Top 10 List for Adopting a Cat

June is National Adopt a Cat Month.

If you're thinking of adopting a furry feline into your family, there's a few things you need to do before bringing your cuddly critter home.

Here is the Top 10 List of adopting a cat.

I found this list though the American Humane Association

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.

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.

Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption.

Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.

Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat. Understand any pet is a responsibility and there’s a cost associated with that.

Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives. Be prepared 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.

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).

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.

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.

If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process.

Now that we have those basics covered and your ready for a new cat, why not check out the Winnebago Co. Animal Shelter's cats. This month of June they are offering to adopt cats 1 year and older for $5.  Visit www.wcasrock.org for more details.