Are you ready to welcome a new kitty into your house? IF so, we would definitely urge you to consider getting a shelter cat. This is not only a great way for you to find your new feline friend, it also can be a way for you to help other homeless animals. A local Olathe, KS vet discusses adopting a shelter cat in this article.
Is It A Good Idea To Get A Cat From A Shelter?
We’re happy to see any kitty get a home, regardless of where Fluffy came from. That said, there’s no shortage of adorable cats in shelters. According to data from the ASPCA, there are about 3 million cats admitted into U.S. shelters every year. Of those, about 800,000 are euthanized.
Why Should I Adopt A Shelter Cat?
Lots of reasons! In fact, the question maybe should be why shouldn’t you adopt a shelter cat? That said, here are some of our answers:
Make A Difference
No one single person can help every kitty out there. However, you can definitely make a difference to Fluffy. Even giving one cat a loving home will make a difference. It may not change the world, but it will change Fluffy’s world … as well as your own.
Help Other Pets
When you adopt a shelter cat, your new feline friend isn’t the only animal that will benefit. You’ll also indirectly be helping other pets. The fees you spend on adopting your furry pal will help the shelter cover the costs of providing their other furry charges with food, water, shelter, and care.
Plus, you’ll be freeing up some space at the shelter. Fluffy’s going to leave an empty spot when you take her home. That space won’t stay vacant for long, though: before long, it will be filled by another adorable kitty in need of a good home.
Save Money
Another reason to consider adopting from a shelter? It’s easy on your bank account! It’s typically going to be much cheaper going to a shelter than going through a breeder. Purebred kittens can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars!
Of course, you may also find purebred kittens or cats available for adoption elsewhere. That’s fine, and overall, we’re happy to see Fluffy get adopted. However, this could still turn out to be a more expensive option, as you’ll be covering the entire cost of the kitty’s veterinary care. Most shelter pets are already fixed and current on their exams and vaccines. You may even be able to take advantage of deals and discounts, especially if you wait for adoption events.
Pick The Purrfect Kitty!
The internet plays an integral role in nearly every aspect of our lives and societies these days. Animal adoptions are no exception! Most shelters post their adoptable pets online, to let people know what animals are available. This is a great way for you to narrow in on your potential pet. You’ll be able to search by various filters, such as color, age, coat length, and breed. You can also help hone in on traits you want. For instance, if you have a dog, you’ll want to pick a kitty that has already been buddies with Fido.
No matter what type of pet you’re looking for, you’ve got a pretty good chance of finding a great match already waiting for you in a shelter. Even if you are looking for a specific breed, the odds are you’ll find a great match for you in a shelter.
One of the good things about being able to search online is that it’s easier to expand your search area. Many rescues either transport or are willing to help arrange transportation for pets to be rehomed out of state.
How Do I Prepare To Adopt A Rescue Cat?
Once you’ve decided that it’s time to take the plunge, you’ll want to get a few things in order. Petproofing is a must. It’s especially crucial with kittens, as they are basically tiny, mischievous balls of zoom, but it’s also important for older felines. Fluffy really never outgrows her capacity for shenanigans!
Here are some of the things you’d want to address:
Sharp or Small Objects: This list includes things like craft kit pieces, beads, buttons, jewelry, safety pins, small toys, thumb tacks, screws, nails, and so on.
Stringy/Ropy Items: Anything long or ropy is extremely dangerous. If your pet were to ingest something like that, it could cause potentially fatal internal issues as it travels through her digestive system. Plus, wires could also be hazardous due to electrical currents. Drape cords are also a risk: Fluffy could get entangled or strangled trying to play with a cord.
Toxic Plants: Many popular houseplants are poisonous to kitties. Lilies are particularly toxic. Even nibbling a small leaf or having a sip of the water could be lethal to your feline pal. Other unsafe plants include tulips, daffodils, and rhododendrons. You can find more information on both safe and unsafe plants online at the ASPCA site here.
Plastic: Plastics are definitely not safe for your feline buddy to eat. Unfortunately, Fluffy seems to really like the taste or texture of it. Keep things like wrappers and bags out of paws’ reach.
Chemicals: Any type of household product is more likely than not going to be dangerous for your kitty. That includes things like drain openers, paint, automotive products, lawn and garden products, detergents, cleaning agents … the list goes on. Many lawn/garden products, such as herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides are highly toxic to pets. Keep these things in secure spots.
Arrangements: Sometimes it isn’t the object itself but where it’s placed. Kitties can be quite rambunctious. Be careful of things like hanging plants or glass nicknacks. Try to keep heavy things on sturdy bases.
What Should I Pick Up Before Adopting Fluffy?
Before you bring your feline buddy home, you’ll need to make a trip to the pet store. Some of the things on your list should be picked out with Fluffy’s age and health in mind. For instance, if you’re getting a kitten, you’d want a kitten-formula pet food. You may also want to get a baby-sized letterbox. And speaking of litter, you would need to avoid clay and clumping litter for a baby furball.
Fluffy will also appreciate some pieces of kitty furniture. A scratching post or board is a must for any kitty! Keep your pet’s age in mind when shopping. For a senior, you’d want lots of beds, and perhaps a few pieces of furniture that are low to the ground and easy for your pet to get on and off. A kitten would appreciate something with lots of fun toys and things to climb and explore.
Your shopping list should include the following:
- Toys
- Treats
- Dishes
- A Crate Or Carrier
- A Harness And Leash
- Food
- Catnip
- Literbox
- Litter
- First Aid Kit
Ask your Olathe, KS vet for specific advice.
Make An Appointment at our Olathe, KS Pet Clinic
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your local Olathe, KS animal hospital, anytime. We are dedicated to offering both top-notch veterinary care and great customer service!
