How to Prepare to Adopt a Cat

Cats are relatively undemanding pets, but pet ownership is still a serious responsibility. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter an animal shelter each year. Show that you are an animal lover right from the start by taking the time to prepare a forever home for your new cat. With a little bit of planning, you can make this an easy transition for your entire household. Before you know it, you will be a happy cat owner (and your cat, a happy human owner).

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check with your landlord if you live in an apartment. You may be required to pay a pet deposit or even a monthly rent surcharge for your new cat. If you live in a house, you will also need to make sure that anyone else living in the home approves of the idea of getting a new cat. Check with any roommates to make sure that they do not have allergies.

2. Budget carefully for your new pet. The adoption fee is only a small portion of the lifetime cost of owning a cat. The ASPCA estimates the annual cost of owning a cat is around $1,000. This includes most of the standard costs such as veterinary fees, cat food, litter, cat carrier and cat toys, but not the initial set of vaccinations. These costs can vary widely by region.

3. Check out your house or apartment and remove any household hazards. Lock up any household chemicals. Tuck away any power cords, rubber bands, and ribbon or string. Your cat may love to play with string--but it is very dangerous if he actually swallows any.

4. Move houseplants out of the reach of cats, or into a room which they cannot access. Many common houseplants, including English Ivy and Philodendrons, are toxic to cats. You may want to move ALL of your houseplants out of the way until you determine if your cat likes to munch plants.

5. Check your calendar. It will be easier on everyone if you bring home your new cat when you will be in town for at least a few weeks. It will also be less stressful to bring home a new cat after holiday decorations are put away.

6. Have the essential cat supplies on hand before you adopt your new cat: cat food, food and water dishes, litter box and litter. Buy only a small bag of cat food until you know what kind of food your cat likes and if she has any special requirements. Likewise, you may want to get a few small toys, but wait to see what he likes to play with before stocking up. Consider buying a cat carrier before you bring your cat home. The shelter may provide one for you, but these are often simple cardboard boxes, intended for one-time use. You will be needing to use it again soon for your cat's first visit to the vet.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider pet insurance for your new cat. Most policies include routine vaccinations and checkups as well as emergency care. If your cat has been in a foster home, you may be able to get detailed information about her, including whether she gets along well with other pets or with children. Ask about any quirks he may have and his favorite type of cat toy.
• Some cat rescue organizations will only adopt out cats if certain conditions are met, such as keeping the cat indoors and promising not to have it declawed. Make sure that you know, and can agree with, these conditions before getting your heart set on a specific cat. You may not be able to take home your new cat the same day. Virtually all shelters will require animals to be spayed or neutered before they come home. Watch out for signs of illness: watery eyes, discharge, or excessive coughing or sneezing. A healthy cat will have bright eyes and sleek fur--even in a shelter.

Resources

• Petfinder.com : Adopt a Homeless Pet