As pet parents to three rescue cats from shelters (preceded by 10 others before them), we get a lot of questions about pet adoption. Whether from friends and family members or from readers, we always try to explain to potential adopters just why certain shelters do things the way they do.
Why do I have to fill out a lengthy application to adopt?
Shelters and rescues do extensive checks to ensure the safety of adopted animals. They don’t want to see a previously declawed cat turned loose outside with no defenses. Shelters want to ensure that your living situation—whether that’s a home you own or rent—is a good fit for the animal in terms of the dwelling itself, the members of your family, and your other animals.
Why does everyone in the household have to be present for adoption?
The whole family will be living with your new cat, right? Shelters want to make sure that everyone in the home is in agreement on this new arrival. Besides, the joy of selecting a new family member is a special event that you’ll want everyone to attend!
Can my cat visit with the cat I’m considering adopting?
Although in many cases, shelters will encourage—if not require—you to bring your dog to visit a new dog you’re considering adopting, the same does NOT hold true for cat adoption. Due to the potential for disease transmission — and the fact that introducing cats needs to be done carefully and over time — most will not allow you to bring your cat to meet a potential adoptee.
Why do I have to pay for the adoption?
Several people have asked us why municipal shelters charge fees of about $100 and sometimes more. Although $100 may seem like a big expenditure when compared with that “free” kitten you saw in an ad or one from your neighbor’s new litter, you are actually receiving several hundred dollars worth of services with the adoption fee.
Shelter cats have usually had a veterinary exam, shots appropriate for the cat’s age, FIV/FLV testing, deworming, microchipping, and, in most cases, spay and neuter services. Purchased separately, you’d be looking at about $380-$480 in services, depending on where you live and the gender of the cat.
Why are kittens more expensive than older cats?
It’s generally a matter of supply and demand. Kittens are cute; no one can deny it. That cuteness leads to increased demand which, in turn, can mean diminished demand for “older” cats, even ones just six months and older.
Why are these pets in a shelter? Do most of them have behavior problems?
The reasons that cats (and dogs) find themselves in shelters are as varied as the animals themselves. Reasons range from lost pets that are never claimed to deceased owners that died without a caregiver for their pets. Divorce, new babies, new boyfriends, a change in living situation (including foreclosed homes), and other reasons all come into play as well. Many, many animals in shelters are there through no fault of their own.
Every shelter does things a little bit differently. Don’t feel that you have to adopt on the first visit; feel free to go there and just check out the facility then return with the whole family when you have plenty of time to look around and get to know the cats as individuals. You’re planning for many years together so it pays to take your time with this very special decision!
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