June Is National Adopt a Cat Month
The Perfect Addition
Adding a feline family member to your home can have so many benefits without a lot of extra work.
June is recognized as National Adopt a Cat Month. This is a time that marks the peak of “kitten season” when shelters and rescues are bursting at the seams with cats and kittens looking for their fur-ever home.
It’s an ideal time to consider adopting a feline family member. Whether you choose to give a kitten a home or an adult cat a second chance at a great life, the rewards you receive in return will be well worth it.
Today, we’ll look at how to decide if a cat or kitten is right for your home, how to choose your new fur baby, and how to prepare your home for your newest family member.
Are Cats a Good Fit for Your Lifestyle?
If you like both cats and dogs, but don’t feel that you have the time or energy to devote to a dog, a cat may be the purr-fect choice for you.
They are clean, fairly independent, and don’t require a lot of extra work, but can give you so much love and companionship. If you have a little time to devote to their care and enrichment, cats can be a wonderful pet for you for years to come.
Each cat comes with a unique personality and tempermant. Choosing the best cat for your home depends on your schedule, energy level, and family.
For instance, a cat or kitten that is very playful, bold, and friendly may suit a family with young children or multiple pets.
A timid cat may not fare so well in that busy environment but would be a perfect cuddle buddy for seniors or a quiet single person.
A cat with an independent nature or a quiet homebody may do well if they are alone for some time during the work day. Though, keep in mind that all pets need attention and love, including our independent feline friends.
A more social cat may need a home where they can be with someone for most of their day or, at the very least, have other pet siblings to entertain them.
You may also consider whether or not you want a long-haired or short-haired cat. While cats are fastidious groomers, long-haired cats will often need more help with grooming to remove excess fur to prevent matting. Just consider that you’ll need a little extra time to brush and groom these cats, and may need to take them to a groomer on occasion.
Think about your lifestyle and that of your family. You will want to be happy with your new kitty and you will want them to thrive in your loving care.
Kitten or Cat?
Whether you choose to adopt a kitten, an adult cat, or even a senior cat, you will find a yourself with a wonderful companion pet.
Should You Adopt a Cat or a Kitten?
So, you’ve decided that a feline furball will be a perfect fit for your life. Awesome. Now, will you adopt an adult kitty or would you prefer a kitten?
Both can be wonderful companions for years to come. So, don’t be afraid to give an adult cat a loving home, especially if that will be the best fit for your life.
Kittens:
Advantages:
Kittens will give you the chance to watch them grow from teeny little furballs to distinguished seniors.
They are high energy and great for active families.
You can train them from scratch to shape their habits and teach them to do things like walking on a leash or do neat little tricks.
Disadvantages:
Kittens may require more attention and time for training.
They may be destructive and need to be watched more closely to make sure they’re safe.
There will be added costs of spaying or neutering, vaccinations etc. in the first year.
Adult Cats:
Advantages:
Adult cats have fully developed personalities so you can get a better feel for how well they will fit into your family dynamic.
They are often already trained for litter and scratching posts.
You will be giving them a second chance at a wonderful life.
They are often more independent and can be left alone for longer periods than kittens.
Disadvantages:
You skip the cute teeny furball stage (but you may still have many years of love to come with your new kitty).
One or Two Cats?
If you have the means and don’t mind a little extra work and an extra litter box and feeding dishes, you may want to consider adopting two cats.
They can keep each other company when you can’t be there to entertain them. Though, if you have a dog and they match well, as Lucy and Hunter do, they can be best friends too.
One Cat or Two?
Having two cats does not make you a crazy cat lady. But it’s built-in companionship when you can’t be around for them.
How to Prepare for Your New Cat or Kitten
So, you’ve decided to get a cat and know which one you’d like to bring home. But, before you even go to pick them up, you need to take a few steps to prepare for their arrival.
Cat-Proof Your Home
Make sure that your home is safe for a cat. Ensure that all screens and doors are secure so the cat can’t escape.
If you’re getting a kitten, make sure that wires and cords are out of reach.
Remove any toxic plants, store chemicals safely, and keep breakables should be well out of reach.
Purchase and Gather Cat Supplies
Pet food-If you’re changing food brands, if possible, start with some of their current food and start mixing in the new brand, slowly transitioning. That way your cat can adjust without any stomach upsets
Food and water dishes
Litter box with scoop
Litter-If you plan on changing the type of litter the cat currently uses, such as from clumping clay litter to wood pellets, you may need to transition slowly like the food from old litter to new litter so they don’t reject it.
Scratching post and/or climbing tower
Toys
Bedding-You can get a bed but you don’t have to have one. A folded blanket or towel can work for a cozy cuddle spot.
Grooming tools-At the very least, you should have a brush and a pair of nail clippers.
Pet carrier-You will need a carrier to transport your cat to get home or go to the vet.
Collar/Harness-If you plan to travel with your cat or let them outside, even under your supervision, having a collar with their ID attached and a harness to attach a thin leash to will keep them safe
Harness Training
Kittens and even adult cats can be harness trained so you can take them safely outside on a leash.
Schedule a Visit to Your Veterinarian
Even if you’re getting your cat from a shelter or rescue that clears the animals with a vet before adoption, you should schedule an appointment with your own vet to look over your new kitty and to arrange for any needed vaccinations, flea prevention meds, etc.
If you don’t have a veterinarian, now is the time to find one. You can read the article Choosing the Right Vet for Your Pet to help you make this important decision.
A Safe Place
Set up a room with the litter box, food and water, and a comfy sleeping place for you kitty to decompress for a while. Bring the carrier right into the room, open it up, and let your cat come out at their own pace.
If you have other pets, keep the door closed so they can smell each other through the door before they meet in person and slowly introduce them. Read Guide to Bringing Home a New Pet for more details.
The new kitty will need time to adjust to their surroundings and meet the whole family, including your other fur kids. Don’t rush this process. Young children, especially, will be curious about their new pet but your new feline needs some time and space to adjust to their new home and family members.
If you can, just give them their safe space and they will slowly come out of their shell. Be patient with them and let them come to you.
A Perfect Companion
Cats can give your family a fun, loving companion for many years.
Consider Adopting a Cat
Whether it’s a kitten, an adult, or a senior, a feline can make a wonderful pet for those that give them a chance.
While they are more independent than a dog, you may be surprised to find how much personality each cat has and how willing they are to give you their love.
Cats are good for our mental health, give us a sense of purpose, are clean, are relatively easy to care for, and just plain fun to play with and cuddle.
While June is a great time to adopt a shelter cat, any time is a good time to consider it. There are so many cats sitting in shelters, rescues, and foster homes, waiting for their chance to show you that cats are a great choice for you and your home.
