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ARE YOU REALLY READY FOR A CAT?
Not everyone who adopts a cat is ready for one. Our contract, which provide
for our cats for the rest of their lives, proves this. One of the provisions
in our contract states that we will take the cat back in an extenuating
circumstance. By "extenuating" we mean unusual, unavoidable, or extreme
circumstances. This is for the cat' s own good as well as for the owner. No
one should feel trapped into a situation where the animal has to be disposed
of in an untimely manner. The cat deserves better than this.
Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
1) Do you live in an apartment and have a tendency to move from one place to
another? Our experience tells us that apartment dwellers find it too easy to
change addresses often. Simply moving into a "no pets" situation DOES NOT
constitute an extenuating circumstance.
2) Our contract also suggests that a pet cat (as opposed to a working barn
cat) be kept indoors and free of fleas. All too often, we find people
disposing of their pets because they don't know how to deal with fleas. If a
cat is kept indoors there is no excuse for having fleas.
3) Does shedding pet hair bother you to the point where you are not willing
to cope with it? There are methods of controlling this seasonal problem and
you should learn what they are.
4) Are you trying to find a cat exactly like the one you had "before"? This
is not fair to the new cat because he can never replace another.
5) Do you understand that long haired cats should be combed (not just
brushed) at least every other day and short haired cats should be brushed or
combed weekly?
6) Have you estimated the cost of veterinary care? Every pet cat should be
neutered or spayed and appropriate vaccines be kept up to date. Also your
budget should include a quality diet.
7) You should be prepared to spend a certain number of hours each day with
your cat. If you find it necessary to leave your home for long periods of
time be sure you provide a special room where the cat is comfortable where
you can close the door and leave him for extended periods. He will get used
to it and your mind will be relieved about his activities. This simple plan
puts you in control.
8) If this is a kitten you are adopting, are you aware of the activity level
of a kitten? Do you know how to properly train it and are you able to spend
the time training it?
9) Are you in control of your small children or are they allowed to do "what
comes naturally"? Children need to be taught such things as not to squeeze
the kitty or use him for a pillow. Sometimes it is the kitty who needs
protection more than the child. Children are fascinated by eyes and often
want to touch the open eye of a pet. Tails are convenient "handles" for a
toddler and the cat must not be blamed for protecting his "handle".
10) Human pregnancy is not an extenuating circumstance. Pregnant women and
cats have coexisted for centuries. Keeping hands washed is all that is
required for total protection.
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