Cat Adoption Checklist:

Thinking of adopting a cat? First, check out these helpful tips, compiled by the American Humane Society.

1. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two. Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. Plus they’ll provide more benefits to you. Cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves – and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile.

2. Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours. Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats. In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active. Adoption counselors can offer advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.

3. Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption. You’ll want to take any medical records you received from the adoption center on your first visit. Kittens in particular should accompany you to make the appointment, even before the exam itself, so staff can pet the cat and tell you that you’ve chosen the most beautiful one ever.

4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home. Visiting the shelter or animal control facility should be a family affair. When adopting a new cat with existing pets at home, discuss with the rescue how to make a proper introduction.

5. Budget for the short and long term costs of a cat. Understand that any pet is a responsibility and there’s a cost associated with that. Cats adopted from a rescue are a bargain as most cats/kittens will have already been provided with initial vaccines, been spayed/neutered and given a microchip for permanent identification. And by rescuing you are saving lives!

6. Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives. Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away. Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush and nail clippers.

7. Cat-proof your home. A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will serve to teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).

8. Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family. It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment. It’s a great idea to keep the new addition secluded to a single room (with a litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier left out and open with bedding inside) until the cat is used to the new surroundings; this is particularly important if you have other pets. If you’ve adopted a kitten, socialization is very important. But remember – take it slow and supervise.

9. Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan. You probably have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency. Adjust this plan to include your pets. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list. Never leave your furry friends behind!

10. If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process. Though well-meaning, the surprise kitty gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period. Remember, adopting a cat isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or a piece of jewelry – a cat or kitten is a real living, breathing, and emotional being. Remember, this is a life long commitment to this pet, so make sure everyone is ready for that.

The Cat Ranch requires valid ID from potential adopters, an interview prior to adopting, veterinary and/or other references and a completely filled out application form. Please note that animals in our care will have been dewormed, up to date on vaccinations (age appropriate), will be current on flea/tick preventatives and adult cats will have been spayed/neutered while kittens will be spayed/neutered at the appropriate age.