Adopt A Cat Month - Part 2 | Lola The Rescued Cat

Today we bring you part 2 of our series celebrating Adopt A Cat Month and we are writing about things to consider before adopting a cat. According to the Human Society of the United States, 6 to 8 million pets end up in shelters each year. Before adopting a cat (or any pet) you need to remember that pets are FOREVER. We are not disposable, we are a long term commitment! So before adopting, think about the following:

Why do you want a cat?
Too many pets are adopted just because someone felt like it one day. Or because it's Christmas and we're a gift. Or because our daughter's friend got a kitten and now she wants one. You get the picture. Think about why you really want a cat.

Photo courtesy of morgueFile

Do you have time to spend with the cat?
Think about your work and travel schedule. Remember, it's not fair to bring a pet home if you do not have sufficient time to spend playing with her, feeding her, making sure she has enough clean water, and making sure her environment is clean and safe (which includes an immaculate litter box!) We also need grooming and mental stimulation, too. If you're not home enough many rescues will not allow you to adopt.

Are there other animals in your household?
It's very important to make sure any dogs in the house are cat friendly! If there are other cats in the household make sure that the resident cats and the adoptee cat have lived peacefully with other cats before. Your new kitty will need to be introduced slowly. It took Lexy and I a while to get used to living with each other. It may take time and patience before they live in harmony, but it will be worth it.

Photo courtesy of morgueFile

Who will take care of your pet when you're away?
We can't stay alone and need someone to look after us. Will you use a professional sitting service? Do you have friends or family who will take care of kitty?

Can you afford a pet?
This is probably the most important question. We need good, nutritious food, toys, litter, toys, treats, a good carrier, scratching posts, beds, etc., etc. And of course we need quality medical care which can be expensive. We need regular checkups, and sometimes there is the occasional illness or emergency that needs attention.

There are a lot of things to think about before you adopt, and it is a decision you need to take seriously. If you decide having a cat is for you, please make sure your house is cat proof before kitty comes home and make sure you have stocked up on everything you will need for her.

Now that you've decided you're ready for a cat, where do you find one? Stay tuned.... we'll cover that tomorrow!

Lola

Sources: Pet360, Pawmetto Lifeline, Catster

Would you like to comment?

SummerJune 10, 2015 at 1:57 AM
Humans can be so impulsive - and when they're considering taking home a cat is NOT one of the times to be that way!
Cats Herd YouJune 10, 2015 at 5:56 AM
Such good considerations! A new cat is a lifetime commitment, so it's important to think it through carefully.
The Daily Pip June 10, 2015 at 7:00 AM
Great tips! I think people don't always consider the expense (may not be a lot when cats are young and healthy, but as they age issues come up and it gets expensive.) The shelter where I volunteer has lots of older cats abandoned for these reasons. So sad ...
Kitty Cat ChroniclesJune 10, 2015 at 12:55 PM
This is great information! It's unfortunate that so many people get a cat before considering the commitment, only to turn the cat back into a shelter or even just putting it out on the streets. We hope that people start to think these decisions through!!!
The Swiss CatsJune 10, 2015 at 2:35 PM
Those are great questions to ask yourself BEFORE getting a cat ! Such impawtant information ! Purrs
AnonymousJune 10, 2015 at 3:03 PM
What a pawsum posty Lola. Furstly weez so glad you and Lexy get along well now. It duz sumtimes take a little extwa time to adjust. Sis Lexi didn't want no pawrt of me when me came here, but me just told her dat me wasn't goin' anywhere ad mommy did it too and she finally welented. And now weez da bestest of sisfurs and furiends. Mommy sez dat munny be a gweat wuestion, but she's not sure how she feels 'bout it cuz she can't weally afford da mergencies and like now dat sissy be sick, but she wuld never give her up cuz of it. We just do da bestest we can and awe so blest to have wunnewful furiends to help us occasionally. Anyways, this is weally a gweat post and we can't wait fur da next installment. Hope y'all have a pawsum day.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi
pilch92June 10, 2015 at 3:16 PM
All great questions! I wish everyone thought of these things before adopting.
da tabbies o trout towneJune 10, 2015 at 5:12 PM
hay ewe gals ewe posted sum reel lee grate questionz !! another awesum post lola & lexy !! ♥♥♥
Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows)June 10, 2015 at 6:51 PM
This is such a great series with really important information!
A TonlJune 10, 2015 at 7:18 PM
All *excellent* considerations!!
The Island CatsJune 10, 2015 at 7:41 PM
Those are all such important things to consider before adopting a cat. Pet adoption is a commitment!
Cathy KeishaJune 10, 2015 at 9:30 PM
Amen! TW knows I won’t stood another kitty sharing Pop’s affections although she’d love another cat.
meowmeowmansJune 10, 2015 at 10:55 PM
Excellent! It's so true ... adopting a cat is for life, so it's not something that should be done without lots of honest thinking!
UnknownJune 11, 2015 at 9:39 AM
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rosa @ Cat Lady ConfidentialJune 11, 2015 at 9:41 AM
People should definitively consider these questions before adopting a cat. Sometimes people adopt a pet on a whim and are not prepared at all and end up abandoning him - that's was probably what happened with my cat previous owners - he ended up abondoned at 6 months old. From the moment we adopt a pet, he becomes part of our family!