Purebred kittens and cats can be purchased from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred kittens and cats can be adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations. If you have the necessary skills and experience, you might consider adopting a cat with special medical or behavioral needs.
Where should I get a cat from?
Many of us adopt cats simply because the animal decides to live with usit shows up on the doorstep, in the garden, and eventually makes its way into the bedroom! Others adopt kittens from friends or neighbors whose own cat had an “accidental” litter. The local tom cat has undoubtedly noticed! This can easily occur if owners are unaware that their own “kitten” was mature enough to have kittens of its own. (Kittens can be neutered at 4 months old to ensure this does not happen) These “accidental” kittens are frequently handled well and included in all daily activities since they are frequently born into busy households where they are the only cats, preparing them to make excellent pets.
If you’re looking for a kitten or cat that needs a new home, you can also visit a homing/rescue organization or a breeder. While there are good breeders and wonderful organizations for adoption and rescue, there are also bad breeders who produce or house cats in a way that is not healthy or suitable for them as pets. You can at least make an informed decision if you know what factors affect a cat or kitten’s health and welfare and how their surroundings and care can also affect these things. Ideally, your new pet will live a long and happy life with you and your family.
Use the national database below to find cats in your area that are looking for loving homes. You can search by zip code. Note that these cats are not available through the ASPCA; instead, they are from rescues and shelters across the country. Check out the cats available at our Adoption Center if you’re hoping to adopt from us and you live in New York City.
What should I look for in a rescue organisation?
Not all homing/rescue organizations are good for cats, despite their good intentions. Numerous animals receive tremendous charity support in nations like the UK, where thousands are saved, rescued, and placed in excellent new homes. Many of the organizations involved are very professional and have considered the needs of their cats’ physical and mental health in the way that they provide care. Unfortunately, some “rescues” or “sanctuaries” continue to house cats in unsuitable circumstances.
A homing/rescue organisation should:
- Take in no more cats than it can adequately care for.
- Make sure sick or injured cats receive the proper veterinary care.
- Ascertain that the cats in the facility are not susceptible to contracting any additional illnesses.
- Make sure the surroundings in which cats are housed, as well as the presence of dogs or other cats nearby, do not cause stress to them. This may result in altered behavior, a weakened immune system, and an increase in viral shedding.
- Make sure the cats are housed in a way that allows them to unwind and behave normally so that their ideal homes can be found.
- Match cats with their owners in an effort to create enduring, peaceful relationships.
- Make sure that every attempt is made to find the cats in their care suitable homes as soon as possible.
It’s crucial how the cats are kept in the homing/rescue facility. There is an increased risk of disease transmission when there are more cats in an enclosure. In environments with a high cat population, poor hygiene, and stressed animals, viruses and other organisms proliferate. Cats dont necessarily relish the company of other cats. Some might be highly gregarious, but others would freak out if placed in a communal run with unfamiliar cats. Even though they don’t fight, they behave in a reserved manner, with each one sitting as far away from the others as possible and dispersed wherever they can find a small area of their own.
Numerous charities with excellent facilities and resources house cats in separate units with a warm sleeping area and a run where they can stretch their legs and observe what’s going on in nations like the UK and the USA. Cats who appear to get along well and enter the room together may be kept together, but no assumptions are made. One cat does not always follow the other, and many times a “pair” of cats blossoms when it is separated from its partner. Some nations might not have the necessary facilities, so cats might be kept in communal runs. In these cases, cats should be carefully chosen for compatibility and the number kept to a minimum. Cats need to have impeccable hygiene, and they should have places to hide and climb so they can get away from one another.
You’ll undoubtedly feel bad for cats kept in appalling conditions at a subpar homing/rescue center and want to take them away to protect them from their current living situation. But the issue with this is that you might adopt a cat that has been exposed to numerous diseases and has been kept in an environment that makes them prone to infection. An animal could have a variety of health issues when you bring it home. In addition to being financially disastrous, trying to care for the cat while it is ill can also be extremely stressful emotionally. There’s also the chance of bringing illness home with you if you already have cats. Encourage homing/rescue organizations that are doing a fantastic job and are aware of the challenges associated with disease control and the welfare of cats. While it may satisfy the needs of the rescuer, doing good deeds or gathering many cats under the guise of “rescue” may not always be in the best interests of the cats. Taking care of numerous cats, some of whom have extremely complex needs, is a difficult task.
Health and wellbeing are recognized in good homing/rescues, and staff members house the cats in a way that makes it possible to evaluate each cat’s unique behavior, personality, and health. It’s not always simple to successfully match a new owner with a cat, but that is the goal. Additionally, cats will have a thorough health examination performed. Ideally, they will also receive treatment for fleas, worming, neutering, and any other conditions that may have been found.
This is not to suggest that you should not adopt a cat that is ill or disabled. You can take it on with complete knowledge of what needs to be done if the homing/rescue organization can tell you about it, what the cat’s needs will be, and can provide you with a complete picture on which to base an informed decision. A cat in need of a caregiver who is willing to provide additional care will be extremely fortunate to find a good home. It all comes down to knowing what youre taking on. Those who have the time, energy, and compassion to assist a needy cat find great satisfaction in helping other people’s cats.
Rehoming/rescue organizations provide excellent homes for many wonderful cats and kittens with loving owners. Choose one that is excelling and lend your support in any way you can.
In certain nations, abandoned kittens are housed in cages in the waiting area or on the property of veterinarians. Employees will be able to give those adopting the kittens all the related health information.
If a particular breed piques your interest, there are breed clubs with a welfare officer whose job it is to attempt to find new homes for pedigree cats whose owners are no longer able to care for them. Contact the relevant breed clubs to find out more.
After you’ve made up your mind to get a cat or kitten, click this link to learn what to look for and what questions to ask when selecting your specific pet.
FAQ
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