Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Cat
Do I have time for a cat?
Cats require time and attention every day and may become destructive, withdrawn, or depressed if they are left alone for too long. If you work extremely long hours or are out of town frequently this might not be the best time for you to adopt a cat. Often people who work full time will adopt two cats together, so they can keep each other company while their humans are away.
Do I have money for a cat?
The cost of caring for a cat will vary, but a reasonable estimate is that a conscientious caretaker will spend $500 to $1000 a year on cat care for one cat. This includes the annual vet visit and vaccinations and food and litter. Medical emergencies or extra treats will cost more.
Do I have a stable home environment for a cat?
Every cat deserves a secure home environment, and most cats prefer a quiet place without much change. For this reason a house with a lot of noise or constantly changing roommates may not be ideal for a cat.
Do I fully understand the responsibilities involved in caring for a cat?
Cats can live as long as 15 to 20 years and will require daily care throughout their entire lives. Are you ready to make this kind of commitment? Responsibilities include feeding your cat and cleaning their litter box daily. You will also have to take your cat to the veterinarian and may need to administer medication from time to time. You must cat-proof your home, removing objects that present a danger to your cat.
Do I have the patience and perseverance to work through any difficulties that might arise? Nearly all problems that result in a cat being abandoned or given up can be solved if the caretaker is patient and flexible. For example, if someone is moving it generally is possible to find housing that allows pets, but it may require more time and more searching. Behavioral problems like scratching and inappropriate soiling can sometimes be solved by switching litters, buying a different type of litter box, or providing a scratching post. In other cases it will take time and gradual training to help your cat through these difficulties. People who are not willing to put some time and effort into caring for their cats should not adopt.
How will other family members, my spouse or significant other feel about this cat?
All family members should be involved in choosing and caring for a cat. Too many people abandon their cats because their husband, daughter, or mother doesn't like the cat. Others decide to begin having children and drop their cat off at the shelter. So everyone in the household must be committed to caring for this cat throughout their life. All family members should respect the cat and agree not to hit them, physically punish them for misbehavior, or mistreat them in any way.
Do I consider this cat an important member of my family?
Cats are not toys or house plants. They require love, attention, and care. Cats cannot simply be shut away in one room of a house. Cats cannot be ignored just because their caretakers are busy. Cats enjoy just being around their human families, even just sitting nearby while they are watching TV.
Who will take care of this cat in the event of an emergency?
Make plans now for who can care for your cat in the event of an emergency, or if you go out of town for business or vacation. You may rely on relatives or you can trade off cat-sitting with a neighbour who also has cats. In some cases you may choose to board your cat at your vet's office or with a reputable pet motel. Always investigate boarding places carefully; you don't want to leave your cat somewhere they might be neglected or abused.
Am I planning to move any time in the next few years?
Moving is the number one reason people cite for giving up their cats at shelters. If moving might be a possibility for you, ask yourself if you are really ready to make a commitment to a cat. If you'd still like to adopt, start making a plan now for how both you and your cat can move safely and happily.
If you've answered all of these questions and feel that you are ready for both the rewards and responsibilities of caring for a cat, congratulations! We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have and help you to find the right cat for your family, please contact [email protected].
Cats require time and attention every day and may become destructive, withdrawn, or depressed if they are left alone for too long. If you work extremely long hours or are out of town frequently this might not be the best time for you to adopt a cat. Often people who work full time will adopt two cats together, so they can keep each other company while their humans are away.
Do I have money for a cat?
The cost of caring for a cat will vary, but a reasonable estimate is that a conscientious caretaker will spend $500 to $1000 a year on cat care for one cat. This includes the annual vet visit and vaccinations and food and litter. Medical emergencies or extra treats will cost more.
Do I have a stable home environment for a cat?
Every cat deserves a secure home environment, and most cats prefer a quiet place without much change. For this reason a house with a lot of noise or constantly changing roommates may not be ideal for a cat.
Do I fully understand the responsibilities involved in caring for a cat?
Cats can live as long as 15 to 20 years and will require daily care throughout their entire lives. Are you ready to make this kind of commitment? Responsibilities include feeding your cat and cleaning their litter box daily. You will also have to take your cat to the veterinarian and may need to administer medication from time to time. You must cat-proof your home, removing objects that present a danger to your cat.
Do I have the patience and perseverance to work through any difficulties that might arise? Nearly all problems that result in a cat being abandoned or given up can be solved if the caretaker is patient and flexible. For example, if someone is moving it generally is possible to find housing that allows pets, but it may require more time and more searching. Behavioral problems like scratching and inappropriate soiling can sometimes be solved by switching litters, buying a different type of litter box, or providing a scratching post. In other cases it will take time and gradual training to help your cat through these difficulties. People who are not willing to put some time and effort into caring for their cats should not adopt.
How will other family members, my spouse or significant other feel about this cat?
All family members should be involved in choosing and caring for a cat. Too many people abandon their cats because their husband, daughter, or mother doesn't like the cat. Others decide to begin having children and drop their cat off at the shelter. So everyone in the household must be committed to caring for this cat throughout their life. All family members should respect the cat and agree not to hit them, physically punish them for misbehavior, or mistreat them in any way.
Do I consider this cat an important member of my family?
Cats are not toys or house plants. They require love, attention, and care. Cats cannot simply be shut away in one room of a house. Cats cannot be ignored just because their caretakers are busy. Cats enjoy just being around their human families, even just sitting nearby while they are watching TV.
Who will take care of this cat in the event of an emergency?
Make plans now for who can care for your cat in the event of an emergency, or if you go out of town for business or vacation. You may rely on relatives or you can trade off cat-sitting with a neighbour who also has cats. In some cases you may choose to board your cat at your vet's office or with a reputable pet motel. Always investigate boarding places carefully; you don't want to leave your cat somewhere they might be neglected or abused.
Am I planning to move any time in the next few years?
Moving is the number one reason people cite for giving up their cats at shelters. If moving might be a possibility for you, ask yourself if you are really ready to make a commitment to a cat. If you'd still like to adopt, start making a plan now for how both you and your cat can move safely and happily.
If you've answered all of these questions and feel that you are ready for both the rewards and responsibilities of caring for a cat, congratulations! We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have and help you to find the right cat for your family, please contact [email protected].
Rule of Three: Helping Your New Cat Get Settled
New Cat? Understanding and Setting Realistic Expectation
Starter Room
Benefits of a starter room:
1 - Keep the cat in the starter room until s/he comes to you with a happy tail for food, treats, touch or toys: their adoption writeup/information sheet will tell you their preferences
2 - Supervise exploration outside the starter room, so it’s a safe and positive experience, to boost their confidence
3 - Close the doors to other rooms at first while they explore; a baby gate can control access to parts of your home
4 - Keep the door to their starter room open, so they can go back to their safe space if they feel overwhelmed
5 - Moving the litter box, cat bed/blankets or scratching post from their starter room into other parts of your home will make those areas smell and look familiar
- It will take your cat some time to get used to her/his new home and new people
- The “Rule of Three” gives you approximate timing for three days, three weeks, and three months;
- Each cat will be different and some of our shyer cats will take longer
- Most cats, especially rescued cats, will be stressed by the change in everything and everyone they’ve known so far
- Helping your cat blossom into a confident, loved and loving member of your family is incredibly fulfilling and is giving this cat a brighter future
Starter Room
- Set up a bathroom or office - a room without hiding spots (i.e. no access under a bed, couch, bathroom vanity, dresser or behind items in a closet, block the space behind the toilet), including:
- Litter box
- Bowls for food and water
- A cat "cave" or cube or cat bed for cozy security
- Scratching post if possible
Benefits of a starter room:
- Reduces the stress on your cat and helps them settle in quicker by having only one room to figure out at first
- Allows you to monitor how well s/he is eating, drinking and using the litter box
- Ensures good manners for litter boxes & scratching posts continue in their new home after foster
- Gives all of you a chance to bond and socialize
1 - Keep the cat in the starter room until s/he comes to you with a happy tail for food, treats, touch or toys: their adoption writeup/information sheet will tell you their preferences
2 - Supervise exploration outside the starter room, so it’s a safe and positive experience, to boost their confidence
3 - Close the doors to other rooms at first while they explore; a baby gate can control access to parts of your home
4 - Keep the door to their starter room open, so they can go back to their safe space if they feel overwhelmed
5 - Moving the litter box, cat bed/blankets or scratching post from their starter room into other parts of your home will make those areas smell and look familiar
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Click here to download the Rule of Three PDF version.