When it comes to shelter cats, their trouble usually isn’t unruly behavior or poor health. Most of the time, the biggest problem these felines have is that they just need a home. They haven’t gotten the love they need yet.
You can fix that problem by adopting a kitten or cat from your local animal shelter into your loving home. To ensure that you’re making the right choice for you and your family, you need to do a bit of prep work.
Here are some things you should do when choosing a shelter cat to adopt into your family.
Think About Adult Cats Versus Kittens
Kittens are adorable. Their high-energy playfulness means they’re fun to watch and even more fun to interact with.
On the other hand, they can be a bit destructive and require more supervision. As kittens grow and develop, so too do their personalities. In fact, you won’t know exactly who this animal is for some time yet.
Toddlers can unintentionally be a bit rough around kittens. So, if you do get a kitten — or a cat — and if you have a small child in the house, it’s important to supervise the two at all times.
With an older cat, you can be more certain about their temperament. Typically, adult or senior cats are great with older children, and they’re generally much calmer than kittens who tend to be small fur balls of high energy.
Check Out The Shelter Before You Visit
Call your local shelter to ask questions before you visit, and check out the shelter’s website. Most shelters post photos, and many add anecdotal information about their adoptable pets. New arrivals to the shelter may not be posted online yet, so it’s important to tour the shelter to see all of the animals.
In addition, it’s a good idea to talk to a shelter worker or volunteer beforehand. Tell them what type of pet you’re looking for. You may already have a cat at home and want another one who gets along with other cats. Or you may have children and need a kid-friendly pet.
Often shelter workers know the history of the pets who are up for adoption. They can make recommendation based on your family and your preferences.
For example, are you looking for a cat who gets along with dogs, kids, or other cats? Maybe you’d like an older, easygoing cat who’s more appropriate for a diverse home.
Make A Family Trip To The Shelter
Bring everyone in your household with you to the shelter. If you have small children, let them know before you visit that you’re choosing one cat and not all of them, as much as you want that. It can be hard on children — and adults — to not take everyone home.
Carefully observe the cats and watch how they respond to you and your family. Some are shy. Others are quite playful. Some may be fearful. Others will come right up to you and your family. Like us, cats have different personalities.
If you see one you’re especially interested in, ask the shelter worker to take them out of their cage so you and your family can interact with them. Most shelters have a space for you to get to know the cat. Remember that the cat might be afraid; after all, they don’t know you well.
Talk to the cat in a soft voice; get down on the floor and let them come to you. Watch how they react when you gently reach out to pet them.
After You’ve Made A Decision
Once you make your choice, you’ll have to fill out paperwork and pay a fee, which covers the cost of shots and spaying or neutering. Many shelters even include microchipping. Adult cats often cost less than kittens because the adults are usually spayed or neutered.
Back home, make sure you set up a litter box and have a food bowl and water dish in a separate area away from the litter box. Give your cat some time to adjust to their new home and new family.
You’ve chosen them, and in time, they’ll probably come to choose you, as well.
Do you have any other tips for people looking to adopt a shelter cat? How did you choose your kitty? Let us know in the comments below!
