Before adopting a cat, take this test. You've decided to get a cat because:
A) The kids' whining has finally worn you down.
B) You feel terrible for all the homeless pets in the shelter.
C) That purebred kitten in the pet store window is cute AND orange, which happens to be THE fashion color this fall.
D) You've been thinking about welcoming a cat companion into your home for quite awhile, and finally everything is in place. Your heart opens all the way, and you know that it's time.
Although people have taken in pets for all of the above reasons, the right answer, of course, must be "D." It is crucially important to consider the impact a new pet will have on your family, as well as the feelings of the animal, before you adopt.
This Time for Keeps
A visit to Buster’s Friends, Inc. will prove that acting on impulse or appearance is not the way to welcome a pet into your home. The 8 to 12 million homeless cats and dogs that arrive in shelters each year – 25 percent of them purebreds – attest to that. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Isabella Rossellini and Fabio have adopted animals from shelters, but not because it's trendy. They wanted to save a life, just like you do.
You stroll cages filled with hopeful cats and kittens, young and old, purebred and mixes, and must choose just one pet who'll depend on you the rest of her life. Cards on each cage door tell their stories: This 2-year-old Burmese was brought to clinic to be treated for a broken leg, but his owner never came back to claim him. That tiny, longhaired kitten was abandoned with three brothers. They've already seen bad luck. They are all intensely appealing. Do your homework before deciding.
Will Your Home and Life Accommodate a Cat?
First, you, your kids and all the adults in your household should agree that you want a cat. Look down the road for the life of the animal, which could be 10, even 20 years. Kids will be going to college or you may be retiring within 15 years, but your kitty will still be around.
· Do you have the patience and commitment to understand your cat's needs and ways of communication? Some cats seem aloof, but they bond with you for security and company.
· How old are your children? If they're under 6, are you prepared for tears and band aids? Kittens have extra-sharp teeth and claws, and strike back when teased. Some breeds are high-strung.
· Is anyone in the house allergic? Different species and breeds elicit different reactions. Spend time with a similar pet at a friend's house before choosing yours.
· Is an adult willing to shoulder ultimate responsibility for the animal's care? Pets can teach a child about loyalty and responsibility, but you can't expect a child to do all the work of feeding and changing the kitty litter.
· How much time does your family spend at home? Animals like regular schedules. Do you know who'll take care of your pet when you go on a trip?
· Does your lease or condo board allow pets?
· Can you tolerate some damage to furniture and floors until your new pet becomes accustomed to your home? Will you take accidents, even flea infestations, in stride?
· Do you have the financial means to support a pet? The adoption fee is minimal, compared to prices paid to a breeder or pet store. But the costs of medical care, food, grooming, toys, kitty litter and other supplies add up.
The Cost
Buster’s Friends adoption fee covers the basic medical care needed prior to adopting (vaccinations, alteration, microchipping, deworming and initial flea preventative). But like kids at daycare, kittens and cats get stressed when changing environments, so you should be prepared for your new kitty to possibly break with a kitty cold or URI. While this is not always the case, it will give you a taste of annual expenses should your kitty become sick in the future. You must also be able to pay the costs of weekly food and litter bills and yearly vaccination boosters, in addition to occasional unplanned trips to the veterinarian for illness or injury.
Food, alone, can cost as much as $1 a day adding up to $365 dollars a year. Litter, depending on the type and quality will run anywhere from $2 to $10 a week. In preparation for the new kitten you will also need to purchase other materials for your cat's comfort such as food and water bowls, a litter pan, comb, brush, shampoo, toys, scratching posts and bedding.
What Kind of Pet Do You Prefer?
Remember that kittens must be taught how to learn. Adult animals already know how to learn and have developed personalities. Purebred or mixed, the average adult cat ranges from 6 to 16 pounds. Although cats have a different way of communicating their temperaments than dogs, reading up on breeds will give you common tendencies: Ragdolls are placid and playful; Siamese, gentle to children and seniors alike; Turkish Angoras, quick-witted and quick-tempered; Maine coons, easy-going.
Time to Visit the Adoption Center
· Are you willing to answer questions? You will be asked for proof of identity and residence; the name of your landlord or condo board to verify that pets are allowed; the number of children and pets in the household; a history of pets you've owned; the name of your veterinarian; if you have screens on apartment windows to prevent cats from chasing birds out the window. Your work and travel schedule help determine if you could manage a kitten that needs socialization.
· Buster’s Friends, Inc. attempts to provide a background on every animal that comes in. Majority of our cats and kittens come from foster homes where the foster parent will evaluate a cat/kittens personality. Is he used to people in general? To children? How does he react to other cats and dogs? If we recommend against placing an animal with children, other animals or an inexperienced owner, don't argue. We have been doing this for a long time and we can see a failed adoption before it happens. If you have children, dogs, etc, and are looking for a good match, ask an adoption counselor for advice. We can steer you towards a cat/kitten who will fit your situation.
· Everyone in the household should meet the animal before he goes home. Ask us to show you a limited number of animals, to prevent the kids from instantly "bonding" with an inappropriate animal. "Test drive" a few. Hold and play with a few cats before making a final decision.