“Should I get a cat – and can I take care of one?”
That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked!
The answer is probably yes, but let’s make sure.
Are you ready?
My current favorite “cheat sheet” for deciding if you can properly care for a cat is 10 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat.
As for why you should you adopt a cat and where, I have some great input from Laura at the RSPCA.
Why and where to get a cat
Every cat I’ve had was a rescued or shelter cat and they’ve all been amazingly loving and adorable.
Here’s Laura from the RSPCA on why and where:
“Why you should visit your local shelter and adopt a cat:
1. You save a life or two. Every year, over half of the millions of cats in shelters go unadopted and end up euthanized. These animals have sometimes been rescued from harsh conditions or abandonment, so why buy a new kitten? Sure, they are little and gorgeous but they don’t stay little for long, and its so rewarding to rehome a cat that hasn’t had a good start in life.
Cat rescue is not only a caring move, but also a responsible one. While there are many respectable and caring breeders, a number are unlicensed amateurs and some have impure motives. Why not adopt a cat who would have otherwise been put down instead?
2. Your physical health will benefit. Statistics show that cat owners experience less stress and better health than non-pet owners, and caring for pets gives them a sense of purpose. Anyone who has played with a kitten or cat has known sheer delight, watching them stalk and pounce their pretend prey.
3. No housebreaking required. Cats are far more self-trained than dogs. They basically train themselves to use a litter box. They’re not going to need you take for them for a walk just so they can go to the bathroom, and you generally don’t have to show them how to behave.
4. Your mental health will benefit. In hospitals and mental institutions, cats are brought in as therapy, a clear indication of their soothing and healing powers. A soft, purring cat beneath one’s hands is pure joy – and one that everyone should know!
Cats and kittens can bring a lot of joy to your life, as I found when I rescued two little kittens that I found at the end of my garden…and I fell in love with them. I did all I could to feed and home them, making sure that I had the right food and adequate cat insurance to keep them healthy and happy.”
Now let me add…
5. The life you save may be your own.
As Laura says, adopting a cat at a shelter is a life-saving act. And sometimes, as I’ve hinted before, the life you save may be your own! In fact, this news story is a literal example of that.
Are you ready to meet some cats? Here’s how to pick a cat out.
The key to a happy cat adoption is not breed, or color, or type of fur. The key is to go with the cat that picks you out! You’ll know.
Trust me on this.
If you’re in the US, hop over to the The Shelter Pet Project and enter your zip code to find the closest shelter and even pictures and descriptions of cats that are up for adoption. It’s a great resource.
If you’re in the UK, check out the RSPCA for adoption. They promote responsible cat care, adoption, and cat health insurance.
