The process of adopting a shelter cat may seem simple at first thought. You’ll go to the shelter, pick out a cutie that warms your heart, and head home, right? Not quite. While that’s at least part of the experience, there’s a lot more that goes into adopting your furry friend than meets the eye. There are a number of logistical points to consider, along with questions you might want to ask of others before you commit to being a cat owner. If you’re curious about how to adopt a cat, keep this valuable information at the forefront of your mind.
Before the Adoption
Before you actually put pen to paper and hand to fur, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Owning any type of pet is a major responsibility! Cats in particular can be a little territorial, and it may take your new friend a while to grow accustomed to his surroundings. That’s natural, and you should take the opportunity to spend some quality time with him as he explores.
Owning a Kitten
This is also a good time to consider whether a kitten or a cat is the right pet for you. By nature, kittens are simply precious — you can’t help but stare at their beautiful faces and laugh at their naughty antics. It’s one of the best parts of owning a cat. But they also require more attention than mature cats, as they’re just getting started in the world. You’ll need to focus on quite a few points to help them grow into happy, healthy adults.
Socialization
Cats learn by watching what you do! So it’s best to introduce them to basic socializing techniques at a young age. Play with them regularly and introduce them to friends and family. These types of activities ensure they’re comfortable with others and feel good about being active.
Training
Your cat needs to understand your commands so that you can live harmoniously with one another. This is a key part of raising a kitten to be a healthy cat, and it will promote both longevity and a healthy lifestyle. Be prepared to commit to this task!
Encouragement
A key part of socializing and training your kitten is to reinforce good behavior with encouragement. Just like any other living being, cats respond positively to reinforcements that encourage them to continue behaving well.
Owning a Cat
On the other hand, you might be more inclined to adopt if you favor a certain type of cat — one that is docile, for example, or a lively cat with a little attitude. You can’t really know what type of cat your kitten will grow up to be, but you can certainly tell a lot about more mature cats by how they behave.
The Fur Dilemma
There’s so much to consider when you think about how to adopt a cat — right down to the type of fur they have! Some, as you may have noticed, are very sleek and sophisticated. Others look more fluffy and cuddly. The key isn’t so much how the fur looks, but what type of care is required to maintain it year round. If your chosen kitty has long fur, then you’ll need to groom it regularly. If you can’t commit to frequent fur care, however, then opt for a cat with shorter hair.
Preparing Your Home
Is your home ready for your new family member? You’ll need a few essentials so that you can actually call it a home for your cat. The first is a place that they can call their home! This doesn’t mean that they have free reign of the place. Instead, select a spot like a laundry room that you can fill with everything they need, like their toys, bowls, a litter box, and a plush bed. You may also want to invest in a collar or a leash for their safety. All of these items are essential to their well-being, and having a place of their own makes it more comfortable for them.
At the Shelter
Visiting the shelter is easily one of the most important parts of the entire process, naturally. Don’t zero in on any particular cat just yet. Walk around and have a curious look. Pay close attention to how they behave around you. Spend more quality time the next day with those you felt particularly connected to or those you felt were especially taken by you. You’ll usually know right away when you’ve found “the one,” but it’s also a good idea to take your family along, especially if you have children who will spend a majority of their time with the new pet.
One of the most critical parts of learning how to adopt a cat is figuring out what to ask of people who work in the shelter. One of the most important points to focus on is the health of your preferred cat. If they have any special needs, then you’ll need to know absolutely everything beforehand so that you can make the best decisions for their future. You should also be advised about their vaccinations and whether they have any specific personality traits that you, as an owner, should know. The more you know, the more the two of you can grow together!
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