When you have decided that you want to add a new cat or kitten to your family, one of the best places to find your feline companion is a rescue centre. These places usually have an abundance of kittens or adult cats to choose from. Most people are looking for kittens but the older cats in a rescue centre are sometimes the better choice. You can even find pure breed cat at some centres.
The reason that adult cats are sometimes a better choice is that they are usually already litter- trained. They will generally adapt well to a new home. Older cats are usually more laid back and appreciate finding a home where they can spend the rest of their lives. Another thing to consider is older cats are harder to place in a permanent home and they may be put to sleep if no home is found for them.
We all know kittens are adorable and hard to resist. However, before deciding on a kitten you should remember that they will need more of your time and patience. They need to be litter box trained and need constant supervision. They have boundless energy and have no fear. They will need to be watched carefully until they know what their boundaries and limitations are.
Before deciding which cat to bring into your family you should make visits to several shelters beforehand. During your first visit to a rescue centre you should take a few minutes to look at the rescue centre overall. Look at the surroundings. Make sure the place is clean and seems to be run in an efficient manner. Also take note of the staff to see if they seem to enjoy working with the animals.
When you are visiting the shelter try to find out as much as possible about a cat or kitten that you are interested in. You want to find out why or how the cat ended up in the rescue centre. The staff might be able to tell you a little about the cats' circumstances or the people who had them before they ended up there.
When you are choosing a cat or kitten make sure you pick one that is active and seeks affection from people. An adult cat should be comfortable with handling and petting without hissing or scratching. Kittens should be relaxed when picked up and handled and most of them will start purring. Ask the staff at the centre about anything they have observed about the cat's personality and take that into consideration also.
Most animal welfare organisations will ask for a donation of a specific amount. This helps them to be able to provide care and any type of veterinary treatments needed, including vaccinations and neutering. The cost is usually minimal considering the price of purchasing a cat from a breeder. They usually have also given the cat its first vaccinations and the cat will have a clean bill of health from a vet.
Before you go to pick up your new feline friend make sure you have everything your new pet will need, including a bed, plenty of toys, food and a litter box. Once you bring your cat or kitten home, make sure you give them plenty of space and time to get use to their new surroundings. Cats adapt quickly and easily to new environments. In no time at all they will fit right in with the rest of your family and you will know that you saved an animal from an uncertain future.
To make sure your adopted kitten or cat stays healthy and will enjoy a long life, you might want to consider getting cat insurance in case their will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you should consider buying cat insurance on your newest feline companion.
