Monday, February 10, 2014

Adopting a Cat... Are You Ready?

Thanks to Rahat from mytypesofcats.com for writing and sharing this article. 


Although cats are a bit more independent than other pets, adopting a cat is a huge responsibility. It's one tiny life in your hands, and before you even think about taking responsibility for that life, you should ask yourself a couple of questions.

Why should you get a cat?

Sounds pretty simple, but you need to sit down and think about it before you jump to a decision. The word "pet" itself is usually confused with something that people pay little attention to. Something that you display for others to observe, or something that entertains you when you're bored.

When you grow tired of the pet, you simply push it away right?

If you agree with the previous sentence you should leave the cat adoption for someone else. Just like children, pets are a commitment. You mustn't abandon them in any way once they're under your care. Adopting a cat in essence means creating a new family member, and thus should be treated like one.

Will you be able to take care of it?

Is your environment suitable for a cat? Say for example your work involves a lot of traveling. If you barely visit your own apartment for more than a week, getting a cat to sit around in it would be pretty pointless.

You should ask yourself is your living environment suitable for a cat. They aren't demanding creatures, as a matter of fact they require very little, but why not provide all the comfort one can give.

What kind of cat do you want?

If your heart is in place and you’re sure you want to get a fluffy companion, you might want to start looking. Perhaps you have a specific type of cat in mind already. Maybe a specific breed, color, age or sex.

Or perhaps you simply have to go out on a limb and look for the one that warms your heart the most. The same rule applies for any kind of pet. Don't get one simply because of the way they look. Think twice and get the pet you know will make you happy, and one that you can make happy as well.

Won't the cat be lonely?

If you're getting a young cat, still in its playful stage, you might want to consider getting it a companion.
Kittens have a lot of energy, and you can only play with them for so long. They have the entire day free, so they're bound to be bored unless you can ignore all your everyday responsibilities.

Two cats hardly cause more trouble than one. The only difference is a little bit of more noise during the night in exchange for a lot more happiness for your pet.

Research, tuna and some more research!

Learn all you can about cats before getting one. Cats don't need much bathing, they do it themselves. They have a lot of energy and are mostly active during the night. They point their tail up if they're happy. They purr a lot, they like to cuddle and sometimes, if they love their owner enough, try to ease the pain by cuddling next to the source of the pain.

There are many interesting things about these little creatures. Kindness and love will go a long way and trust me, it's a very warm feeling when a cat lifts its tail up sky high as it sprints towards you.

Have you ever adopted a cat before? What type of things would you recommend before someone adopts a cat?

29 comments:

  1. OMD those milk bone Valentines boxes are funtastix . We had intruders the weekend, so all behind. Hope you had a good weekend xxoxxxx


    Mollie and Alfie

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  2. Great advice...it's always wonderful when folks come into the adoption center and you can tell they have really thought through adding a new member to the family. I have to admit that I also love when they come in and ask which cat has been there the longest and why (-:

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    1. I think I would love to hear that question too, Amelia :)

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  3. Good post and it pays to think before you leap as they say. Adopting is such a good thing to do. Have a marvellous Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  4. Wonderful info! And very important as well!
    Thanks for sharing!
    ((Husky hugz))
    Frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky

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  5. i would love to adopt dogs instead...but cats are cute too.!

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    1. Adoption is the way to go, even if you like dogs better!

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    2. Yes absolutely..even thinking of buying a cute one for me..! :)

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  6. I would love to adopt a cat, but several things stand in the way, like my allergies and Rita's hatred of cats. Also the fact that my sister's cat often gets her up at 3 am to play makes me think twice (although of course the first two reasons are the main ones!).

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    1. I have similar conflicts Jackie. I know I will have a cat again someday, but our last cat and Shiner just hated each other's guts. KKMM was good at avoiding Shiner, but I don't want to adopt one because Shiner just doesn't get along with them. Maybe if it was a little baby kitten it would work out.

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  7. as with pupz...pleez ask questionz....one can never ask two manee questionz when adoptin any pet...cats, dawgs, etc. N if de purrson or shelter ewe may bee adoptin frum gives ewe a lot of....eye dunno answers.........well, sad lee ya mite wanna think twice bout them

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  8. I grew up knowing dogs only, and I had to take a crash course in cat. I think the hardest thing was learning their body language; it's so different than with dogs.

    --Woofs (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats.

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    1. I grew up with both and worked with both fortunately. You are right though, they have totally different body language! Something I think you can only truly learn from being around them.

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  9. Yikes! Is anyone ever really ready to adopt one of those self centered thankless creatures that usually don't care much for dogs? Mom has adopted many of them. She just goes to the adoption place and finds cat(s) or kitten(s) that she likes and brings them home. She's had at least one cat since she was seven, so she knows all about what they need. Once they are home we find out what they are really like. She says it is easier than choosing a dog/puppy.

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  10. This is some good info. We hope the mom isn't planning any adoptions soon. ;)

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    1. WAIT, can we start a rumor? Zoey's gonna get another brother????

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  11. Every time I see a cat and wish I could have one, I have to stop and remember that it is highly unlikely that my high-prey-drive dog Pierson will not allow it. :( Great post, though. There are a lot of things to consider.

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    1. I have the same issue Dawn. It takes self-control!

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  12. She should have mentioned that you need to be financially stable and any breed you want, you can find a rescue for. Never buy at a pet store unless its an adoption event. Most times cats adopt you. The peeps weren’t looking for a cat when Nicky walked into their yard and their lives.

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    1. Definitely something else to consider CK. All of my cats have adopted me too :)

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  13. I've adopted kitties before. I'd highly recommend someone consider whether or not they can afford a cat before adopting one. A kitty doesn't usually cost a lot, but they can and do get sick. They can get injured. They get old and age-related illnesses may occur.

    I'd also recommend thinking about how a kitty might fit into your household. For instance, you need to consider the needs of the other furry companions in your home if you have them. Likewise, you won't want to adopt a kitty who isn't good with children if you have them. Shelters are great about knowing what kitties will fit into your type of household if you ask them. :)

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    1. Affording one is very important too I think. I have to consider my furry companion dog in this case because she just isn't the most cat-friendly pup ever. Good thing the shelters are able to play match-maker!

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  14. Unfortunately, we'll never be ready to rescue a C-A-T. Mr. K absolutely forbids it. Luckily, we have plenty of kitty cousins who have all been rescued (nine to be exact) so others in the family are making up for the fact we can't rescue any C-A-T-S. Heather and Mr. K support my adopt a third (and fourth!) rescue Scottie proposal but we have yet to get Scottie Dad to sign off on that one. Fingers crossed! Much love, The Scottie Mom.

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    1. I have the same issue. I think it would be awesome to add to your Scottie crew! Maybe one day :)

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  15. this is sound advice for any pet ,xx Rachel

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