Be a Responsible Cat Parent
Before you adopt and rescue a cat or kitten from your local Humane Society or shelter, make sure you’re a responsible cat parent. Cats and kittens are no different than children. The only difference is that they don’t talk back to you. Then again, cats will be vocal if you’re late feeding them!
When you adopt and rescue a cat or kitten from a shelter be aware that they may require more responsibility and need just a bit more TLC than your cat or kitten. Animals in a shelter are stressed and susceptible to illnesses such as upper respiratory infection. Make sure you’re prepared to nurse a sick cat or kitten for about two weeks.
Tip: Make sure you feed your cat the proper nutrition. Like people, cats are becoming obese. It’s not uncommon to read about a 20 lb. cat. Yikes! Provide your cat with kitty condos he can climb and give him toys like a stuffed mouse he can chase. Consult your veterinarian on how you can keep you cat in tip-top shape.
Remember when you adopt and rescue a cat or kitten, it’s a long-term commitment. Make sure you find one that fits your personality. It’s not fair to the cat or kitten if he or she is too vocal. Write down the type of cat you’re looking for. What color will the cat be? What gender would you like, male or female? What about the cat’s personality, friendly or highly independent? What is your personality like? Knowing before you go to a shelter will help you help the adoption volunteers choose a cat that is purrfect for you!
When you adopt and rescue a cat he’ll become part of the family. If you’re personality is one that sees cats as just that and not a family member, you may want to forgo adopting a cat and get a fish instead. They’re low maintenance and just swim in a bowl or small aquarium.
Children need to be taught to respect and honor pets. Before you adopt and rescue a cat into your home, educate your children. Make sure they know the cat IS NOT a toy! Bring them to shelters and let them get acquainted with a cat or kitten. Tell the volunteers and employees that you’d like to adopt, but want to introduce your children before you bring a cat or kitten home. Perhaps the shelter has some kind of program where they educate children on pets. The more they know and can apply what is taught the better for the animal community.
Adopting and rescuing a cat from your local shelter is the best gift you can give. These animals are stressed out because one minute they’re with a loving family and the next they’re in a tiny cage. Their freedom is taken away and they don’t know why. Plus, they’re hearing new and strange noises they haven’t heard before in their life. Be understanding and patient with a shelter cat or kitten.
Cats and kittens are living creatures like you. They are alive and deserve to be treated with respect just as humans do. Make sure you’re ready for the commitment of being a cat owner. It takes more than time and money; it takes love and compassion as well!
Rebecca
How are you a responsible cat parent?
