June is Adopt a Cat Month, a time to celebrate the joy and companionship that cats bring to our lives while raising awareness about the thousands of felines in need of loving homes. Adopting a cat is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a lifelong commitment that requires careful thought and preparation. Before you visit a shelter or rescue organization, take a moment to reflect on whether you’re truly ready for the responsibility. Start by asking yourself and your family five essential questions to ensure you’re making the best decision for both you and your potential new feline friend. Here are five things to consider before adopting a shelter cat.
1. Are we financially, emotionally, and personally ready to take on the responsibility of a new cat?
An indoor cat can live as long as 20 years if they’re loved, go to regular check-ups, and have good nutrition. Before committing to a cat, you need to be prepared for 15 to 20 years of annual clinic visits, possible procedures and medications, the cost of high-quality food, the initial vet clinic visit, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, plus other emergency expenditures that may arise. You also need to know whether you’ll be able to manage everyday and routine tasks such as changing litter boxes and sweeping up cat hair.
Additionally, you need to ask yourself the hard questions. For example, are you willing to have your heart broken when your much-loved pet eventually passes over the Rainbow Bridge? If the answer to any of those questions is ‘no’ or ‘unsure,’ then you might be having second thoughts. If you answered ‘yes’ to all of those questions, congratulations! You’re on the road to adopting your new feline friend.
2. What age and gender do I think would be the best fit for my home?
People may have preferences towards male or female cats. Whichever gender of feline you choose to adopt is typically a matter of personal fondness. However, when determining the age of the cat you may want, there are a couple of different factors to consider.
It’s essential to keep in that kittens and young cats are typically playful and can get into all kinds of mischief. Climbing the curtains, chewing on electrical cords, and crawling up in the bedsprings are just a few of the ways a kitten can endanger itself and make your life more trying. Additionally, kittens may come to you with necessary health requirements, such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and worming. Older cats have already passed through these requirements and phases and can be more manageable to live with if you can only manage a limited amount of responsibility.
In contrast, older cats come with a different set of issues. While they may already be vaccinated and spayed or neutered, an older cat likely has a set personality. Older cats are generally less adaptable and trainable than kittens. An adult cat already knows what it likes and dislikes, what it needs, and what it disdains. Your mature cat may also have some undetected health issues that would affect their life expectancy. If none of those issues bother you, then adopting an older cat may be exactly what you want to do.
3. Is my family an active one that loves to play outside, travel, explore new places and meet new people? Or are we more of the ‘couch potato’ variety?
It’s essential to consider the energy levels and lifestyles of both the cat and the owner before making a decision. If your family is the loud, boisterous type that enjoys active games and exercise, then a more energetic and extroverted cat breed may be the best fit. Cats such as the Balinese, the Siamese, or the Russian Blue may be the extroverted breed for you. For a quieter and more laid-back family, a relaxed breed may be best. Laid-back cats include the Ragdoll, the Persian, and the British Shorthair.
Keep in mind that since most shelter cats aren’t purebreds, you’ll need to watch how each cat interacts with other shelter inhabitants and how it reacts to strangers. You can also inquire with shelter staff about their cat’s personalities and their recommendations on who may be the best fit for your family.
4. Are there young children at home, and what are their responsibilities towards a new cat or kitten? Are the kids cat-friendly?
Involving children when considering adopting a cat is essential. They need to be part of conversations about proper handling and pet care. Children should not chase, or corner cats and both cats and children should always be supervised when they are together. If possible, choose a calm adult cat that has been well-socialized with children. Your house needs to accommodate high areas, such as cat trees, shelves, and baby gates that keep areas inaccessible to children but safe spaces for cats.
In addition to safe spaces, you’ll need to teach your young children about gentle touches and how to read a cat’s body language. Older children can be taught how to feed, brush and scoop litter boxes when necessary. Delegating age-appropriate responsibilities to children has been proven to provide them with confidence, self-esteem, and a greater appreciation for animals, which ultimately benefits their development.
5. How will my other pets (if I have them) react to a new cat in the home?
Remember, your newly adopted cat must fit in with your other pets. Introductions will go faster and smoother if your resident cat is cat-friendly; however, some cats just don’t like other cats. If that’s the case, then adding another cat isn’t a good idea. Ideally, the newly adopted cat should be similar in age and energy level to your resident cat and have successfully lived with other cats. Pet dogs should be cat-friendly and never chase or hurt cats. Alternatively, cats that you adopt should be dog-friendly.
During the early introductory period, consider keeping your new cat in a crate where all of your animals can smell and interact with each other. Once you notice that calm curiosity reigns over your pets, then you can let your adopted cat into the room with the other pets. Keep a safe room or the crate handy for retreat until the new cat feels safe and comfortable in their new home.
Health concerns of a shelter cat
Cats come to the shelter with varied histories and health problems. Despite careful screening, an animal may occasionally develop a health problem soon after being brought into a new home.
You’ll need to take your new cat to your veterinarian within a week of the adoption for a comprehensive health exam and any necessary vaccinations and healthcare. Some veterinarians offer special discounts for animals adopted from rescues, so be sure to bring your adoption contract on your first visit.
Your veterinarian will want to perform a complete body exam to check for skin, ear, and flea problems. Common health conditions affecting cats include ear mites, fleas and ticks, ringworm, conjunctivitis (Also Known as Pink Eye), intestinal parasites, flea allergies, and stress. They will also request a fecal test to check for intestinal parasites and blood tests to determine if your new cat has feline leukemia (FeLV), panleukopenia, or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These diseases are crucial to screen for as they can be transmitted to other cats in your household. Blood tests can also determine any systemic organ disorders. It’ll be key to keep your new cat separate from other animals in the home until your vet gives it a clean bill of health.
Adapting your shelter cat to a new home
Your new cat will have experienced a rough day already and will probably be stressed by the time you bring them home. They are used to the closed environment of a shelter cage, so it would be best to keep them confined in a small, safe room for the first few days, especially if there are other cats in the house.
To establish some comfort and confidence, let your cat set the rules initially. Don’t be surprised if they hide under the bed for several days. As long as they have access to food, water, a litter box, a place to sleep, and a few toys, they will be okay and eventually settle in.
Gradually increase the time you spend together and interact with your new cat. They’ll eventually come around when they feel safe with you. Remember, these things take time, and when they finally jump up and settle in on your lap, you’ll know that they’re yours and no longer a shelter cat.
These are just five things to consider before adopting a shelter cat. There are likely many more considerations depending on your lifestyle and family life. Be sure to do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask your local shelter any questions you may have.
If you have added a shelter cat to your family or need a feline pet sitter, be sure to contact VIP Pets for your professional pet care needs.