Have you been considering bringing home a new furry, purry little fuzzball of a family member? If so, June is the perfect time to do so! The last month of the spring season marks the height of kitten season. Many of these little ones land in shelters, sitting side-by-side with the abundant adult cats already in residence. With so many cats and kittens going up for adoption, the shelters that house, care for and find good homes for them are especially burdened this time of the year. Before you adopt a cat, there are a few things to take into consideration.

Things To Consider Before You Adopt a Cat

It is exciting to bring a new four-legged member into the family, but it’s also a commitment. Planning ahead can make the transition easier for everyone.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

If you currently do not have any cats, you may want to think about adopting two. With two felines in the house, you may have more litter to scoop, but you will find that you have happier kitties. Contrary to popular belief, cats are not really aloof or loners. They like company. They also need a lot of stimulation and exercise to keep from getting bored and overweight. The two cats can play, snuggle, and keep one another company. Plus, you will be more entertained and receive twice the kitty love.

PERSONALITY IS PART OF THE FUN

You want to ensure that the furry companion — or companions — you bring home is a good match for you. If its personality does not meet with yours, you could end up frustrated, and kitty could end up unhappy. Take some time to get to know the cat in the shelter. Talk to the staff to find out what it is like. While it is important to remember that shelter life can have a big impact on a cat’s mood and well-being, it is still a good idea to spend some time interacting with it before you bring it home.

VETERINARY CARE IS CRITICAL

Make sure you have your vet lined up before you adopt a cat. If you have other pets, then you are all set. If not, you may need to do some homework to find out which veterinarian clinics or hospitals offer the kind of support you need. You want doctors who are compassionate, accommodating, respectful and empathetic. You also need to make sure that you can get any care you might need for your kitty, from general checkups to emergency services.

BUDGETING IS NECESSARY

When you adopt a cat, you need to be prepared for the costs it entails. Not only do cats need food and litter, but they also benefit from having:

•       Cat-safe toys

•       Collars

•       Comfy beds and blankets

•       Scratching posts or pads

•       Grooming supplies

You may also want to consider nail clippers and a toothbrush unless you plan to have your vet take care of these tasks.

EASY DOES IT

When bringing a fuzzy one home, give it some time to adjust. It can take a few weeks, so take it slow and easy. Do not worry if it hides out under a bed or in one area of the house. Sometimes, it is best to put your new cat in one room with everything it needs to avoid it becoming too overwhelmed. Its new family can visit it and then bring it out for short periods of time. Eventually, it will get used to all of the new faces, smells and objects in its new environment.

How To Decide Between a Cat or Kitten

There is no doubt about it: kittens are adorable. There are several benefits to adopting young ones. They quickly see their new people as family, bonding with and learning to trust them. They are entertaining. They will be a part of the family for a long time. However, kittens also take a lot of work. They do not have control over their claws yet, so scratches are inevitable, which is not great if you have young kids at home. Kittens are also very energetic and require a lot of supervision.

Even though kittens are much more work and usually cost more in their early years, shelters have a harder time adopting out adult cats. Consider taking an adult cat home with you. Rescued cats often understand they have been saved and are forever grateful to their new humans. They do not cost as much, and they do not require as much supervision. They are still playful, entertaining, and affectionate. They will not be with you as long as a kitten, but the time you have with them will be rewarding.

If you have seriously considered bringing home a feline family member, think about helping out a local shelter during Adopt a Cat Month this June. Many of these places have been hard hit due to decreased funding and donations, a lack of foot traffic, and diminished supplies. If you think you would be a good companion for a cat but still have questions, feel free to get in touch with us at Pet Hospitals of Hawaii. We are happy to provide you with any information we can to help you make your decision.