How to Choose a Cat at the Shelter
Longing to add a small four-legged friend to your household? Animal shelters have great cats that are there through no fault of their own. If you're looking for a purebred or a mutt, they have both. Picking a cat through a shelter may require more effort than buying one at the pet store, but the rewards are worth it. You'll be getting a healthy cat and saving a life.
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Instructions
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Decide whether you want a cat or a kitten. Kittens are cute, but have insanely high energy and destroy things. If you have small children, they may not mesh well with a kitten-- kittens scratch and little kids crush. Older cats are calmer and you can tell what their personalities are like. Often, cats are given up because the original owner doesn't have time for the cat, lost their home, or had allergies, not because the cat was a problem. The original owner may also have provided information about the cat, such as whether it likes children and dogs.
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Visit your nearest shelter. Shelters don't always have the time or resources to post pictures of all their animals, so be sure to go in and see who they have available. Bring everyone who lives with you, including babies.
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Look at all the cats and see which ones respond well to you and your family. Cats are sometimes afraid of the loud, sudden movements of children. If the cat hisses at your toddler, that's not a good choice. Look for a cat who shows interest in your family and isn't afraid of your child's happy dance.
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Have an interaction with the cat. Ask a shelter staff member to take it out of its cage; most shelters have an area for you to pet the cat. Remember that cats are scared in this new environment, but petting and talking to the cat should give you a general idea of its personality. If you have children and the cat isn't scared of them in the shelter environment, the cat should also get along with them at home.
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Once you've chosen your new pet, the shelter will have you fill out paperwork and pay a fee. The fee includes the cost of a spay or neuter and shots. Adults cost less than kittens. Ask whether the shelter has a return policy. Most allow you anywhere from 30 to 90 days to return or trade your cat in if it doesn't work out.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask the shelter staff for "hidden treasure" recommendations. The staff might know of the right cat (and the wrong cat) for your family.
Introduce your cat to its litterbox and food as soon as you get home.
Most shelters provide a free first vet visit. Take advantage of it.
The big chain pet stores give out store coupons for newly adopted shelter pets to save money on supplies.
During peak seasons, shelters may waive the adoption fee for some of their cats.
If you don't see a cat you like at one shelter, visit another or wait. Don't settle.
Have an adult male cat neutered before you bring him home. This helps prevent spraying problems.
If you have other pets, introduce your new cat to them slowly. Confine your new cat to its own area, like a shut bedroom, for a week or two. This also helps prevent disease.
Give a new cat time to adjust to your home. Cats may hide from you for a week. Set out food and water and leave it alone.
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- Photo Credit Margaret Dilloway
