{"id":9885,"date":"2015-06-13T00:42:34","date_gmt":"2015-06-13T00:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/adopting-a-shelter-cat-before-you-bring-your-new-kitty-home\/"},"modified":"2021-10-27T11:33:19","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T19:33:19","slug":"adopting-a-shelter-cat-before-you-bring-your-new-kitty-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/adopting-a-shelter-cat-before-you-bring-your-new-kitty-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Adopting a Shelter Cat \u2013 Before you bring your New Kitty Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5>Is it time to get a kitty? Deciding to get a cat is more than just picking a collar and a name. This blog discusses things you need to consider before you decide to get a cat.<\/h5>\n<h5>Are you ready for a Cat?<\/h5>\n<p>It\u2019s no surprise, having a pet is a big responsibility. Your new kitty is going to be with you for years. An article from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.peteducation.com\/article.cfm?c=1+2137&amp;aid=829\">Doctors Foster and Smith<\/a> suggest you ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Am I emotionally, financially, and personally ready to take the responsibility of having a new cat?<\/li>\n<li>Do I understand the nutritional, housing, and health requirements of a cat?<\/li>\n<li>Have I acquired the necessary items needed to take care of a cat, and have I cat-proofed my house?<\/li>\n<li>A cat isn\u2019t a spur-of-the-moment acquisition. Make sure you have a good idea about the traits you\u2019re looking for and would fit in well with your lifestyle. Having a good idea of the type of cat you\u2019re looking for gives you a better chance at finding success with your kitty. Ask yourself \u2018do I know what I\u2019m looking for in a cat\u2019:\n<ol>\n<li>Breed and\/or size<\/li>\n<li>Temperament and personality<\/li>\n<li>Gender<\/li>\n<li>Age<\/li>\n<li>Energy level<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Are all of my family members in agreement about getting a new cat?<\/li>\n<li>Have guidelines been set for the feeding, grooming (if necessary, for example long hair cats might need grooming attention), discipline and training (which can be tricky for cats), and cleaning up after kitty?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h5>Before Kitty Comes Home<\/h5>\n<p>There are 2 main areas of preparation before kitty comes home: 1) cat-proofing, and 2) cat stuff.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to cat-proof your house. Here are some suggestions from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petfinder.com\/pet-adoption\/cat-adoption\/cat-adoption-first-30-days\/\">Petfinder<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cats are territorial and a new house can be intimidating. Find a small place in your home where kitty can hang out for the first few days. Set up all your cat\u2019s amenities. Kitty will feel safe as he acclimatizes to your home. You and kitty can get acquainted here too.<\/li>\n<li>A lot of cats love a small place to hide. Consider getting a covered bed, or if you\u2019re creative you can make a fort from a box or blanket.<\/li>\n<li>Cats scratch and climb stuff \u2013 it\u2019s just what they do. You might want to remove any items you have on display that could easily be knocked over or damaged.<\/li>\n<li>Cover any holes in the walls that lead to ductwork \u2013 you don\u2019t want kitty to get lost in the walls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You\u2019re going to need cat stuff. If you have second hand cat stuff that\u2019s ok \u2013 but as cats are territorial make sure you wash it. Here are the basic cat items you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cat Carrier<\/li>\n<li>Litter box \u2013 make sure you get one that\u2019s big enough even if you\u2019re getting a kitten. Also, some cats enjoy digging so consider a high back, or covered box.\n<ul>\n<li>Litter \u2013 there\u2019s a lot of different cat litter out there, clay to crystals, pellets to walnut shells, scented to unscented. Make sure to pick the one that\u2019s most appropriate to you and the type of cat you\u2019re getting (kittens have different litter needs than adult cats)<\/li>\n<li>Poop scoop and litter liners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Food \u2013 your local pet store has aisles and aisles of pet food. Get the one that\u2019s best for your cat\/kitten\n<ul>\n<li>Food and water bowls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Toys<\/li>\n<li>Treats<\/li>\n<li>Bed\/blanket<\/li>\n<li>Scratching post\/Cat tower \u2013 keep in mind that cats scratch to wear their claws down and that scratching is one of the ways that cats take ownership of an item. Better they scratch a post than your stuff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Adopt or buy \u2013 that is the question. As it is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month we\u2019re going to focus on the adoption option.<\/h5>\n<p>Adopting from a shelter has a lot of advantages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>There\u2019s a lot of choice \u2013 unfortunately there are a lot of cats in shelters, you\u2019re certain to find your dream kitty<\/li>\n<li>In general, shelter cats have been spayed\/neutered, immunized, dewormed, microchipped\/tattooed, and examined for behavioural and medical issues\n<ul>\n<li>Most shelters screen for feline Leukemia and HIV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>You can choose a cat with a personality that matches your own \u2013 you\u2019ll be less likely to have to bring the cat back to the shelter if you choose the right personality<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019re saving a life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Need more convincing? Check out S.E. Smith\u2019s article <a href=\"http:\/\/www.care2.com\/causes\/10-reasons-to-adopt-a-shelter-cat.html\">10 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Cat<\/a><\/p>\n<h5>Here\u2019s an overview of the adoption process according to Doctors Foster and Smith:<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Fill out an application\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of age and permanent residence<\/li>\n<li>Pet ownership history (may include vet records)<\/li>\n<li>Proof of vaccination and licensing of other pets<\/li>\n<li>Photo ID<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Choose your new cat \u2013 it never hurts to visit shelter cats a couple of times before you make a choice<\/li>\n<li>Waiting period<\/li>\n<li>Sign a contract and fee payment \u2013 (contracts vary between shelters)<\/li>\n<li>Trial period<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Cost<\/h5>\n<h5>Adoption fees differ from shelter to shelter. Also, it depends on the cat\u2019s age and sex. Here\u2019s an example from the BCSPCA:<\/h5>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"353\">\n<h6>One-Time Adoption Expenses<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"253\">Adoption Fee<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">$100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"253\">Spaying\/neutering and tattoo<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">$160<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"253\">\n<h6>Total<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">\n<h6>$260<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h6>The costs don\u2019t end with the adoption fees. Here\u2019s what you need to be aware of for your budget:<\/h6>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"366\">\n<h6>One-Time Expenses<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Food and Water Dishes<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Collar<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Brush<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Litter Pan and Scoop<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Scratching Post<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Carrier<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Toys<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Total<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$112<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">\n<h6>All in one-time total<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">\n<h6>$372<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"366\">\n<h6>Annual Expenses<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Food (Wet and Dry)<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$336<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Treats<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Litter<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$144<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">Vet Checks and Vaccinations<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">$120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"243\">\n<h6>Total<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"123\">\n<h6>$630<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The above costs don\u2019t include things like anti fur ball meds, deworming, flea\/tick meds, pet insurance, or dental care.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Be Social<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>We want to hear from you! Do you have a shelter kitty? Post a picture of your adopted friend on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DoonGo\">Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Let\u2019s Connect<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Follow us on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Instagram: <a href=\"http:\/\/instagram.com\/doo_n_go\/\">http:\/\/instagram.com\/doo_n_go\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Pinterest: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/doongo\/\">https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/doongo\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DoonGo\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DoonGo<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Want More?<\/h5>\n<p>Check out the article mentioned in the blog:<\/p>\n<p>10 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Pet &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.care2.com\/causes\/10-reasons-to-adopt-a-shelter-cat.html\">http:\/\/www.care2.com\/causes\/10-reasons-to-adopt-a-shelter-cat.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Adopting Cats from an Animal Shelter &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.peteducation.com\/article.cfm?c=1+2137&amp;aid=829\">http:\/\/www.peteducation.com\/article.cfm?c=1+2137&amp;aid=829<\/a><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m Adopting a Cat, Now What? &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petfinder.com\/pet-adoption\/cat-adoption\/cat-adoption-first-30-days\/\">https:\/\/www.petfinder.com\/pet-adoption\/cat-adoption\/cat-adoption-first-30-days\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>BCSPCA, Cost of Care &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.spca.bc.ca\/pet-care\/adoption\/5-steps-to-adoption\/cost-of-care.html#Cats\">http:\/\/www.spca.bc.ca\/pet-care\/adoption\/5-steps-to-adoption\/cost-of-care.html#Cats<\/a><\/p>\n<p>LAPS, Adoption Process &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lapsbc.ca\/get-involved\/animal-adoption\/adoption-process\/\">http:\/\/www.lapsbc.ca\/get-involved\/animal-adoption\/adoption-process\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is it time to get a kitty? Deciding to get a cat is more than just picking a collar and a name. This blog discusses things you need to consider before you decide to get a cat. Are you ready for a Cat? It\u2019s no surprise, having a pet is a big responsibility. Your new [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19699,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-show-your-love-for-pets-fr"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/pexels-photo-9959361.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9885"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9885\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19700,"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9885\/revisions\/19700"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}