June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, highlighting the significant need for cat adoptions and the benefits of checking a shelter. Cats adopted from a shelter are usually spayed or neutered, as well as vaccinated and microchipped, noted Samantha Bell, cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society. Bell offered tips on picking the right cat or kitten for one's lifestyle.
Busy people may search shelters and rescues for two adult cats that have grown up together and would be happy to find a home together. While their owner is away, they will have each other for company and security.
People who are home often may consider adopting an active cat that needs lots of play time. Some cats can even be trained to walk on a leash or go for stroller rides.
Bell noted that some cats that are comfortable with people are afraid of other cats. They do not always make a great first impression on potential adopters, especially if they are in a shelter surrounded by other cats. However, once these cats are in a home with their new owner, they will flourish.
It is important to take everyone in the home, especially children, to meet all prospective cats. Every child has a unique personality, and every pet reacts differently to every child.
Potential adopters should not be too set on adopting a cat of a particular color, sex or age. Not all cats' personalities fit into stereotypes. Every cat is an individual, so people should not rule out a cat because the cat does is not exactly what the person pictured adopting.
Potential adopters may provide staff and volunteers at the shelter information on their lifestyle to see if the shelter's team has any suggestions of cats that might suit them.
With kitten season in full swing, many people may be tempted to adopt a kitten, but they require extra care. Bell noted that kittens need food and the litter box more often, and single kittens need a lot of training. Best Friends encourages adopters to open their home to a pair of kittens, if possible, to help cats learn that biting and scratching is a part of playing with other cats, but not something they should do to humans.
To find a cat or kitten, visit http://www.bestfriends.org. Best Friends has more than 3,300 network partners of shelters and rescues across the country.
Leave a Review