A Simple Guide to Cat Adoption

All around America today, kittens and adult cats in thousands of animal shelters and humane societies are waiting to find a loving home. Sadly, only about 24% of the cats in shelters are ever adopted. Over 70% of cats that enter shelters eventually euthanized, according to the American Humane Association, because they are not adopted and shelters do not have enough money to care for them indefinitely.

If you are considering adding a cat to your family, please think about adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a pet store or a breeder. You can save an animal from being one of the 9.6 million dogs and cats that are put to sleep in shelters each year. Plus, it's a lot cheaper too!

The first step towards adopting a cat is settling on what kind of cat you want. It can be perilous to go the shelter without a specific age or breed in mind, because you might fall for in love with a cat that is not a good fit for your family or you just cannot handle.

In example, longhaired cats need to be brushed regularly.

The next step in the adoption process is to find a shelter. Search the web for your city, and if you live in a larger city, you will be sure to find several different options. Another alternative is to call the Humane Society national Companion Animal information number, which is (202) 452-1100.

Once you have found the shelter from which you want to adopt, head on over and meet cats who are waiting for a family. The most important attribute when it comes to choosing your cat is personality. Most shelters provide you with a visiting room in which you can spend time with various cats, so you can find the one that you get along with the best.

After you find the cat you want, you will also need to take care of the adoption requirements. Typically, you will have to pay a small adoption fee and register your cat with your local authorities. Don't worry, the shelter will guide you through the whole legal process, and it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to do all your paperwork.

Once you take your new pet home, go out of your way to create a welcoming and warm environment for your cat. One item that is a great buy is an outdoor cat house. This structure will offer protection from the elements and warmth when the weather is bad, and will also function as an enjoyable spot for your pet to play outdoors.

You should also ensure that you have all the appropriate supplies your cat will require. Food, litter and a litter box, and cat toys are a few of the fundamentals your pet needs. If you're unsure of what all to buy, take a trip to your local pet store and any sales attendant will be able to tell you what is best for your cat.

Adopting a cat is a rewarding and fairly simple process. Not only do you and your family get a new friend, but you also get to save an innocent animal from an untimely death.