If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, there are a lot of considerations to make as well as some initial assessments about the cat’s age, gender, breed, history, general health, and degree of need. House cats can live for up to 20 years, so it’s important to be dedicated and do your homework in advance.
- Commitment
When adopting a cat, carefully consider the commitment you’ll be making. You should treat cats like members of your family since they are sentient beings. Your lifetime commitment to caring for a cat includes providing it with nourishing food, a safe place to live, affection, and veterinary care in both good and difficult times.
Conversely, if you’ve been thinking about obtaining a cat for a while and you think the time is right, consult the other residents of the home. You will all need to share this passion since the cat will view you as active members of its family.
- The age of the cat
You have to decide whether to get a kitten, an adult cat, or a senior cat when thinking about getting a cat. Despite how cute they are, kittens require a lot of time and effort to care for. Cats frequently rub their mothers’ bellies on cushions during nursing. This might cause some furniture made of leather or fabric to scrape.
Similar to puppies, kittens gain from having a litter of companions to play with, snuggle, and give amusing activities while humans aren’t home. Therefore, if you want one, it could be best to have two kittens who get along well and can be siblings. Two cats together might occasionally be able to influence one another even if mom may not always properly train small kittens to utilize the litter box.
A cat that hasn’t been socialized will inevitably scratch a youngster who interacts with them, so the child needs to be mature enough to understand this normal growth stage. Older cats and seniors may end up getting along better. A cat that appreciates being petted in someone’s lap or one that is at ease enjoying a tranquil nap in front of the TV or another warm heat source would be a better alternative.
- Choosing a Cat for Rescue
You should start your search for your first cat at humane shelters and cat rescue organizations. Many gorgeous cats and kittens are available for adoption from these organizations. If you are set on a cat of a specific breed, there are a number of breed rescue organizations you should research.
The first vaccinations, the spay/neuter procedure, and the veterinarian clearance exams are typically all handled by the shelter. The shelter has usually already begun to address any health issues the cat may have had as a result of malnourishment or abuse in a former life. Your final gift to restoring health to your rescue could create a lifelong link between you two.
When selecting a cat of any age, try to let it choose you. While you relax on the floor, give the cat some other options in the space; if they choose you over them, that’s a good sign. If more than one kitten is being considered at once, sit still and wait for it to come to you.
If you decide to comfort any of the scaredy-cats in the corner without crowding them, be prepared to commit a few weeks to doing so. If they get to know you and their overall fear decreases, they might turn become extraordinarily loyal buddies.
- Additional Kittens
We understand that cats enjoy social interaction since they are social animals like us. With a few rare exceptions, adult domestic and wild cats lead largely solitary lives. Cats can be happy in groups, unlike dogs, who naturally seek out feline companionship. Before opting to add a second cat to your household, consider whether your current cat needs a friend and whether you are prepared to provide for the demands of multiple cats.
Consider your current cat’s age and temperament before getting a new one. A kitten or even another adult cat may be more welcome in the presence of a young or middle-aged cat, but an older cat’s worst nightmare is having a youthful, lively, and voracious playmate as a friend.
A domineering outdoor cat may scare a timid newcomer, while a demanding indoor cat may bully a timid newcomer, depending on the personality of your original cat. It is possible to successfully introduce cats. The decision to get a cat for the family is sometimes unavoidable. For instance, if you are getting married and you both own cats, the merger is necessary.
If you’re adopting your first cat and you’re considering getting a pair, the best approach is to get two kittens from the same litter or an adult pair that has already bonded.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your family pet, know the pet’s health history, and may make the best recommendations for your pet.
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