So you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? Adopting a cat can be a wonderful experience. They make great companions and can give you years of love and laughter. But before you take home a new cat, you should ask yourself and the adoption agency some important questions to make sure it’s right for you and the cat.
27 Questions you should ask the adoption agency:
- How much is the adoption fee?
- What does the adoption fee cover?
- How does the adoption process work?
- What are the requirements for adopting a cat?
- How old do you have to be to adopt a cat?
- Are there any health requirements for adopting a cat?
- How old is the cat?
- What is the cat’s history?
- Has the cat been spayed or neutered?
- Is the cat up to date with vaccinations?
- What’s the character of the cat?
- How well does the cat get along with other animals?
- How much exercise does the cat need?
- What are the eating habits of the cat?
- What kind of food does the cat like to eat?
- Does the cat use a litter box?
- What is the daily routine of caring for the cat?
- What are the medical needs of the cat?
- Is the cat good with children?
- Does the cat have any special needs?
- How often does the cat need grooming?
- Are there any behavioral problems we should be aware of?
- What happens if I can’t keep the cat?
- Can I visit the shelter to meet the cats before adopting them?
- What do I need to bring when I adopt a cat?
- What is the policy on declawing?
- Is there a trial period where we can return the cat if it’s not a good fit for our family?
23 Questions you should ask yourself before you decide to adopt:
- Why do I want a cat?
- Do I have any allergies?
- Can I afford a cat?
- Do I have enough time for a cat?
- Do I have enough space for a cat?
- What name will I give my new cat?
- Can I handle having a pet that scratches furniture and themselves?
- How much hair shedding can I handle?
- Am I prepared to handle litter box duty?
- What kind of personality do I want in a cat?
- What size cat do I prefer?
- What kind of coat do I prefer?
- Where will my cat sleep?
- Do I want a purebred or a mixed-breed cat?
- Do I travel often or do I work a lot?
- Am I prepared to deal with my cat’s medical needs?
- What costs will I incur in addition to the adoption fees?
- How long am I willing to commit to this pet?
- Have I prepared my home for a new pet (e.g., blocked off poisonous plants, set up a litter box, etc.)?
- What will I do if I move or leave for an extended period of time?
- Am I prepared to deal with behavior problems that may occur (e.g., biting, scratching, etc.)?
- How much time am I willing to spend grooming my cat?
- Have I considered all the pros and cons of owning a cat before making my decision?
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do when you bring a new cat home?
When you bring home a new cat, it’s important to be prepared. You should have a litter box, food, and water ready for your new friend. It’s also a good idea to have a hiding place ready for your cats, such as a cardboard box or an old towel. Cats can be shy when they are first introduced to a new home. So give them space and let them get along at their own pace.
How do you bond with your new cat?
One of the best ways to bond with your new cat is to spend time with them and play with them. You can buy some toys at the pet store or use things you have around the house. Cats love to play with small pieces of paper or cardboard, so crumple some paper into a ball and see how your cat responds.
You can also try using a toy mouse or a feather stick. Provide plenty of fresh water and food, and give your cat lots of love and attention. In no time you’ll be able to make friends with your new feline friend!
How long does it take for a cat to adjust to a new owner?
The time it takes a cat to adjust to a new owner can vary depending on the cat. Some cats may take weeks or even months to get comfortable in their new home, while others may take only a day or two.
Generally, however, most cats eventually get used to their new family and are happy with their surroundings. This is probably partly because cats are creatures of habit and like familiarity and routine. By providing your new feline friend with a stable home with lots of love and attention, you can help them feel comfortable and safe as they adjust to their new life.
When should I let my new cat roam the house?
Cats are territorial animals and like to have their own space. A new cat should be allowed to roam around the house for a period of time so that it can become familiar with its surroundings and claim its territory. It’s important to keep an eye on the cat during this time, especially if there are other pets in the house, as the new cat may try to assert its dominance over them. Once the cat has settled in, it can be allowed outside to explore the neighborhood.
What should you not do when adopting a cat?
When you adopt a cat, there are a few things you should keep in mind. One of them is that you shouldn’t adopt a cat on a whim. Adopting a cat should be a well-thought-out decision that you make because you want to give a home to a cat in need, not because you feel obligated or because you think it’s “cute.”
Also, don’t go into adopting a cat unprepared. Make sure you have all the supplies your new pet needs before you bring them home. That means you should have a litter box, food, water bowl, and toys ready.
And don’t forget to set some rules for your new feline friend. Cats, just like dogs, need structure and rules, so make sure you set some ground rules for your kitty and stick to them.
Conclusion
Adopting a cat has pros and cons, like everything in life! It’s important to do your research beforehand to make sure you’re making the best decision for yourself and the animal you’re adopting. Be honest with yourself about whether you’re up to the responsibility, and weigh all options before making a decision.
By asking yourself and the adoption agency these questions before you adopt, you can ensure that everyone involved is happy and healthy in their new home!
