Adopting a cat can be a joyous occasion but it should not be done impulsively. Here are some tips put out by the ASPCA about what to do and not to do if you are choosing to adopt a cat from a local shelter. If some of these seem obvious, please forgive as most of this advice is directed to the person who may be adopting for the very first time. According to the ASPCA, my source for this material, there still seems to be a need to clarify some essentials.
1. Cats like all pets need good nutritious food at least once a day. They also need plenty of cold clean water (even more in summer).
2. Adult cats do NOT need milk, which may cause obesity and diarrhea. Many cats are lactose intolerant. Whiskas puts out a “kitty milk,” which is safe for cats to drink once in a while.)
3. Although many people may disagree, it is generally a good idea to keep your new cat indoors with you. Unlike dogs, cats do not need to go out and are easily housebroken to a litter box. If you have fish or birds, it will be necessary to separate them from the cat.
4. Many of your houseplants could be poisonous to your new pet and you may not even know it, especially if you have never had a cat in your home before. Consult the Internet or local library to make sure you are not endangering the life of your new pet.
5. Think about de-clawing before acting on it. It may be the best solution, but then again, it might not. If you have a closed in back yard where a cat can scratch tree bark for example, it might not be necessary. If you are surrounded by antique (or even just very expensive) furniture and your animal doesn’t go out or use scratching posts, it may be something to consider. Weigh all possibilities carefully.
6. Make sure your new pat always wears identification even if never let outside.
7. Generally speaking, cats do not need to be bathed, although longhaired cats probably should be as part of a grooming process a few times a year.
8. Make sure your cat gets the necessary shots. Shelters usually provide the initial shots as part of the adoption package, but you will need to maintain them with necessary veterinary care and spaying and neutering when the animal reaches six months of age
9. It might be a good idea to adopt two cats together as they will be company not only for you but also for each other.
Happy Cat!
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“WhenYour Cat Is Lost (Or Even Just Misplaced)”
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