Diana and I have been volunteer foster moms for the Acadiana Humane Society / Cat Ranch since 2005. We’ve lost track of how many we have fostered and have adopted out, but we are proud of our personal record – we have only had 5 returned to us. A lot of our success lies in how well we match our foster-kids to prospective adopters who express an interest in any of our foster cats/kittens. The adoption process is usually initiated by a pre-screening application form that is emailed if the inquiry about a particular cat comes from Petfinder.com (or any of the similar adoption sites), or in the case of adoption events at Petsmart and/or Petco in Lafayette, Louisiana, the filling out of an adoption application form.

We have encountered people who have either questioned or complained about the amount of ‘paperwork’ involved in the adoption process, and our response has been that we consider ourselves the “guardians” of those that we foster. We truly want to ensure that the match is good for the particular cat AND the adoptive person/family. A successful adoption is very likely when there is open and honest communication between us and the prospective adopter – not only do we use the responses filled out in the adoption application form, but we also try to talk to each and every one as much as we can.

We want to make sure that the prospective adopter has the right realistic expectations, has a true sense of responsibility to take over the care and well being of our foster-kids, and understands that it takes time and patience for an adopted cat to adjust to his/her new home.

With that in mind, below  are three very good articles that we hope will help you decide what kind of cat you could consider adopting.

Kitt-e-Harmony: Finding Your Feline Soul Mate

Originally published on February 10, 2009 by CatAge.com

Adopting the right cat calls for careful consideration of many factors, not just absolute adorableness. So what should top your list of decision-making criteria?

Personality. Yep. Your best bet for developing a successful, long-term, and deeply bonded coexistence with your new feline friend is to make sure kitty’s temperament is aligned with your own (and with your family’s). Before adopting your next cat, discover your ideal match by considering the following questions about yourself and your prospective pet:

•Affectionate or aloof? If you’re looking for an independent cat who prefers minimal to moderate petting and lap time, don’t adopt a snuggle bunny. And vice versa. But keep in mind that all cats — just like humans — need some affection, even if they’re not good at asking for it.

•Energetic or calm? Want a mellow couch-potato cat? Then you may be more suited to a grown cat than to a mischievous kitten who’ll climb your curtains all day in constant pursuit of play! But if lively is what you’re after, a young, sprightly cat might be just right for you.

•Outgoing or shy? While all cats will need time to adjust to a new home, some will be more resilient than others in coping with the commotion caused by children, roommates, loud music, frequent visitors, or other animals. If your household has any of the above, choose a fairly confident cat over an extremely timid one.

This tip of the week came from CatAge.com 

 

 A Cat is Waiting (Adopting The Right Cat For You)
Printer FriendlyJacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Companion Animal Programs Adviser. National Outreach
ASPCA

The kids have been clamoring for a cat. You’ve held them off for as long as humanly possible, but now you must decide whether or not to make the twenty year commitment to a new feline friend. To dog people, taking on a cat seems like no big deal – no house training, numerous daily walks or obedience classes. But if you are a novice at animal care-taking, hair on the furniture, paw prints on countertops and kitty games at 3 A.M. — not to mention litter box training and daily maintenance — can take some getting used to. Time must be found in hectic schedules for grooming, feeding and interactive play. If you are considering adopting a kitten, factor in plenty of time for socialization and supervision to ensure that the end result will be a well-adjusted adult cat.

Picture Purrfect
Cats had only one function throughout the centuries: vermin control. Only in the last one hundred years has selective breeding caught on — synonymous with the rise of the cat as a companion. Most purebred cats fall into one of the following three groupings based on physical characteristics:

•The natural breeds — American and British shorthairs, Persians, Maine coon cats were developed in cold climates. They have long, thick coats; heavy, cobby (square) bodies, and are the most sedate group in terms of energy level.

•The semi-foreigns — Russian blues, Abyssinians, ocicats are an in-between group whose body shapes are leaner and more muscular than the natural breeds. They have slightly oval eyes and their heads are moderately wedge-shaped. Their activity level is usually moderate with some high-energy exceptions like the Abyssinian.

•The Orientals — Siamese, Burmese, Cornish rexes originated in warmer climes; they carry little body fat and lighter coats. Almost everything about them is elongated — legs, tails, ears and bodies — to allow more surface area for efficient cooling. These cats are the most active and talkative.
Still, less than 10 percent of the world’s cats, both in and out of shelters, are purebred. The majority — common house cats – have charmed their way into becoming the number-one most popular pet in the United States.

When you have made the decision to commit to a cat, hop on the internet and visit www.petfinder.com or head to your local animal shelter, where an array of felines resplendent in tabby stripes, calico patches, solids and tortoiseshell patterns awaits. The feline diversity residing in local shelters and rescue groups ensures you will find a kindred spirit. Many shelters vaccinate, de-worm and test for feline leukemia before putting up cats for adoption. Some shelters spay/neuter before adoption as well. Ask yours for specifics on what is included in the adoption package.

Searching for Mr. Right
Before facing cage after cage of homeless cats, consider your needs and expectations. If yours is a full-time working household, I recommend passing up kittens and adolescents (less than eighteen months old) in favor of a more low-key adult whose energy needs will be easier to meet. If you are a novice cat owner, stay away from “excessive” cats — excessively shy, aggressive or demanding — for they may provide too great a challenge for your first experience. Your best bet is the friendly, outgoing cat, who nudges an outstretched finger offered through the cage bars and who nuzzles and purrs when you hold him in your arms. This profile is a particularly good choice for families with children younger than seven years of age.

 

Is coat color or pattern important? By all means, choose a cat who attracts you, but remember that the gorgeous calico hiding at the back of her cage may well go into prolonged hiding once she is released into your home. A cat who is social and relaxed at a shelter usually has the aplomb to meet the stresses that life throws her way. Consider the whole cat, not just one element.

A cat in your life can add warmth, humor and peace of mind. A cat can teach your child empathy for others while keeping her secrets. If you can make the commitment, a cat is waiting to enhance your life in ways only a kindred spirit can.

 

What to Consider Before Adopting a Pet

It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it’s a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you’re walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you’re like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life’s greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day’s work.

The fact that you’re thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you’re a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

Why do you want a pet?
It’s amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it’s “the thing to do” or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don’t forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you’re tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn’t realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you afford a pet?
The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren’t yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Can you have a pet where you live?
Many rental communities don’t allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you’re a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you’ll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you’re away on vacation? You’ll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?
When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.
Get an Animal for Life

Sure, it’s a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter’s homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn’t think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.

Please, don’t make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you’re willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

Copyright © 2002 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.