Everyone knows cats make wonderful pets. As well as being lower maintenance than dogs, they also offer plenty of companionship, affection and fun. So, if you’re thinking of getting a cat, you may be wondering where the best place to find one is. Many people choose to get a cat from a local breeder or happen to know a friend whose cat is having kittens. However, another great option is adoption! If you’re considering adopting a cat, read on to find out more about how the process works.
Why adopt?
Not all cats have the best start in life, and each year thousands of cats and kittens are given to shelters and animal charities. This may be because they are strays, or their previous owner could no longer keep them. These shelters aim to rehome cats and kittens with loving families, so they can enjoy the long and happy lives they deserve. There are many benefits to adopting a cat. For a start, you are giving an animal another chance at life they otherwise might not get. Many cats are euthanised each year due to lack of room in shelters, meaning that healthy animals who would make excellent pets never get the chances they deserve. Furthermore, many cats in shelters are already housetrained, meaning you won’t need to spend as much time toilet training! They may also already be used to children, other cats, or other pets, making them ideal for bigger, busier families. Adopting a cat can also save you some money, as your new cat may already be vaccinated, neutered and microchipped.
What are you looking for?
Before you adopt a cat, you need a good idea of what you are looking for. For example, are you looking for a companion for you and a partner? Or do you have children or other pets in the house? Some adopted cats may not get on with other pets, which will be specified on their adoption profile. You also need to consider the character and age of your cat. Would you like a young, energetic feline companion who is still interested in playing with toys and exploring outdoors? Or are you after a sleepy lap cat who will keep you company in front of the TV in the evenings? Adopting a kitten will require a little more work on your part, as they will be more dependent, whereas an older cat will make a more relaxed pet.
Adapting to your lifestyle
The type of life you lead is also important to consider when adopting a cat. If you live in an apartment, or a house with no garden, you will probably need to look for an indoor cat. If you work, or there won’t be anyone in the house for long periods of time, this will also affect your decision. Luckily cats are very independent creatures, and can usually be left alone for the day, especially if they have access to the outdoors. Alternatively, you could even adopt two cats, so they have some company while you are out! Adoption centres will give you detailed information about each cat, so you can decide what works best for you and your lifestyle. You will also need to register with the adoption centre before you can rehome a cat.
Prepare for your new cat
Once you’ve chosen your cat, you will need to ensure that everything is ready for your new companion’s arrival. Depending on your cat’s history, you may need to microchip and register them, and you should also consider purchasing pet insurance. Finally, they will need a medical check before you can take them home. It’s important to prepare your home for your new cat’s arrival, as cats tend to take a while to adjust to new surroundings and can be very cautious. It’s best to start off by putting them in a safe, quiet room with plenty of hiding places so they can observe and explore at their own pace. If you have young children, let them know how to treat the new arrival. Noise and fuss should be kept to a minimum until your cat has gained more confidence and is ready to explore, which may mean limiting the number of visitors to one or two a day. Once you’ve successfully adopted your cat and they have settled into their new home, you can look forward to many happy years together!
