| If you are looking for a cat or kitten to bring home | | | | behavioral problems, and it is important that you |
| to your family the best place to find one is to adopt | | | | know about these if possible before taking on the |
| one from a rescue centre in your area. You will be | | | | commitment of owning a pet cat. |
| able to find either a kitten or a full grown cat. Most | | | | When you are choosing a cat or kitten make sure |
| people are looking for kittens but the older cats in a | | | | you pick one that is active and seeks affection from |
| rescue centre may sometimes be the better choice. | | | | people. An adult cat should be comfortable with |
| You should take the time to visit several shelters | | | | handling and petting without hissing or scratching. |
| before you decide on the cat you want to bring | | | | Kittens should be relaxed when picked up and |
| home to your family. Your first visit should be to | | | | handled and most of them will start purring. Ask the |
| check out the centre itself. You want to adopt a cat | | | | staff at the centre about anything they have |
| from a place that is clean and run in an efficient way. | | | | observed about the cat's personality and take that |
| You can tell by just observing whether the place is | | | | into consideration also. |
| well kept and if the staff seem to enjoy working | | | | When you are choosing the shelter cat that is best |
| with the animals. | | | | for your family make sure to look at them closely. A |
| Once you have decided which shelter you are going | | | | healthy cat or kitten has clear bright eyes and a shiny |
| to use to adopt your new pet the next step is to | | | | coat. They shouldn't be skinny or show any signs of |
| find out about their adoption process. You will be able | | | | illness such as a runny nose or diarrhea. Be on the |
| to find out what type of information is needed from | | | | look out to see if the cat is scratching constantly or |
| you, such as information on existing pets in the | | | | if it is missing any hair around the ears or on the legs. |
| home. You should ask about cost at this time so you | | | | This can be a sign of ear mites or fleas. |
| know what to expect when you find the right cat or | | | | After you have made the decision on which cat or |
| kitten. | | | | kitten that you want to adopt you will then arrange |
| The RSPCA and most welfare organisations will ask | | | | for the adoption to take place. This could take |
| for a donation of a specific amount. This helps them | | | | several days depending on whether a home |
| to be able to provide care and any type of | | | | inspection is involved. While you are waiting to pick |
| veterinary treatments needed, including vaccinations | | | | up the newest member of your family you can make |
| and neutering. The cost is usually minimal considering | | | | sure you have everything needed for your new cat |
| the price of purchasing a cat from a breeder. | | | | or kitten. This would include a bed, food and plenty |
| Adult cats are usually already litter trained and will | | | | of toys. |
| adapt to a new home. They are often more laid back | | | | Once you bring home your cat or kitten make sure |
| and affectionate than their younger counterparts. If | | | | you give them plenty of space and time to get use |
| you are considering a kitten just remember that they | | | | to their new surroundings. Cats adapt quickly and |
| will need more time to become litter box trained and | | | | easily to new environments. In no time at all your |
| will need to be fed more often. When they are very | | | | new cat should fit right in with the rest of your |
| young they need constant supervision until they | | | | family. |
| know what their limitations and boundaries are. | | | | Today, pet insurance is readily available and is like |
| Make sure you talk to the people at the shelter and | | | | having health insurance on yourself; it is there when |
| find out as much as you can about the cat or kitten | | | | you need it for those unexpected large health-related |
| that you are interested in. They should be able to tell | | | | bills. By having this kind of insurance you can ensure |
| you why or how the cat came to be at the rescue | | | | that your cat will get the best treatment if they are |
| centre. You want to know as much as possible | | | | ever injured or seriously ill. They don't have to be |
| because some cats may have been unfortunate | | | | kittens to be eligible. Any cat no matter their age can |
| enough to have ended up there due to people | | | | be covered with pet insurance; as long as you keep |
| moving or having a baby. On the other hand some | | | | the premiums up they will be covered for their |
| may have ended up in the shelter because of | | | | lifetime. |