Best Ways to Adopt a Cat

Cats make wonderful pets, and there are about 85 million of them in the nation's households today. Unfortunately, due to the abundance of strays and irresponsible owners who fail to have their pets spayed or neutered, more than two million are euthanized in shelters each year. Adoption is the primary method of reducing this grim figure.

If you think you might like to adopt a cat, there are several points to be considered. The best way to make the right choice for you and your cat is to make an informed decision.

Increased Responsibility

Understand the responsibilities related to owning a cat. Cats can live for more than 15 years, requiring a considerable commitment of time and resources. In addition to love and affection, the animal will need food, water and litter on a daily basis. Annual shots and other medical expenses also add to the cost of care.

Kitten or Mature Cat?

Decide whether your household would be more conducive to a kitten or a mature cat.

•  Kittens are cute and cuddly, but they will need to be trained to use the litter box. Mature cats are likely to have been trained in this area.

•  A kitten will not have to make an adjustment to being either an indoor or an outdoor cat, so you will be free to make that decision. If you are looking for an indoor-only cat, a cat used to being outdoors will likely be unhappy, and try to run out whenever it is near an open door.

•  Kittens are more playful and active, but if you are looking for a tranquil couch mate, an older cat would be the better choice.

• If you have small children, they would probably enjoy the playfulness of a kitten more. On the other hand, if they are too rough, a kitten is more susceptible to injury than a mature cat.

Where to Adopt    

Visit the county animal shelter or humane society to make a selection. Adoption fees are minimal although a charge is made to cover the cost of shots and spaying or neutering the animal. If instead you receive a free kitten or cat from a friend or acquaintance, be a responsible pet owner and have these medical services performed as soon as possible.