How to Adopt a Healthy Cat From a Shelter

Thousands of healthy, unwanted cats are euthanized at animal shelters each month. Thankfully, thousands more are adopted by caring people just like you. If you are planning to adopt a cat from a shelter, follow the steps below to choose a healthy one.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cat Beds
• Cat Carriers
• Cat Collars
• Cat Dishes
• Cat Foods
• Cat Litters
• Cat Shampoos
• Litter Boxes
• Identification Tags
• Veterinarian

1. Make an appointment with an adoption counselor. Calling ahead saves time, as shelters are busy places staffed mostly by volunteers.

2. Consult a veterinarian about the health issues of different breeds of cats. Some medical problems are more common in certain breeds.

3. Prepare a list of questions and bring it with you to the shelter.

4. Request a tour of the animal wards and exercise rooms. All areas should be clean, comfortable and odor-free - indicators of quality care.

5. Observe the cats available for adoption. Select an active one that shows no signs of respiratory disease, such as sneezing or watery eyes.

6. Ask if the cat has been examined by a veterinarian or animal technician.

7. Ask whether the cat has been tested for feline leukemia, vaccinated, treated for fleas and given worm medication.

8. Play with the cat and check that she has clean ears, healthy pink membranes in her mouth and no evidence of diarrhea under the tail.

9. Check the skin for flea debris or patches that are scaly, inflamed or lacking hair. These could indicate ringworm, which is treatable but contagious (to you and other pets).

10. Pay the adoption fee and consider making a donation. Most animal shelters are private, not-for-profit organizations, operating solely on donated funds.

11. Be prepared to leave the cat at the shelter an additional 24 hours. Most shelters require this waiting period to discourage impulsive adoptions.

12. Take the cat to a veterinarian soon after adoption. Follow the veterinarian's recommendations for completing the vaccination, worming and preventative health protocol.

Tips & Warnings

• Be conscious of the responsibility that accompanies pet adoption. You are making a 15- to 20-year commitment, and you cannot change your mind without creating emotional trauma for the cat.

• Have the cat spayed or neutered so that you will not contribute to pet overpopulation. Many shelters include this service with the adoption fee.

• Consider adopting two kittens; cats benefit from companionship.

• Cats are experts at disguising the signs of illness, and all diseases have an incubation period - so be aware that something unexpected may show up two to three days after adoption. This situation is generally not through any fault of the shelter staff, and most shelters have a return policy for sick animals.

• Avoid adopting a weak and malnourished cat unless you are prepared to spend some extra time, effort and money to nurse her back to health.