Читать книгу 77 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat - Susan Ewing M. - Страница 37

If you want a pet cat and are not concerned about breed or pedigree, getting a cat from a friend or neighbor can be a good option. If that friend’s or neighbor’s cat has kittens, then you’ll be getting a youngster who will come to you with no bad habits and, hopefully, no diseases. You will have met the mother and will know what her temperament is like. If she’s calm and friendly, chances are that her kittens will be that way, too.

If you are adopting an older cat from someone you know, some of the same principles hold true. You’ll know how old the cat is, you’ll know what kind of personality the cat has, and you can ask the owner about vaccinations, medications, and health issues. If you have children or a dog, you may also have an idea of how the cat will interact with them.

Getting a cat from your local animal shelter or rescue is also a very good way to get a cat, and there are always plenty of cats in need of good homes. While a shelter cat’s exact age may be unknown, he will have been checked by the shelter veterinarian and be up to date on vaccinations, free of fleas and ticks, and spayed or neutered. The shelter may also have implanted a microchip for identification purposes. If the cat was surrendered, the former owner may have given the shelter some personality and behavior information, such as if the cat is good around children and other pets. From observing and interacting with the cat, the shelter staff will likely know whether the cat is a cuddler, is very active, is vocal, and other traits.

If you have your heart set on a kitten, check your local shelter in the spring. Most shelters are inundated with pregnant cats and kittens each spring. You’ll have your pick of just about every color and coat length. Many shelters perform early spay/neuters. If not, they might offer a voucher for a free or reduced-cost spay/neuter when the kitten is a bit older.

Many cats await loving homes in local animal shelters.

You might adopt a kitten from a friend or neighbor.