I am thinking about getting a cat from a shelter. What do I need to think about before heading to the shelter to give a cat a home?
2006-07-09 03:57:43 · 18 answers · asked by mellow_man_ny 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
1 Do you have time for a pet?
2 Are you willing to make a commitment to it for the rest of its life?
3 Can you afford vet care?
2006-07-09 04:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by groomingdiva_pgh 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How much time you are home. If you have the money for veterinary care, if needed. (Sometimes shelter cats have cough/sneezes that need medication to get rid of). How many and the ages of your children (Some shelters won't adopt to families that have children under the age of 6). If you move, are you willing to search extra to find a place that allows cats, and are you willing to pay a pet deposit if needed. Will you keep this cat even if he/she isn't declawed and scratches the furniture? Will you NOT declaw this cat? (Most shelters/rescues are against that procedure, and will not adopt to someone who has the intention to do it.)
And most importantly:
Do you realize this is a lifetime commitment, and the cat's personality at the shelter may not be the same it has once he/she gets comfortable at your house. Are you willing to work to train out any ''quirks'' in the cat's personality, or just learn to accept them?
2006-07-09 04:03:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first and foremost do you have the room, time and money for this cat. make sure you have a litter box, food and water dishes food and scratch post(s) and some toys. preferably before you go to the shelter. We went there fell in love and ended up getting our boys before we had the stuff we need so we had to make an emergency trip to walmart on the way home from the spca. it was in November and mild temps so they were fine in the car for 10 mins.
If you don't have other animals and you don't have a vet, have one in mind, that is a question they usually ask.
Make sure you are able to make the commitment to the cat for thier whole life. I have known too many people who after the newness of the animal wears off they get rid of the animal.
It's good that you are doing your "homework" before getting your cat and you are going to the shelter to rescue one.
2006-07-09 04:21:40 · answer #3 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you rent you need to make sure you have landlord permission - take proof with you to the shelter
age of cat? - kittens are more playful and more destructive they will cost you more in the long run because they will still need to pbe spayed or neutered - there are lots of kittens this time of year - adult cats are often not considered by adopters so are at more of a risk for euthanasia so if you really want to safe a life you would pick an adult
male/female? if possible get one who is already spayed or neutered - males are cheaper to neuter BUT you have a risk that they may spray even after neutering
where will your litter box be? often people put it in the laundry room or basement - it needs to be accessable and often next to the laundry machine might frighten the cat if cycle changes so not a good choice
one cat or two? if you are not hope alot getting 2 cats might be a good option so they can play with each other
indoors or out? cats live longer healthier lives if keep indoors only - or you can build a cat run for them out of 2x4's and chicken wire - with window acess
good luck!!!!! thanks for getting from a shelter - bring a carrier with you or at least a very good box -you dont want kitty loose in the car
2006-07-09 04:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit the cats at the shelter. Make a quik movment near one. If it flinches or cowers it has probably been abused. That cat will probably be cowardly and shy. He or she might not be the best choice. Stare a cat in the eye for about 5 seconds. If it hisses it's probably a violent natured cat. If it does nothing but look back not bothered it's probably a pretty nice care free cat.
2006-07-16 03:59:43 · answer #5 · answered by Kiella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before getting a cat you should prepare yourself to take all the problems a cat will create all day in your home.You will be busy with the cat all day and within a year you will be more busy with her off springs if it is a she cat.If it is a tom cat then he will invite she cat in your home and make a big a happy family.Cats don't bother about norms of your home rather they make your home their home.After a very short time you will see your home full of cats stealing foods making your rooms dirty with their droppings.You have to feed them,clean their droppings,they scratch your costly furniture, sleep on your pillow and urinate your bed.If you cannot bear with all these problems you cannot love your cats.So think over and reciprocate.
2006-07-09 04:12:12 · answer #6 · answered by Sona420 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The good thing about getting a cat is that they can take care of themselves. Just give them food & water, teach them how to use a litter box and you're good to go. It's a lot easier than having a dog. Just make sure you find a good Vet. The only thing I can think of to warn you about is that if they're not declawed they will scratch up your couch, chair, etc.
2006-07-09 04:21:13 · answer #7 · answered by AnnaBanana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The shelter will make you jump through a million hoops to "qualify". Make certain you have the time, energy and MONEY to cover this cat. Even when you are away, sick, bored, moving, the cat will depend upon you for its LIFE. That is a big responsiblilty. It is not a toy.
2006-07-09 04:05:35 · answer #8 · answered by themasterevan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you handle the smell and the hair? even if you keep a clean litter box and house the cat will change the smell of your house.
2006-07-09 04:09:08 · answer #9 · answered by Mush 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that you can care for the cat properly...Nice place...I prefer to keep my cats in the house...
2006-07-09 05:40:25 · answer #10 · answered by "Olivia Loves Raoul" 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋