Learn How to Adopt a Cat

Though cats are stereotyped as 'aloof', their temperament, attitude, behavior, level of intelligence and personality is just as varied from cat to cat as those things are in humans. I have never had a cat that didn't love to be petted, loved, played with and around me quite a bit through the day. Cats are fairly low-maintenance pets that are easy to love and fun to add to the family.

Our two cats keep us entertained and laughing on a regular basis, and are quick to 'give us love' at just the right time. We have even taught our cats to do a few tricks, which never fails to entertain and amaze our friends and family.

Shelter and Agency Requirements

When adopting a cat there are multiple things to consider and variables will be present depending upon where you adopt your cat. Before my mother died, she worked at an animal shelter in a metro area. They have very strict guidelines and a process for who is allowed to adopt any animal from them. I live in a rural area and the shelter I volunteer at has a simple process that involves only picking your animal and paying your fee.

The first thing to do is make sure you are able to care for a cat. If you rent, you will likely need to get permission from your landlord and pay a deposit just for any damages that may be caused by your pet. If you are a renter, you may be required by the place you adopt from to provide proof that you are allowed to have your pet in your home. If you call ahead or check the website of the agency you will go through, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and hassle.

Choosing a New Family Member

Once you go into the agency or shelter, you will get to look through all of the animals. You want to consider the age, size, gender and temperament of the cats you view. You also want to consider if you are up to the upkeep involved in a long-haired cat versus that of a short-haired cat.

You may be interviewed and monitored while you are with the animal you wish to adopt. Learning about cats and their care is a great way to prepare for an interview, help your cat adjust to the changes once adopted and make sure you are proving the best possible environment for your new family member. In addition, if you have children, the agency will want to see how the animal reacts to your children and how they treat it. Be sure to teach your children to be kind and gentle with animals and to watch the animal closely before adoption. Some animals have been a bit traumatized from their previous home experience and may not deal well with small children.

Bear in mind that how a cat acts at a shelter or agency may be different from how they act once they are with you at home. Some are terrified of the lights and noise at the shelter but will relax once in your home. Others may seem to understand the situation and be very sweet at the shelter but display behavior problems once you get them home. Adoption is a commitment and it may take some time for your animal to adjust. A lot of patience and love will help your animal normalize once at home with you.

Fees

Some agencies and shelters charge only a minimal fee for adoption while others charge a larger fee. Usually the fee is based upon multiple factors including whether they have to spay or neuter the animal. Cats are generally cheaper to spay, neuter and adopt than dogs. Both of our cats were adopted from the shelter and the adoption fee was $20. Both had been spayed before they were turned in to the shelter. Otherwise, the fee would have been a little higher.

Many shelters will spay and neuter the cat before it is adopted or will require you to do so within a certain time period. Either way, you will likely have to pay for this procedure if the cat did not come into the shelter or agency already spayed or neutered.

There may be other fees involved, but generally, they are only for the adoption and medical things such as spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping. Not all agencies and shelters offer or perform all of these services or require them. All are a good idea because they help keep your cat healthy and safe.

Some communities require some type of animal registration. The agency you adopt through should know this information unless you live elsewhere. In that case, contact your local city offices or the animal control department for your city in order to find out what you are legally required to do. Registration with the city may be as simple as filling out a form or it may require proof of a rabies vaccination and a small fee.

Going Home

Though many agencies and shelters have some type of temporary cardboard carrier you can use once you adopt your cat, you will want to get a real carrier sooner rather than later. Its best to purchase one and take it with you to the adoption. You will need a carrier for when you take your pet to the vet, traveling, when you move, and any time you need a safe place to put the cat for short periods of time (such as when you are hauling things in and out an open door for a move).

Some agencies will provide you with a minimal amount of supplies, but as a general rule you should already have some food, water and a litter box at home for your cat. A cat bed is a great item, but putting a small baby blanket or towel in the carrier will also serve as a temporary bed for your cat. Your cat may cry a lot the first night or two at home. If you let your cat in your room on those nights she will expect the same on other nights. If you don't want the cat in your room you may want to sleep in the living room to help soothe and calm her while she adjusts to her new home.

In addition, if you have adopted a long-haired cat, you will want to get a cat grooming brush right away. You want your cat to get used to being brushed and you want to keep her fur mat-free. Also, regular brushing of all cats helps keep the amount of shedding found around the home and on your clothes to a minimum.

Source:

Personal experience as cat owner, cat adopter and shelter volunteer.