Page 15 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

▷ Staying together
Rescue centers will not split up cats that have
become an inseparable pair. Two cats can also
keep one another company while you are out of
the house.

you will find it difficult, if not
impossible, to make up for lost time
once you get your kitten home.
Your chosen kitten should appear
alert and active, with a healthy
coat, bright eyes with no signs of
discharge, and clean ears. Do not
allow yourself to fall for a kitten
simply because it looks in need of
extra love. A kitten that is lagging
behind its siblings may have health
problems. Ask if the kitten has such as a bereavement or a and internal parasites. If an 13
been screened for any genetic relocation abroad, and a cat that adoption is agreed, you will be
disorders common to the breed, has already had one loving home is asked to pay a fee to help cover
and check that it has been likely to settle well into another. these expenses.
vaccinated and wormed, or that it The first step toward adoption is
will have been by the time you take a home visit from a member of the Adopting a stray
it home. Also enquire if the breeder shelter's staff (see box below). Some people are chosen by their
is prepared to provide any after- Once the shelter introduces you to cat. A stray that hangs around can Finding the right cat
purchase support or will take back some cats, they will tell you as easily work its way into family
the kitten should serious defects or much as possible about each cat's affections, but before offering your
problems arise. background and personality, and visitor a permanent home, make
Pedigrees are expensive, but whether there are any health issues sure that it really is a stray: many
breeders sometimes offer kittens at to consider. They can also give cats lead double lives. Make every
a lower price because they are not advice on cat care, including effort to trace a possible owner by
“show quality.” However, even neutering, and offer back-up looking for local “cat missing”
without symmetrical markings support following an adoption. notices, posting notices yourself,
or perfect conformation (breed All cats taken into shelters are speaking to neighbors, or asking
characteristics), these usually make routinely given a health check, a vet to check whether the cat is
beautiful and lovable pets. vaccinated, and treated for fleas microchipped (see p.89).

Cat shelters
Cat shelters, or rescue centers, are
packed with kittens and adult cats Having an assessment
of all types and ages in need of Adopting a cat from a shelter is environment you can provide. For
rehousing. Most of the cats offered a two-way process. You not only example, if you live in an apartment
for adoption are random bred, but hope to find the “right” cat, but or do not have a garden, a cat
the occasional pedigree can be you have to be right for him, accustomed to a free-roving outdoor
found too. Not all rescue cats have too. The center will assess your life may not be ideal. Some cats may
not be suited to living with children.
potential as a cat owner by
been abandoned or ill-treated and asking questions about your Your lifestyle will also need to be taken
have subsequent behavioral circumstances and commitment into account: it may not be possible
problems: sometimes a previous to cat care, and will arrange a for you to adopt a kitten if you will be
owner had to part with a pet home visit to see what type of out of the house at work all day.
because of personal circumstances,

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