As pet dad and mom to 3 rescue cats from shelters (preceded by 10 others earlier than them), we get a number of questions on pet adoption. Whether or not from family and friends members or from readers, we all the time attempt to clarify to potential adopters simply why sure shelters do issues the best way they do.
Why do I’ve to fill out a prolonged software to undertake?
Shelters and rescues do intensive checks to make sure the protection of adopted animals. They don’t wish to see a beforehand declawed cat turned unfastened outdoors with no defenses. Shelters wish to be certain that your dwelling scenario—whether or not that’s a house you personal or hire—is an effective match for the animal by way of the dwelling itself, the members of your loved ones, and your different animals.
Why does everybody within the family need to be current for adoption?
The entire household can be dwelling together with your new cat, proper? Shelters wish to guarantee that everybody within the house is in settlement on this new arrival. Moreover, the enjoyment of choosing a brand new member of the family is a particular occasion that you just’ll need everybody to attend!
Can my cat go to with the cat I’m contemplating adopting?
Though in lots of instances, shelters will encourage—if not require—you to carry your canine to go to a brand new canine you’re contemplating adopting, the identical does NOT maintain true for cat adoption. As a result of potential for illness transmission — and the truth that introducing cats must be completed fastidiously and over time — most is not going to permit you to carry your cat to fulfill a possible adoptee.
Why do I’ve to pay for the adoption?
A number of individuals have requested us why municipal shelters cost charges of about $100 and generally extra. Though $100 could seem to be an enormous expenditure when put next with that “free” kitten you noticed in an advert or one out of your neighbor’s new litter, you’re truly receiving a number of hundred {dollars} price of companies with the adoption charge.
Shelter cats have normally had a veterinary examination, pictures applicable for the cat’s age, FIV/FLV testing, deworming, microchipping, and, typically, spay and neuter companies. Bought individually, you’d be taking a look at about $380-$480 in companies, relying on the place you reside and the gender of the cat.
Why are kittens costlier than older cats?
It’s typically a matter of provide and demand. Kittens are cute; nobody can deny it. That cuteness results in elevated demand which, in flip, can imply diminished demand for “older” cats, even ones simply six months and older.
Why are these pets in a shelter? Do most of them have habits issues?
The explanations that cats (and canine) discover themselves in shelters are as diversified because the animals themselves. Causes vary from misplaced pets which can be by no means claimed to deceased house owners that died and not using a caregiver for his or her pets. Divorce, new infants, new boyfriends, a change in dwelling scenario (together with foreclosed houses), and different causes all come into play as nicely. Many, many animals in shelters are there by means of no fault of their very own.
Each shelter does issues a little bit bit in a different way. Don’t really feel that it’s important to undertake on the primary go to; be happy to go there and simply try the power then return with the entire household when you might have loads of time to go searching and get to know the cats as people. You’re planning for a few years collectively so it pays to take your time with this very particular resolution!
Founder at CatTipper
Paris Permenter is an award-winning writer of 35+ pet and journey books. Alongside together with her husband John Bigley, Paris is the founder and writer of CatTipper & DogTipper. Paris and John share their house with three cats and two canine.
