Questions you need to consider before adopting a cat or kitten
1. Do you go to work 4 or more days per week?
2. Do you from home? IF you are not home for the majority of the week due to employment, consider adopting two kittens. Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. Plus they’ll provide more benefits to you. Cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves – and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile
3. Are you looking for a cat with will be independent and not take up much of your time?
4. Are you looking for a lap cat?
5. Are you looking for a cat that follows you around the house and is always in your business?
6. Are you looking for an indoor only cat?
7. Do you have or have you pick out a veterinarian? Our contract requires you take this kitten/cat to a veterinarian within 72 hours from purchase/pickup and to keep the kitten/cat separated from all other animals until veterinarian’s approval is given
8. Is everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home? It can take several weeks for a kitten/cat to relax in a new environment. It’s a great idea to keep the new addition secluded to a single room (with a litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier left out and open with bedding inside) until the cat is used to the new surroundings; this is particularly important if you have other pets. Socialization is very important. But remember you need to take it slow.
9. Do you plan to declaw your kitten/cat?
10. Do you have a budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat? Understand any pet is a responsibility and there’s a cost associated with that.
11. Will you be able to stock up on supplies before the kitten/cat arrives? It is important to be prepared so your new kitten/cat can start feeling at home right away. Your kitten/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, a toothbrush and nail clippers
12. Have you cat-proof your home? A new kitten/cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will serve to 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).
13. Have you included your new kitten/cat in your family’s emergency plan? You probably have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency. You will need to adjust this plan to include your pets. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list
14. Is this kitten/cat for yourself or is he or she a gift? If you are considering giving a kitten/cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process. Though well-meaning, the surprise kitten/cat gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period. Remember, adopting a kitten/cat is not like purchasing a household appliance or a piece of jewelry – this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being