Celebrating June’s National Adopt-A-Cat Month

What to know before you bring a new cat into your home this month.

When it comes to bringing a new pet into your loving home, there is nothing better than saving the life of an animal who is already waiting for a new owner in one of the thousands of pet shelters across the country. During the spring season especially, many kittens all across the America join the millions of cats already in shelters who are waiting to find a new home to call their own. Your perfect pet may even be waiting for you right now in the local shelter in your town!

In light of all of the loveable cats that wind up in animal shelters throughout spring and early summer, the American Humane Association has declared the month of June  to be Adopt-A-Cat Month in an effort to bring awareness to shelter cats all across the country. Unfortunately, far too many animals in this country are initially loved and then neglected or abandoned over time because owners decide too late that caring for pets is more responsibility than they actually want.

To help you prevent this type of animal neglect from occurring in your own home, as well as to help you truly consider whether or not bringing an animal into your life is right for you, we have put together some basic rules to consider when adopting a cat. Cats are dependent on their owners for all their needs―food, water, medical attention, exercise, shelter and, most important, companionship. Make sure that you consider the following before bringing a feline into your family:

Cats and Kittens Are Very Different

Do you want a kitten or an adult cat? This is especially important to decide before you get to the shelter. The attraction of tiny mewing kittens is hard to resist, but kittens need a lot of attention and will have to be house-trained. Choosing to adopt an adult cat or dog is generally a wise choice for seniors, as adult animals have fewer exercise and training demands, making them easier for seniors to keep up with.

Cats Require A Long-Term Commitment

Many cats live to be anywhere from 15 to 20-years-old, so it is very important to understand that these animals will be with you for many lifestyle changes. Before you adopt a cat, make sure that you ask yourself how this pet will fit in with any major changes you may go through in the future: marriage, children, a long-distance move, etc.

Would You Make A Good Cat Owner?

There are a number of different factors that go into being a great cat owner. A cat may be the perfect animal for you if you:

• Don’t mind sharing your house with someone who will never clean up after him or herself.
• Want to take care of someone every day.
• Believe that spaying and neutering pets will help solve the pet overpopulation problem.
• Enjoy unconditional love and constant companionship.
• Would like to spend your extra money on pet food, toys, veterinary care, kitty litter and more kitty litter.
• Love a housemate who will randomly and regularly entertain you with outrageous and silly antics (at their whim, not yours).

Once you have a thorough understand of the care and costs that come along with bringing a new cat into your life, adoption is one of the best options for finding a new friend. Check with your local rescue organizations and pet stores to see if they will be hosting upcoming adoption days. Cats can make a great addition to any family that is able to offer them the right amount of care and support.

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