The ABC's of Cat Adoption for National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

 

In honor of National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, I'm shining the spotlight on our fur-less caretaker's other favorite companion, cats. I think the little guys are cute and am considering adopting one myself (hopefully neither of the girls are allergic to cat dander).

With approximately 6 to 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters ever year, I think it's important to go over the ABC's of cat adoption before adding a feline to your family unit. 

 
What better way to do your part in making the world a better place then by saving a life? Adopting a pet from a shelter does just that. Cats thrive in loving homes and will fascinate and amuse with their antics and superior intelligence (say what?!).

I've heard many a human declare that their cat understands them on a deeper plane than any human they know. I've also heard them repeat the phrase, "Dogs have owners while cats have staff."

 
Are you really prepared to be a responsible cat parent? Caring for your new cat involves more than love and attention (though both are essential). You also have a financial responsibility to provide your fur-child with healthy food, medical care, toys, kitty litter and other supplies.

And, while cats are less demanding then dogs when it comes to exercise and grooming, their care will take time. Make sure there's room in your schedule and your budget for kitty's care before adopting.

 
When you adopt, you are making a commitment to that cat or kitten to do everything within your power to make things work. There's no giving up if the reality of cat ownership is a little different then you had imagined.

With a lot of love and patience, your new pet can be trained to mind the house-rules. Keep in mind that kitty wants this to work just as much as you do...probably more! Your mindset should be that adoption is for life.

Research everything involved in cat care and consider how your cat will fit in to any future lifestyle changes (like having a baby), before adopting. Cats can bring a fun new dimension to a formerly cat-less household.

Sharing your life with a cat will bring joy to your heart, love to your life and a smile to your face!



Top 10 reasons why cats end up in shelters

1. Too many in house
2. Allergies
3. Moving
4. Cost of pet maintenance
5. Landlord issues
6. No homes for litter-mates
7. House soiling
8. Personal problems
9. Inadequate facilities
10. Doesn’t get along with other pets

Resources

• Save a Cat - Pictures and profiles of homeless cats by zip code
• Cost of caring for a cat
• Cat supplies you'll need
• iPhone apps for pet owners
• Pet Insurance Center
• Cat supply product reviews

^{Bo Obama Dog Blog sources: About.com, National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy}

Comments

[xlpharmacy]

Cats are so lovely! Keep sharing stuff like this.

[UGG Mayfaire]

Thank you for sharing this information. The information was very helpful and saved a

[Cheap Christian Louboutin]

I'm running out of steam. I need to take a break.

[PetDoggies]

Wow, this is great! Really thanks for the infomation! Do you happened to be kind of into petdoggies as well? I would want to know more information about dog chews as well. Looking forward to your reply!

[herbal tea]

Its very best things which you have shared here.While you going to Adopting any of the Pets then you have to be very sure with its Shelters,Responsibilities and Commitments.I like your sharing about is very much.

[online clothing store]

I really like your task about the National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month,Its helpful for the Pets specially its for the Cats.Its all about its Care,Life style and its households.Happy to read these all things.

[lemons to lemonade]

Adoption is one of the great activity and i am very much interested in pet Adaptation and all.So i like your sharing about it too much.Its really very impressive one.

[Howard Leight ear plugs]

Its for the Cat's month and its all about the Adoption for National.And its such a great tips which you have shared here.

[L]

Hey Miles! I don't see anything wrong with repping adoption - whether or not you're actually an adopter. Heck, I say that everybody should get the word out for adoption even if they're not a dog owner!

I do wish that Obama could have adopted (it would have been a great encouragement to others!) but so many people buy for breed these days that I'm not really surprised that he didn't.

[vintage cameo lockets]

I like Pets and specially Cats the most.And here you have described so many best and the true things for the Cats.All cat Lover has to read these all things and follow the things for them.

[Miles]

How funny that the Obama's BOUGHT dog (not a rescue) is promoting rescuing...whatever...if more cats get adopted I won't complain but seriously I still cannot figure out why the Obama's would not set a good example and get a rescue dog.