We want all of our cats and kittens to go to safe, loving, forever homes. Adopting a cat or kitten is a lifetime commitment, and indoor cats can live up to 20 years! Adoption should not be an impulsive decision. You’re adding a family member to your home who will require not just food and litter but also regular vet visits and probably medical care at some point as well. It is not a decision to make lightly! Cats are living, feeling beings and are not “things” to be discarded when they no longer fit into a lifestyle.
Some questions to ask yourself:
*If you’re renting, will you make sure you always seek out cat-friendly places if you have to move?
*If you’re a student, do you have a plan for your cat(s) when you go on vacation or find yourself moving often?
*If your household has never had a cat, do you know if anyone has allergies?
*Are you prepared to change their diet if required to support their medical needs?
*If you’re planning on starting a family, have you done some reading to learn how to appropriately introduce cats and babies and how to help toddlers learn to treat cats gently?
*If you’re elderly (and even if you’re not), do you have a plan in place for where your cat(s) will go in the event you can no longer care for them?
*If you have another cat or kitten at home (or a dog) have you read about properly (and slowly!) introducing a new cat or kitten?
*Have you read about the benefits of keeping cats indoors, and how to keep them happy and stimulated?
*Have you read about why declawing is barbaric?
There is quite a lot to think about and we want to be sure that every cat and kitten we adopt out finds the purrfect home for the rest of their lives!
This article at PetFinder has excellent tips for safely bringing a new cat home.