Veterinarian Shelby Neely discusses the benefits of adopting a cat. June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, so it’s a perfect time to consider bringing a new cat into your home.
by Dr. Shelby Neely
Even though June is almost over, adoption is such an important topic that it should be discussed year-round. Adopting from a shelter combines the joy of getting a new pet with saving a life, providing a home, and donating to a good cause.
Unlike breeders, shelters offer various breeds, ages, and temperaments. Adopting a shelter cat is a worthy cause, but it’s essential to understand the adoption process before getting started.
Why Adopt?
1. Forever Home: Shelters often use the term forever home to describe their wards’ new families. This is to dissuade re-homing and emphasize that these cats have faced adversity. They may have been saved from the streets or be in danger of being euthanized.
2. Good Cause: While shelters are generally less expensive than breeders, they still charge fees that cover medical expenses, housing, and operating a shelter that continues to vaccinate, spay, and feed vulnerable cats.
3. Verified History: Many shelters use microchips as a common practice and ensure that their cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and screened for severe health concerns. Papers come with adoption.
When you adopt, you not only save your new pet, but you also open up a space for the shelter to take in another homeless cat.
How Does Adopting Work?
1. Find a Shelter. Check your local shelters, ask your veterinarian for contacts, or check community boards and online networks for rescues. Look for a shelter whose style and values agree with your own (kill/no-kill, quality of food and caging, and adoption restrictions). Most shelters require an application before they’ll allow for a meet-and-greet.
2. Speed Dating. Meet the cats! Spend time with each one, notice their behaviors, and how they interact with each other. Don’t just get taken away by their coloring or how soft their fur is; keep an open mind to the whole cat. Once you select a cat and have been approved, you must pay the medical fees and deposit before taking your new friend home.
3. Homeward Bound: Introduce your shelter cat to your new home. Their history may make them more anxious or wary of new spaces. Introduce them slowly, offer them food and water, and allow them some space to get to know you and their new home.
Choosing the Right Shelter Cat
Self-reflection: What kind of cat can your heart, home, and budget afford? Are you home long enough for a kitten? Can you afford a cat with health issues? How much space does your home offer? Who will your cat need to share that space with? Keep an open mind to older cats or those with health concerns. They are often overlooked.
Consult The Shelter: Shelters keep good notes on their cats’ medical histories, temperaments, and preferences. They can help pair you with the right match.
When welcoming a cat into your family, home, and life, you have to make sure their personality matches yours, that you can take care of their health needs, and that you’re ready to fall in love.
Once your cat is home, their health will be a priority. Allivet has all the cat medications and supplements you need to keep them healthy and happy. Choose AutoShip for their parasite prevention and other meds to enjoy automatic delivery and savings on every qualifying shipment.
Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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