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26 May What to Look for in a Cat Adoption Program
There are many cat adoption programs out there, and not all of them offer the same services. When you go to choose a new cat companion for your family, you’ll want to be sure that the match is a good fit for both you and the animal. This will depend on many factors that should be investigated thoroughly through the cat adoption program you choose.
The best cat adoption programs will offer you the option of taking a cat home for a “trial run.” This allows you to see how the cat will behave around your children and other pets, and in your home. If the cat doesn’t seem to be adjusting well after two or three days, you can then opt to return the cat and choose another. Not all adoption programs offer this service, so be sure to ask if it’s available before deciding on one.
Another service that not all cat adoption programs offer is the background on the cat you’re choosing. The best programs will involve cats that were brought in by their owners, and therefore know some information about the cat’s behaviours and needs. If the adoption program doesn’t have contact with former owners, they should take great pains to learn the personality of each animal to be sure they will be matched with the right home.
In turn, information about you and your household will be used to determine if you’re a good fit for the cat. This could involve detailed information, such as proof that you’re allowed to have pets in your home and verification that you’ve taken care of the pets you already have.
You may also be asked certain things about your lifestyle and household situation. All of this information can be matched with known information about the animal to ensure you choose a companion, rather than just a cat.
For example, you may have another cat in your home already and want to adopt another. Some cats are territorial and don’t get along well with other cats. The adoption program should be aware of this trait, and help you to choose a cat that will get along with the rest of your pets. In addition, if you’re away from home frequently, the adoption program should be able to find you a cat that doesn’t demand a lot of personal attention.
The right cat adoption program will also offer you assistance in training and integrating your cat into your family. This may include a class that teaches you how to bond with and train your cat once you get her home. It may also involve a structured and organized play group to introduce your cats to children in the home.
Possibly the most important service offered by many cat adoption programs is the availability of vaccinations and spay or neuter services. The cat you choose should already be completely up to date on her shots, and, if the animal is old enough, she should also be fixed before the adoption.
This is an important service that any reputable cat adoption program will offer. Vaccinations and spaying can be quite expensive, and should be provided for the cost of the pet adoption. Additionally, vaccinations can help prevent future illnesses for you and your cat, and spaying your cat can lengthen their lives considerably.
Avoiding the cost of these vet visits is a major plus for many people who choose to work with cat adoption programs.