The decision to add a cat to your family should not be taken lightly. There are a lot of responsibilities that come with adopting a cat. These should be carefully considered before bringing home a new family pet.

 

Before listing some of those considerations, let’s discuss the decision to adopt versus buying a cat from a breeder or pet store.

 

Unless someone plans to breed or show their cat, there is no reason that buying a cat is any better of a choice than adopting. Even someone who wants a certain purebred type of cat can usually find one for adoption through rescue groups or even, with a little luck, through the local animal shelter. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of adopting a cat versus buying.

 

• Cost
While there are usually fees associated with adopting a cat, they are typically much less than one would pay if they were to purchase a pet from a breeder or pet store. Depending on where you choose to adopt a cat, the adoption fee may include shots, spay or neutering and even microchipping.

 

• Save a Life
One of the greatest benefits of adopting instead of buying is that you know that you are saving the life of a cat that might otherwise have to be put down. Cats in shelters wind up there for various reasons, but there is only so much room to keep them. Many shelters only give cats (and other animals) so much time to be adopted before putting them to sleep.

 

• Disreputable Breeders
If you purchase a cat from a disreputable breeder then you are taking a chance on bringing home an animal that is not healthy. You are also supporting a practice in which animals are mistreated and often spend their entire lives in misery. Of course, some breeders are wonderful. Those who do plan to buy instead of adopt should take the time to learn how to select a breeder who cares for the needs and well-being of the animal.

 

 

• Tested for Aggressiveness
Shelters and other groups that adopt cats will not place aggressive cats in homes. That means that cats that are up for adoption have usually been through some sort of temperament testing to be sure that they are not aggressive.

 

• Litter Box Trained
Most cats, and even many kittens, available for adoption have already been litter box trained. Of course, by adopting a more mature cat, you can avoid many of the challenges that come with having a kitten in the home. This includes not only litter box issues, but destructive tendencies as well.

 

• Socialized (Animals and Humans)
Many cats that are available for adoption have already spent time around other animals and people. The people at the shelter or rescue group will usually be able to let you know if the cat will do well around other animals or small children.

 

As you can see, there are many benefits to adopting a cat, but now let’s get back to taking a look at just a few of the things one should consider before bringing a cat into their home.

 

• Finances
Having a cat brings with it some financial responsibilities. In addition to food and litter there are vet bills, flea and heartworm prevention and boarding or other care for the cat should you need to be away from home. One should also consider that as the cat ages, additional vet care may be required.

 

• Time Commitment
Some extremely busy people who have absolutely no time for a pet think a cat is a good alternative to a dog. While, in some ways, a cat does require less time, it is not correct to think that a cat requires no attention at all.

 

• Other Pets/Small Children
While adopted cats have already been socialized with other animals, it is also important to consider how the pets you already have at home are going to react to a new cat. Also, some small children have a tendency to be a little rough with cats. Be sure to watch the interaction between pets and small children. Very small children should not be left alone with pets.

 

After learning all of the benefits of adopting a cat versus buying one, and having decided that having a new pet is worth the extra responsibility, it is time to do decide from where you will seek to adopt your new pet.

 

• Private Rescue Organizations
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of these groups throughout the country. Some seek homes for a variety of animals, some focus on one type of animal and others center their attention on a particular breed, such as Persian cats. If hoping to adopt a purebred cat, this is a great option. A quick web search will help you locate groups that deal with the breed you are seeking. Even if you don’t want a specific breed, these groups are still a good option. Keep in mind, however, that these groups are privately run. Just as there are good and bad breeders, the same can be said for rescue groups. It is a good idea to do a little homework about the group from which you are considering adopting. Otherwise, you may end up supporting a rescue group with unscrupulous practices.

 

• Local Shelters and Humane Society
Some of these will be no-kill shelters and others will not. These organizations almost always have more cats than it is possible to find homes for, so by adopting from them you truly may be saving a life. Often, these groups will supply the shots and spay or neutering as part of the adoption fee. While it is possible to find purebred cats here, the wait for a specific cat may be lengthy and there may even be a waiting list.

 

• Classified Ads
Ads offering kittens “free to a good home” are another way to adopt a cat. While there is nothing wrong with finding your new pet this way, there are some things to keep in mind. While the adoption fee may be lower than with the other methods of adoption (there may not even be a fee) there is often no health screening of the kittens. This means that you could possibly go home with a sick kitten. If you are adopting an older cat this way, it is unlikely that the cat has undergone any type of temperament testing, so you will have the take the word of the previous owner about the cat’s behavior.

 

Here are a couple of additional notes about adopting a cat.

 

• Expect to Pay a Fee
Unless you are answering a “free to a good home” ad, expect to pay an adoption fee. The fee will vary depending on the type of organization from which you adopt. Remember, these adoption fees go to care for other kittens and cats that are waiting for a home and they often include medical care, including shots, for the cat that you are adopting.

 

• It’s a Lifetime Commitment
Adopting a cat should not be done with the idea that if it doesn’t work out you’ll just give the cat back to the shelter. Bringing a cat into your home is a commitment that should last the entire lifetime of the cat. If the cat exhibits behavior problems down the road or becomes ill, it is the job of the caretaker to provide what the cat needs. That may include some training to bring the behavior back in line or medical attention to help it recover from a disease.

 

 

If you choose to adopt a cat, remember that you are now responsible for that cat. The cat is going to have to depend on you for all of its needs. Don’t take that responsibility lightly.