For All the Cat Lovers: Save a life - Adopt a cat!

Approximately 4 million cats end up in shelters across the country every year, including thousands born every spring and summer during “kitten season”.  That means there are tons of cute, cuddly newborns in addition to the older, more mellow cats and everything in between.  Since June is Adopt-A--Cat month, maybe you're ready to adopt your very first cat or perhaps bring home a friend for another beloved cat in your family!  Here's a simple but important checklist you should review before adopting your new feline companion.

 
1.  If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two.  This may sound like a pitch to get you to spend more money, but cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction and two cats can provide this for each other.  They can provide many positive benefits to you as well.  For example, cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves, and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile.  A great place to start your search is online.  Sites like petfinder.com help you search numerous shelters in your area simultaneously to help narrow your search and more quickly find the PURfect match for you and your family.

 

2.  Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours.  Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats.  Adoption counselors can offer advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.

 

3.  Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first couple of weeks following the adoption.  Pet Pal Animal Shelter will include a free consultation with their veterinary clinic or you can choose your own vet.  Regardless of what vet you choose, You’ll want to take all medical records you received from the shelter to your first visit with the veterinarian

 

4.  Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.  Visiting the shelter should be a family affair.  If you already have pets at home and you're considering adopting a new cat, discuss with the adoption counselors the best ways to make a proper introduction.

 

5.  Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat.  Understand any pet is a responsibility and there are costs associated with that.  A cat adopted from a shelter like Pet Pal is a bargain as they have already provided spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip for permanent identification.

 

6.  Get all the necessary supplies before the cat arrives.  Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away.  Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, etc.

 

7.  Cat-proof your home.  A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out.  Food left on the kitchen counter will quickly teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch.  Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).

 

8.  Take your time when introducing your cat to new friends and family.  It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment.  Socialization is very important but remember to take it slow.

 

9.  Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan.  You probably already have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency...especially if you live here in Florida, but you'll need to adjust this plan to include your pets.  Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your emergency contact list.

 

10.  If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process.  Though well-meaning, a surprise kitty gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period.  For this reason, some shelters including Pet Pal Animal Shelter will not partake in surprise adoptions.  Adopting a cat (or any pet) isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or piece of jewelry; this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being who deserves a family that is 100% in love with the idea of adopting and ready to provide a FURever home.     

 

Now, what if you can't adopt?  Here are some easy ways you can still help bring awareness to Adopt-A-Cat Month. 

 

1.  Contact your local shelter or rescue group and ask if they have a donation wish list or other flier you can post around your school, office, neighborhood, etc.  They may be having special cat-related events that you can help promote too.

 

2.  Sign up as a shelter volunteer or foster parent and tell your friends and family how fun and rewarding it is.

 

3.  Pass on an understanding of the importance of pet adoption to the next generation.  Talk to your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and other youngsters about animal shelters and responsible pet adoption   

 

4.  Post this message to your social media to spread the word.  "June is Adopt-A--Cat Month.  Save a life - Adopt a cat!"

     

It may not seem like you're doing much, but even just a little help can make a huge difference in the lives of these furry felines during Adopt-A-Cat Month and throughout the year! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!