tend to be less welcoming to newcomers than males.
-- If you've recently lost a cat, give the others time to grieve before adding a new family member.
-- Gender matters less than the personalities of the cats. Males can be best friends with other males, and females can live together in "purrfect" harmony.
-- Kittens can be annoying and even frightening to older cats, who are well beyond the age where they enjoy being pounced on. If you have an adult, he or she will be happiest with a companion who's close to his age.
-- If you're thinking about adopting a kitten, adopt two instead of one. Kittens need to grow up with other kittens to be well socialized and to learn how to play nicely with others. It doesn't matter that you'll be home all day to provide constant companionship. Kittens need kittens to grow into well-adjusted cats. And the love and bond between two litter mates will last a lifetime.
-- Know your cat. Some really are "solitary hunters" and prefer being alone. Females tend to be less welcoming to newcomers than males.
-- If you've recently lost a cat, give the others time to grieve before adding a new family member.
-- Gender matters less than the personalities of the cats. Males can be best friends with other males, and females can live together in "purrfect" harmony.
-- Kittens can be annoying and even frightening to older cats, who are well beyond the age where they enjoy being pounced on. If you have an adult, he or she will be happiest with a companion who's close to his age.
-- If you're thinking about adopting a kitten, adopt two instead of one. Kittens need to grow up with other kittens to be well socialized and to learn how to play nicely with others. It doesn't matter that you'll be home all day to provide constant companionship. Kittens need kittens to grow into well-adjusted cats. And the love and bond between two litter mates will last a lifetime.
WHo's that knocking at the door
Before you take in a 'Stray' Cat...
This "stray" cat was reunited with his family.
Sometimes the very best cat friends are the ones who choose you. But before you invite that cat who's been hanging around in your yard inside to stay, ask yourself (and the cat) a few questions.
1. Are you absolutely certain he doesn't already have a family? Most “stray” cats are really just lost and want very much to go home. And losing a cat is heartbreaking. Before you invite that cat in to stay, make sure no one is searching for him.
File a found report with Animal Control, search lost cats on Craig’s list and post him as a found cat, put up posters, check the newspaper ads, and find out whether he's microchipped. Most vets and animal control agencies have scanners.
2. Does the cat want to be "rescued?" Or is he happy living the way he is - outside with no commitments to humans?
3. Do your resident cats want another family member living inside with them?
4. If you bring him inside, are you willing to let him be an indoor/outdoor cat? Many cats who have lived outside never adjust happily to a strictly indoor lifestyle.
If you and the cat decide living outdoors is the best choice for him, make sure the cat's neutered/spayed, vaccinated and ear tipped. Many cats love living outdoors and actually prefer it. With daily meals and some shelter to get out of the cold and wet, your outdoor cat can live a long and happy life.
1. Are you absolutely certain he doesn't already have a family? Most “stray” cats are really just lost and want very much to go home. And losing a cat is heartbreaking. Before you invite that cat in to stay, make sure no one is searching for him.
File a found report with Animal Control, search lost cats on Craig’s list and post him as a found cat, put up posters, check the newspaper ads, and find out whether he's microchipped. Most vets and animal control agencies have scanners.
2. Does the cat want to be "rescued?" Or is he happy living the way he is - outside with no commitments to humans?
3. Do your resident cats want another family member living inside with them?
4. If you bring him inside, are you willing to let him be an indoor/outdoor cat? Many cats who have lived outside never adjust happily to a strictly indoor lifestyle.
If you and the cat decide living outdoors is the best choice for him, make sure the cat's neutered/spayed, vaccinated and ear tipped. Many cats love living outdoors and actually prefer it. With daily meals and some shelter to get out of the cold and wet, your outdoor cat can live a long and happy life.
A Lifetime commitment
Snuggles is 14 years old.
Photo by Christine Krebs.
Photo by Christine Krebs.
Adopting a cat is a lifetime commitment. Before you sign that adoption contract, remember...
- The average life span of a cat is 16 years But many live to age 20 or even longer.
- Even cats with perfect "manners" may have lapses as they grow older and miss or stop using their litter boxes due to infirmity or illness.
- While cats may seem self-sufficient, they do require and enjoy attention from their human housemates. Playing and cuddling with their their people is important to their mental health and enjoyment of life. That's especially important for "strictly indoor" cats.
- The average life span of a cat is 16 years But many live to age 20 or even longer.
- Even cats with perfect "manners" may have lapses as they grow older and miss or stop using their litter boxes due to infirmity or illness.
- While cats may seem self-sufficient, they do require and enjoy attention from their human housemates. Playing and cuddling with their their people is important to their mental health and enjoyment of life. That's especially important for "strictly indoor" cats.
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