Adopting the Right Cat

There is a myth going around that cats are low maintenance and, as such, will make great pets. While it's often true that cats require less "maintenance" than other pets, there are times when people seem to forget that cats, like all animals, have very unique personalities. If your personalities clash, then you may not be able to form a close bond with your feline companion. Likewise, if the cat does not get along with other pets or household members, then the living situation may quickly become unpleasant. When adopting a cat it is even more important to consider its personality, as its previous experiences may have shaped its behavior and outlook. I'm a great advocate of adopting animals; in fact, my family adopted a cat not too long ago, in June of 2007. It is because I'm an advocate of animal adoption that I would like to offer some suggestions prior to any adoption.

Most importantly, you need to consider your other pets (if any) as well as any other household members. Will they get along with a new addition? Do any of them have a known allergy to cats? Do you have a pregnant spouse or a very young child? All are valid things to consider and utilize when planning for a new addition. If you already have some animals in the household it is important to consider how they may react to a new member of the family. If someone in the household is allergic to cats then it may be possible to control by maintaining a clean house or receiving injections to strengthen their resistance to the allergen. A pregnant spouse shouldn't be much of a problem- just bear in mind that the responsibility of changing the litter will fall on your shoulders, as pregnant women should avoid direct contact with soiled litter. Finally, a young child may not pose a significant problem, but you will need to find a cat that is good with children and who will not behave in a hostile or threatening manner. For obvious reasons, having a cat whose behavior instills fear in your child is not going to work out too well in the long run.

You should also consider your living arrangement. Are you tidy or messy? Is your home large or small? Do you rent or own? Adding a cat to a messy environment can enhance the filth, drawing bugs, allergens, and other pests. A home that is too small may leave you feeling cramped, especially when it's time to find a spot for the litter box. If you rent or lease your home, you also need to find out what sort of fees and/or deposits your landlord requires. Some lease contracts prohibit certain species of animals from living on the premises; other contracts may prohibit animals, period. The general contract seems to charge a deposit when you first move in. All or half of it may be refundable once the lease is up. In addition to the initial deposit, some properties may add a small amount to your monthly rent; a "pet rent", if you will. Now, I'm mentioning all of this because any change to your monthly expenses is going to have an impact on your budget. I've seen many people bring home an animal on a whim, only to discover that they were unable to support it. Animals are like children; they are going to depend on you, become attached to you, and love you. It's simply cruel to have an animal develop these feelings towards you, only to wind up back in the shelter a month later. I would advise that you sit down and take a serious look at your budget. Will your expenses allow for a pet? If not, then please save the urge for a time when you will be able to properly care for a new addition. It is neither fair to the cat nor to the potential owner when bonds are formed and then abruptly broken.

Finally, it would be wise to spend a little time with any cat prior to finalizing the adoption. Most shelters have small rooms where you can take a potential pet and interact with it. Use the time to observe the cat's personality. Is the cat aloof or hostile? Does it show any interest in you? Does it seem healthy and alert? How does it interact with any children that may be present? My family spent time with three different cats before a decision was made. The first cat was very friendly towards me and my spouse; when our four year old daughter attempted to pet her, she turned hostile. The second cat just flopped on the floor, sniffed at a spot on the wall, and showed no interest in us whatsoever. The third time proved to be the charm; when we brought the third cat into the room she seemed interested in all of us. She sniffed at us, rubbed against us, and seemed very patient with our child's curiosity and enthusiasm. Upon making a decision regarding the cat that you would like to adopt, you may be required to fill out an adoption application of sorts. The application will basically ask you about your methods of discipline, what sort of living arrangement you have, etc. You may want to read the paperwork very carefully, or speak with a representative if one is available; this will help you to understand any of the shelter's expectations. It is also helpful in the event that the shelter has a partnership with a local veterinarian, which might offer you a discounted or free examination within a certain time period. You should also ask the shelter about their policy concerning cats that become sick once you have brought them home. It's difficult to stop the spread of contagious illnesses when there are so many cats living in such close proximity; some mild illness is not out of the ordinary, especially when the cat may be overwhelmed or stressed out by the sudden move. Some shelters will offer free treatment options at their on-site facility if the problem is reported in a timely manner and can be linked to the cat's stay at the shelter.

The adoption process can be a great bonding activity, provided you select the cat whose personality is best suited to your household. When researching potential adoption facilities you should utilize local resources to find the best options. Some shelters will even have "specials" from time to time- a discounted adoption fee, for example. Local websites, printed publications, and even news programming can alert you to current specials or events to facilitate the adoption process. You may also want to ask your friends whether they, or anyone that they may know, has ever adopted an animal somewhere in your state. They may have some good advice or recommendations that will assist you in your endeavor. Above all else, just remember that an adoption should be a lifelong commitment. You are bringing home a companion that will love you unconditionally and rely on you for its well being. Make sure that you're up to the challenge before making this commitment; you and your new feline companion deserve only the best.