Cats make wonderful companions, they offer unconditional love and support but before deciding to adopt you should be sure you are ready to keep them for their entire life. Indoor cats can live 12-18 years or longer.
I say this because I have seen so many cats treated as disposable. Discarded due to behavioral problems, health issues or when they no longer fit the lifestyle of the owner.
Adopt from the Humane Society a Shelter or a Rescue
The Humane Society of the United States estimates there are 30-40 million homeless cats.
According to the ASPCA there are over 3.2 million cats and kittens living in shelters. Of those about 860,000 are euthanized annually. When you adopt from a shelter you are saving a life and making space in the shelter for them to take in another cat.
You can find every type of cat, even purebreds up for adoption.
Most cats up for adoption in shelters have already been spayed or neutered and are up to date on vaccinations. Many have been microchipped.
Don’t purchase a cat or kitten from a pet store. Pet stores get their animals from irresponsible people who allow their cats to have one litter after another because they don’t spay or neuter them or from kitten mills, breeders who keep cats locked up forcing them to breed and produce 2-3 litters a year all so they can make a profit. The cats have miserable lives and are often neglected, abused, suffer from illness and are inbred.
The Cost
Most adoption fees are very affordable and depending on the organization the cat may already be spayed or neutered. If not, you must get that done soon after adopting. All cats should be spayed or neutered so that they cannot add to the number of unwanted pets.
Veterinary costs include wellness visits, vaccinations, and medications. Just like human’s cats can have short-term and long-term health problems which may require frequent veterinary care.
You will also need to purchase grooming supplies, toys, food dishes, cat litter box, cat carrier, cat food and litter, scratching posts, cat bed, collar and ID tags and other items.
Personality
Just like people, cats have unique personalities. When choosing a cat spend some time getting to know them. Find out as much information as possible from the place you are adopting the cat from. Some questions to ask
Does the cat have any behavior problems?
Do they get along with other cats?
Do they get along with dogs?
How are they with children?
What is the cat’s history?
Does the cat have any health issues?
Most animal shelters have adoption coordinators or other people trained to help you find a cat that will be a good match.
Consider a Companion
People often believe that cats are completely independent and can be left alone for long periods of time. This is a misconception. Cats are very social, they depend on you completely. If you are gone for long periods during the day, consider adopting more than one cat so they can keep each other company.
Bringing them Home
Cat expert Jackson Galaxy suggests creating a basecamp when you bring the cat home. This is a room that is filled with everything the cat needs. Food, water, litterbox, scratching posts, toys and bedding. Cats will be nervous at first and having a safe room gives them time to settle in. Cats are scent driven, they like to implant their scent on everything around them. It gives them a sense of ownership and makes them feel safe. Put some things in the room that belong to you and your family. This will allow the cat to become familiar with your scent. After a day or two slowly introduce them to the rest of the house.
Play with Them
Playing with your cat helps to create a lifelong bond and it is great exercise for the cat.
Find toys that cater to their natural instincts. Cats are hunters so toys that let them stalk, pounce and catch will make them happy.
Feeding
Cats are carnivorous so their diet should be meat based. High quality canned cat food should be their primary food source, you can also offer them small amounts of dry food and treats. Avoid giving cats “people food” Give them access to water at all times.
Choose a veterinarian
Pick a veterinarian before you bring the cat home and schedule a visit within the first few days. Take any medical records the cat has with you. If they have not already been spayed or neutered make an appointment to get that done.
Consider microchipping, if the cat gets lost you have a better chance of finding them if they are microchipped.
Never have a cat declawed. This is a cruel, painful procedure. The pain they experience is often lifelong which can lead to disability and behavior problems. Choose a veterinarian who does not participate in this practice. See my article The Truth About Declawing Cats
Consider Everyone Who Lives in Your Home
Before adopting make sure everyone in the home is prepared to welcome the new cat. If you have children, they should be taught how to care for and respect animals. Cats are not toys and should not be treated as such.
If you have existing pets, they should be accepting of other animals. Don’t force them to meet right away. Allow the new cat to get comfortable in their basecamp before introducing them to your other pets. You can install a baby gate so that the pets can smell and see each other before they are allowed to be in the same room.
Cat Proof your Home
Cats like to jump up on furniture and counters. If there are areas you don’t want them in, create barriers. Don’t leave food out on the counter, hide electrical cords, put away small objects like paperclips, tiny toys, marbles, or other things that they can swallow, keep breakable objects out of reach, remove any house plants that are poisonous, keep dangerous chemicals locked up, cats get into things so be sure to keep the washer and dryer lids shut.
Grooming
You should introduce bathing at an early age. Bathing keeps their skin and coat healthy. And there may be times when it is necessary to bathe them, if they have fleas, or get into some kind of mess that must be washed off.
Regular brushing keeps their coat healthy and it is a bonding experience for you and the cat.
Nails should be trimmed regularly. This prevents them from accidentally scratching you or damaging carpeting and furniture. It also keeps them comfortable, their nails are sensitive and over grown nails can be painful to walk on. Even when you trim your cats nails, they will still scratch to shed their claw sheaths and mark their territory. So be sure to provide plenty of scratching posts for them to use.
Clean their ears and eyes with a damp cloth and brush their teeth weekly, cats develop plaque and tartar on their teeth just like we do. Proper dental care prevents gum disease, tooth loss and other dental problems.
Keep Them Indoors
Plan to keep your cat indoors. The estimated average lifespan of an outdoor cat is less than three years. Indoor cats live longer and are healthier. Outdoor cats are vulnerable to predators, accidents, injury, parasites, poisoning and communicable diseases.
Outdoor cats can be a nuisance for your neighbors, and they kill birds and other small animals.
You can take your cat outdoors on a leash and harness. Some people set up outdoor or window enclosures for their cats so they can go outside safely.
All cats should wear a collar with an ID tag attached. They can get out accidentally and according to the Humane Society of the United States only about 2% of lost cats who enter shelters are reunited with their families.
The Tech Minimalist 