Adopt a cat from a shelter
Animal shelters bear the consequences of reckless husbandry practices, the failure of pet owners to responsibly spay and neuter their pets, and heartbreaking acts of neglect and abuse. In addition, abandoned pets and stray dogs are received at a rate that often exhausts the shelter’s capacity. Reputable animal shelters deserve our attention and financial support.
It is advantageous for a cat lover to adopt a pet from a shelter. Shelters offer a wide range of companion pets for all types of individuals and families. While animals receive proper care at a shelter, nothing compares to the everyday comforts of a warm and loving home.
Adopting a cat from a shelter is the best possible way to ensure the mutual satisfaction and love that both the pet owner and the pet deserve. In addition, cats in shelters have developed personalities that allow a person to more precisely choose the one that best suits their lifestyle. It’s tempting to want to start with a kitten. However, aside from the unexpected inconvenience, chores, and energy of dealing with a kitty, there’s no guarantee that the ultimate personality will follow your lifestyle or home situation. Contrary to your first inclination, kittens are not the best choice for young children. A cat that is at least one year old offers the best chance of giving a young child a positive experience with his first pet. Mature cats are much easier to care for and more predictable in their behavior. The shelter workers are genuinely interested in helping you find the right cat for your personality, behavior, and home situation, and will help you make a wise decision and investment.
Adopting your cat from a shelter is also substantially cheaper. Most shelter cats are mixed-breeds, without the inherited health problems often associated with full-breed cats in particular. Shelter cats are usually spayed, neutered, and vaccinated. There are often special discounts available for spay or neuter programs if your cat is adopted at a young age. You can also adopt a set of mating cats or littermates at a lower price. This is often a very rewarding experience that improves the cats’ quality of life, as well as the company they ultimately enjoy. The price of adoption may vary. Some shelters ask around $100 for a cat, but it can be much less. In addition to spaying and neutering, the adoption fee from a reputable shelter will usually include vaccinations for distemper and tests for feline AIDS and feline leukemia. The average cost for treatment of feline AIDS and leukemia is $45 to $75 for each disease. Spaying or neutering can run up to a bill of $45-$90 and vaccinations typically run $150-$300. Adopting a cat from a shelter not only alleviates the burden of overcrowding many shelters experience, but is obviously the most affordable option. profitable.
If one insists on a particular breed, the selection at a shelter includes almost every breed at one time or another. Additionally, there are many organizations that specialize in rescuing and adopting specific breeds. Most of these can be found online or by referral from your local shelter. Shelter employees and volunteers want the best for the cat and will work together to help you find the best possible match.
Shelters are in particular need during the spring and early fall. These are breeding seasons, and shelters are usually overflowing with kittens in need of homes. If you are an experienced cat owner, capable of responsible kitten ownership, and committed to the lifelong care of a cat of uncertain personality and health, a kitten can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.
To locate an adoption center in your area, check your phone book or a local veterinarian; or contact the Humane Association of the United States. Millions of non-adopted cats are humanely euthanized each year in the United States. By bringing a feline companion into your home, you’ll be saving a life and making space for other cats to have the opportunity to live full lives in a supportive environment.
Remember: having a pet is a lifetime commitment. Consider the cat’s long-term care and expenses, and be willing to accept the difficult times as well as the memorable experiences and invaluable companionship your cat will return.
Finally, please support local and national shelters, as well as the many organizations that provide much-needed services and ensure the humane treatment of our valued animal friends.