The Perfect Companion - Advice For Those Thinking Of Adopting A Cat

Kittens are adorable. Of course they are. There's no denying it. But if you are thinking of extending your family with a cat, it might be worthwhile to consider adopting a slightly older feline. There are a great many out there, longing for a good home, and they offer plenty of love and joy.

If you are thinking of adopting a cat, there are a few things to consider to help you make the perfect choice for you and your family.

- Kittens take up a lot of time and energy. They need to be litter tray trained, might delight in climbing curtains and your new sofa, need lots of attention, need their shots and could take a bit of time to learn the rules of your household.

If you do not have this time, and a good amount of patience, it might be a good idea to go for an older cat. The life expectancy of an indoor cat is estimated at between twelve and eighteen years, with some cats reaching the age of twenty or older. The life expectancy of an outdoor cat is estimated at somewhat shorter, because they tend to be exposed to more risks. It can safely be assumed that you will share many wonderful years together.

And older cat will be somewhat calmer. They tend to only need to be pointed at where the litter tray is in their new territory and where the food and water bowls are. Some time of adjustment can be expected, of course. Some cats will hide for a few days, whilst some go explore immediately. They can be left alone easier than a kitten can, which would suit people with careers.

- If you are offered a cat by family or friends, you know where and how they have been raised, any problems, behaviour towards children, cats and other pets. Such knowledge is important, the relevance of each bit of information depending on your personal circumstances.

- There are many other places where one can adopt a cat. Most will have obtained a history of the feline, so that you still have access to the information listed above.

Many shelters will have given incoming cats a health check and any needed medication and shots. Most will neuter/spay cats as well, if this has not been done before. Some will even "chip" cats ( a tiny device placed by a vet just under the skin between the shoulders, which is encoded with a unique, permanent identification number.)

You can expect shelters to require a donation or fee when you adopt a feline. This is to cover the costs for medical care, food and shelter. Many shelters do not receive any funding, and therefore are reliant on these donations/fees to keep the place running.

- When you have chosen where you want to look for your perfect furry friend, it is advisable to take members of your family with you - they will have to share their lives with the cat, too! With children, this might cause the issue of wanting to take every single feline in the shelter back home, but this can quickly be overcome in the search for the one special cat you all connect with.

Take your time, have a good look around. If you have children, and you see a shy feline firmly hidden at the back of its cage, refusing to surface and staring at you with a rather wary look, this may not be the cat for your family.

Search for a cat who comes to greet you and looks happy to be around you and your family members. It is likely that you will have a happy future together. Ask the people at the shelter for any background information on the cat, any medical information and anything else that is relevant. They will be happy to help you.

If you have some time available, and can offer a lot of patience and a quiet environment, that wary cat I mentioned might be worthwhile looking into. If you manage to earn its trust, you could see a big change and might have a devoted and affectionate friend for years to come.

- Do not be offended if a shelter asks you questions or even wishes to come on a home-check to see how your new friend has settled in. This is standard procedure for many shelters, and is carried out to assure both you and your feline are happy with your new lives together.

Cats make wonderful friends and can really enrich people's lives. I wish you the best of luck in finding your new feline companion!


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Kit Marsters
PetLovers.Com

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