How to Adopt a Cat

All across the country, in thousands of animal shelters and humane societies, there are adult cats and kittens waiting to be adopted, who would make affectionate pets and friends. Sadly, estimates are that only 24% of the cats who enter shelters are ever adopted. According to the American Humane Association (see link below) the rest—some 70%--are eventually euthanized because no one gives them a home, and shelters cannot keep them indefinitely. Each cat that is given a home by a loving and caring person is a cat saved from becoming one of the 9.6 million dogs and cats that must be put to sleep each year. If you want to adopt a cat there are a few things you need to do. The steps below will guide you as you go through the process to adopt a cat as the newest member of your family.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat carrier
• Litter box and cat litter
• Feeding dishes and cat food
• Scratching post (recommended!)
• Toys

1. Decide what kind of cat you want to adopt. The first impulse many people have is to adopt a kitten and that’s fine. This may or may not be the best choice for you. There are many adult cats that need good homes. Kittens do require more work and are extremely lively, while an adult cat will be more relaxed. You may want to get a shorthair or a longhair cat. If you do get a longhair you will need to brush the cat on a regular basis. Finally, many people have an affinity for a particular breed of cat. Purebred cats are abandoned or put up for adoption more often than you may realize and there are shelters that specialize in finding homes for purebred cats.

2. Locate the right shelter. You may be able to find a shelter to adopt a cat by looking in the Yellow Pages. Another option is to use the Shelter Locater link at the end of this article. If you want to adopt a purebred, your local Humane Society may be able to help you find a group that places purebred cats. Alternatively, you can call the Humane Society national Companion Animal information number: [phone].

3. Visit the shelter and meet cats who are awaiting adoption. Choose your new friend on personality above all else! Shelters will normally allow you to spend some time in a visiting room with different cats so you can interact with them and get a feel for their individual mannerisms and personalities. Cats are very social and affectionate, but they are also very much individuals. You want to choose a cat whose personality meshes well with yours.

4. Take care of the adoption requirements. There is usually a small adoption fee. In addition you should arrange to have your cat spayed or neutered (many adoption facilities require this as a condition of adoption). Be sure to find out how to register your new cat with your local authorities (local laws usually require this).

5. Take your new cat home. It is a very bad—and dangerous—idea to take a newly adopted cat home unconfined in a car. The cat will be nervous and easily frightened. You do not want a frantic cat bouncing around while you are trying to drive! Get a cat carrier from a local pet supply store and take it with you when it comes time to bring your new cat home.

6. Provide a friendly and reassuring environment while your cat adjusts to her new home. The best thing to do is to set aside a quiet room where the cat can be left alone most of the time. Place a litter box, food, and water in the room and allow the cat to become familiar with this area before introducing her to the rest of the house. If you have other pets or small children, close the door, and keep the cat secluded for a few days.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a scratching post and train your cat to use it. The best way to do this is to rub catnip into the scratching surface. Once your cat knows it’s allowed to scratch the post, but not the furniture, you should have no problem.
• Cats should always be kept indoors unless you are with them. In many cities this is required by law. Even if it isn’t, allowing your cat to run loose will result in it getting fleas, ear mites, or worst of all, being run over or lost.

Resources

• Humane Society Adoption Information
• Find Local Animal Shelters
• American Humane Association