Rescuing an abandoned or homeless cat can be one of the most rewarding things you can do! Today there are so many kittens being born that there just don’t seem to be enough homes for them all. Rescuing is one of the easiest solutions to the problem. There are many options if you wish to obtain a new member of the family by doing this.
- Visit your local animal shelter! There are always several cats in county shelters. Sadly, most of these cats are brought in from the streets, and are without homes. More often than not, these cats are sweet and gentle-mannered animals; they just need to be given a chance. Your local shelter will usually have a small fee, often around $10. After that they will have a $50 to $70 deposit that you will receive back upon spaying or neutering your new cat.
- Check out local and statewide animal rescues! These types of organizations often have a no kill policy, so it is more likely that you will find a cat that has had a little more one on one time than those at the shelter. These can be found by doing searches online, and at your local pet stores. The adoption process for these cats is usually a lot more thorough, as an interview and application must be filled out. The adoption fee is usually between $50 and $150.
- Talk with your veterinarian! Believe it or not, veterinarians come across a lot of homeless cats that are often in need of medical attention. If the cat is well-mannered and suitable for a home, they will usually treat the animal and then try to find them a home! This may even come without a fee, if you prove to be a suitable home.
- Check out PetFinder.Com! This website has been a lifesaver for many cats and dogs in the country since it began! On this site, you are able to search in your state and within a certain number of miles of your zip code. You are able to pick the age of cat and size and sometimes even breed that you are looking for. This will give you a detailed search of cats in your area at shelters and rescues. This is an excellent way to see cats for rescue across the country without ever having to leave your home!
If you are lucky enough to find your new cat at one of these locations, there are other things to consider. Most rescues and shelters have certain guidelines regarding your cat’s health. If you are lucky enough, you may find a cat that is older and already spayed or neutered, declawed and vaccinated. This is not always true. If you rescue a kitten, they may not have been vaccinated yet. It is important to check with the organization and check their policy on vaccinating. The rescue or shelter might do it for a fee, or they may require you as the new owner to have the vaccinations done within a certain number of days. Often at shelters, part of the adoption fee will be included for this reason, for spaying, neutering and vaccinating. Sometimes the shelter will refund this money after you have proven the procedures have been done. This can be done by mail at most locations. This is where communicating with those at the shelter becomes very important.
It is always a good idea to take your new cat, no matter its age, to your veterinarian for a checkup and introduction. This is always good for a simple health inspection, and to get your new addition to the family used to its new life!
These are all excellent ways to find a cat in need of a home. Remember, however, that the cats in the local shelters are those that are in the most need of adoptions. This is because of the risk of euthanasia, sad but true! Remember your local shelter!!!