So You Want To Adopt?

Cat on pillow

Please Think Before You Leap

It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous orange ball of fluff whose purr resonates deep within you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at PetSmart.

There are various situations to consider before adopting a lifelong friend. If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy and no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Cats and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Cats require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Things To Think About Before Adopting

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal rescue means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

  • Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a kitten usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

  • Do you have time for a pet? Cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care(such as cleaning the litterbox at least twice a day), and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.

  • Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Veterinary care, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

  • Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?  Scratched-up furniture, accidents and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but an aspect of pet ownership.

  • Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

  • Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

  • Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

  • Will you be a responsible pet owner?  Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials. We require our adopted cats(unless otherwise noted or barn cats) kept inside only.

  • Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Old man and cat

Get A Cat For Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through a cat shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless cats are kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many cats at the shelter who are more than a year old-cats who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the cat.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion cat can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love-for the life of the pet.

If you're ready to adopt a companion for life, take a look at our AVAILABLE CATS to see all of our many wonderful cats available for adoption at the Stray Cat Blues Rescue.

If someone tugs at your heart and you would like to meet him or her, please fill out an Adoption Application.

Ready To Adopt?

Apply to adopt a cat below!