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Nice Thoughts

Preparing Yourself to Adopt a Cat

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June is National Adopt a Cat Month! This is quite fitting since spring is known as “kitten season.” This means there is an abundance of kittens in many of the shelters. When we Choose To Be Nice, we likely think about doing so person to person. But we can try to Choose To Be Nice in all aspects of our life – even toward our little four-footed, furry friends!

Adopting a cat or a kitten changes the life of the feline forever. Here are 4 things to keep in mind when you go through the process of adopting a cat.

1. Can you afford a cat?

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First and foremost, you need to consider the financial burden of having a pet. Besides the initial cost of rehoming a cat, there are a lot of financial factors to consider. Cats require litter boxes, food, treats, scratching posts, and toys. In addition to these consumables, there are also vet visits and shots to consider. Here is a breakdown of the cost of a kitten from mspca.

2. Consider taking home two.

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I know, I know. We just went through how expensive one cat can be, so two cats would be twice as expensive. But in the end, it is really good for both animals. According to the American Humane Association, cats require mental stimulation and social interaction. When you have more than one cat, they can provide this to each other, taking some of the burden off of you.

3. Stock up on supplies.

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Before you bring home your bundle of joy, make sure you have everything you need. The kitten is already going to be feeling scared and out of his/her element when he/she arrives. Your home is a big, scary place to a little kitten. By having everything in place and ready for the cat, it will help them feel comfortable. Soon, your home will feel like home for them, too!

4. Cat-proof your home.

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Preparing for a cat isn’t as intensive as preparing a home for a baby or even a dog, but there are still a few things you want to make sure you do. Most importantly, make sure you do not leave little items hanging around. A cat can choke on little things, such as paperclips, pen caps, etc. Once the cat is in your home, try not to leave food on counters or other places the cat shouldn’t be. By leaving food out, you are encouraging the cat to jump in those places.

 

For a full list of considerations and preparations to take before adopting a cat, check out the American Humane Association’s list. Happy adopting!