Choosing a Lifelong Friend: Your Guide to Adopting Cats from A Shelter

They are all super cute, but we can’t have them all, can we? Bummer. This article would help you with which kitty to choose. 😉

Roughly 70% of total shelter intake throughout the United States comprised of cats. They are there for a lot of different reasons and their biggest problem is not really bad behavior nor poor health; their problem is that they need a home and a family who would love them. You can help solve that by adopting one (or two) of these kitties.

However, keep in mind that no cats are created equal; they all have different personalities and needs. Before going to the shelter, it is best to think which kind of cat would suit you and your family. That way, you can ensure that the cat would be well-taken care of, without conflicting with your schedule and situation.

Cats VS Kittens

Kittens are so cute and adorable. Their extra high-energy and playfulness (and mischief) can be destructive and requires more supervision and training than older cats.

Furthermore, they have not yet developed their personalities yet, so you don’t really know “who” the kitty is. They could also be a little rougher around toddlers, too, and vice versa. Hence, if you decide to get a kitten and have a little one in the house, it is advisable to keep an eye out for the both of them.

An older cat can be a little calmer and more patient around toddlers, and less unpredictable and excitable than kittens and younger cats.

Before Going to the Shelter

Give your local shelters a call first before dropping by. You can also check their online website (if they have one), so you can see the cats they have for adoption and some information about them.

Also, you may talk to the shelter workers or volunteers about which cat would be most suited for you and your family’s preferences, since they know the cats they have and their different personalities and behavior.

At the Shelter

It is a good idea to bring the whole family with you when you go to the shelter. Remind your small children that you’d only get one cat, since it could be hard for children (or even adults) to choose only one cat to take home.

While you’re there, observe how the cats react to you and your family. If you see a cat you’re particularly interested in, ask the volunteer or worker to take him or her out of the cage so you can interact with him or her more closely.

Taking the Kitty Home

Hooray! You’ve made a decision. It’s time to fill out the paperwork and pay a fee for the shots given to the cat, and for spaying or neutering.

Back home, make sure that you have already set up the cat’s litter box and feeding area (they should be in far from each other). Don’t be in a rush; give your cat some time to get himself or herself comfortable in your home and your family.