Warmer temps and sunnier days mean the start of kitten season. Momma cats can have two litters a year, and their first litter often has litters of their own within those 12 months. It’s a situation that repeats itself every year.
While kittens are adorable, not all of them will find loving homes and many will be euthanized. Sadly, hordes of kittens land at the humane society, cat rescue, animal shelter, Craig’s list, and coyote dinner plate.
Bless the families that adopt kittens and adult cats and provide love and appropriate care – good nutrition, training, parasite prevention, vaccines, and spay or neuter surgery.
Make a difference for cats. Today.
Make sure your kitten is spayed or neutered before age 6 months so he or she doesn’t contribute to the overpopulation problem. Altered cats live longer, healthier lives.
Consider adopting an adult cat (even more likely to be euthanized to make room for a “more adoptable” kitten).
This video speaks for itself.
Cat Adoption Checklist
Here are 10 tips for adopting a cat. For the full checklist, visit AmericanHumane.org.
- Adopt two cats. Cats need exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. Visit petfinder.com to find cats and dogs in your area who are available for adoption.
- Make a cat-human personality match. Cats have BIG personalities! In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active.
- Schedule a visit with Atlantic Veterinary Hospital immediately following the adoption. On your first visit, bring any medical records you received from the adoption center. Bring your cat, too, of course!
- Prepare your other family members (including other pets) for your new cat. Visit the adoption facility together, and discuss ways to make everyone feel welcome and comforted.
- Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat. Becoming a pet parent is a big responsibility, both emotionally and financially. While many shelter cats may have already received spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip, you’ll need to be prepared to care for your new family member throughout its life.
- Stock up on supplies. Before you bring your cat home, get a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush and nail clippers.
- Cat-proof your home. You don’t want your cat jumping on the counter or chewing on random items. Put (human and cat) food away when you’re not using it, and stow loose items your cat might chew on (including electric cords).
- Gradually socialize your cat. Give your cat several weeks to get used to new surroundings. Consider devoting a room in which you’ll put the following items until your cat gets acclimated: litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier left out and open with bedding inside.
- Add your cat to your family’s emergency plan. To your “in-case-of-emergency” call list, add the phone numbers for your veterinarian and the closest 24-hour animal hospital.
- If you’re giving the cat as a gift, ask the recipient to participate in the adoption. Adopting a cat isn’t like purchasing a household appliance. Cats are living, breathing, emotional beings who need to feel connected to the people who will become their family.
