Should You Or Shouldn't You?
Is Adoption The Right Option For You And Your Cat?
Thinking about adopting a feline friend for your cat? Here are some things to consider first.
- Know your cat. Some really are "solitary hunters" and prefer being alone. Females tend to be less welcoming to newcomers than males.
- If you've recently lost a cat, give the others time to grieve before adding a new family member.
- Gender matters less than the personalities of the cats. Males can be best friends with other males, and females can live together in "purrfect" harmony.
- Kittens can be annoying and even frightening to older cats, who are well beyond the age where they enjoy being pounced on. If you have an adult, he or she will be happiest with a companion who's all grown up.
- If you're thinking about adopting a kitten, adopt two instead of one. Kittens need other kittens to be well socialized and to learn how to play nicely with others. It doesn't matter that you'll be home all day to provide constant companionship. Kittens need kittens to grow into well-adjusted cats. And the love and bond between two litter mates will last a lifetime.

Who's That Knocking At The Door
Sometimes the very best cat friends are the ones who choose you. But before you invite that cat who's been hanging around in your yard inside to stay, ask yourself (and the cat) a few questions.
1. Are you absolutely certain he doesn't already have a family? File a found report with Animal Control, put up posters, check the newspaper ads, and find out whether he's microchipped. Most vets and Animal Control have scanners.
2. Does the cat want to be "rescued?" Or is he happy living the way he is - outside with no commitments to humans?
3. Do your resident cats want another family member living inside with them?
4. If you bring him inside, are you willing to let him be an indoor/outdoor cat? Many cats who have lived outside
never adjust happily to a strictly indoor lifestyle.

If you and the cat decide living outdoors is the best choice for him, make sure the cat's neutered/spayed, vaccinated and ear tipped. You can make life easier for an outdoor cat by providing daily meals and a warm, dry shelter. The smallest size igloo doghouses are popular choices for outdoor cats. Fill yours with straw. It will stay dry and is warmer than blankets. And don't feel sorry for the cat! It's humans, not felines, who decided every cat needs a soft bed to sleep on. Many cats love living outdoors and actually prefer it.

A Lifetime Commitment         
Adopting a cat is a lifetime commitment. Before you sign that adoption contract, remember...
- The average life span of a cat is 16 years But some live to age 20 or even longer.
- Even cats with perfect "manners" may have lapses as they grow older and miss or stop using their litter boxes due to infirmity or illness.
- While cats may seem self-sufficient, they do require and enjoy attention from their human housemates.
--- Interactive play with their people is important to their mental health and enjoyment of life. And that's especially true of "strictly indoor" cats.
- Cats require sunlight because their bodies can't manufacture vitamin D. So keeping some blinds and curtains open is more than a way of preventing boredom, it's necessary for their health.

Before you adopt a cat, think long and hard about whether you're willing and able to accommodate all the cat's needs now and into the future. What will you do if you fall head over heels in love with someone who hates cats? And what will you do if a child suddenly becomes allergic? If you move, will you be willing and able to take the cat with you? If you're not confident that you can make a commitment that will stretch over 15-20 years, don't adopt! If your future is uncertain, fostering a cat in need may be a better solution for you - and the cat.