Some More Considerations While Adopting A Cat

Adopting a cat can be a stress buster and promote good health; however besides the considerations that have been discussed in my previous article, there are some more considerations worth knowing.

Some more considerations while adopting a cat:

• Wanting to adopt a cat means being a responsible and knowledgeable owner; buying and reading several cat care books would help in the right selection of the cat breed considering the temperaments, care requirements, and health concerns.

• Once you have decided upon the cat to adopt, check upon the pet's veterinary records regarding the tests and vaccination; you would save a lot of money on veterinary bills if the cat has already been vaccinated and tested. If the cat is from a shelter and there is another pet cat at home, it is best to check for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and ensure you get the rabies license tag of the animal.  

• Ensure if a visit to the vet is included in the purchase/adoption; otherwise take the cat to the vet soon after adoption before you take her home. This would help catch anything you may have missed, especially when you have other cats at home.

• To ensure the cat or kitten feels secure and let it know where it has to go, it is best to ask if you can get a little of the "dirty" litter from the cat's own litter tray.

• It is significant to understand as a pet owner that there is no difference in the friendliness or behavior of male or female cats; however it is found that males mark their territory more than females even after they are neutered.

• Next many shelters have visiting hours and it is best to visit shelters early in the day; this helps know the true personality of the cat. Most cats turn sleepy and over stimulated at the end of the day after they have been handled by many hands. Say “No” to a cat that scratches or bites; a small sprinkler in ones pocket could help control this behavior.  

• The various color schemes of cats like orange tabby, grey tabby, all black, all white, and tortoise shell does not indicate any specific breed. However there tends to be some common personality traits and characteristics within one color scheme.

• Before you adopt or purchase a cat make sure that you buy the accessories like litter box, litter, food, bowls, and toys; this will enable you to take the cat directly home.  Also make sure you have an appointment with the vet lined up before you bring the cat home; then you can take him/her right to the vet's office on your way home.

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