The Scoop on Pet Adoption
Hey there, fellow cat lovers! Today, let’s dive into the exciting world of adopting a new fur friend. Recently, a friend of mine reached out, eager to adopt a low-shedding kitten—preferably a Cornish Rex. Can we just take a moment to say ADORABLE?! However, the reality hit when she discovered that a purebred Cornish Rex from a breeder or even a rescue can cost upwards of $700. At that price, I joked that they should include a free Dyson vacuum! So, my friend hasn’t found her ideal kitten just yet.
Instead, she sent me a picture of a grey kitten from a standard rescue, labeled as a Russian Blue. I told her, “Girl! We need to chat about how to pick the right cat.”
Understanding your Home Environment
As a foster cat mom and rescue runner with my own gaggle of cats, I’ve seen it all! The first and most important question to consider is: what is your home like?
- Is it loud or quiet?
- Do you have kids? If so, how old are they?
- Are there other pets in the house?
- How do they behave around cats?
There’s no wrong answer here; it’s about finding the right fit for your family. Rescues often ask these questions not to pass judgment, but to make the best match for everyone involved.
Finding your Ideal Match
We often have a pet in mind that fits our ideal, but that doesn’t always work out. Take me, for example—I adore “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and dream of a medium-sized, white dog named Zero. But I also need a dog who loves cats and isn’t resource-guarding.
Consider Rusty Pooh, the sweetest flame-point Siamese I ever had. I mistakenly linked his lovable personality to his breed. Now I have Ming Ming, a seal point, who is a whole different story—definitely not as sweet! And if I had dismissed Stitch simply because he’s a tabby (my least favorite coat color), I would have missed out on an amazing companion.
Questions to Ask Before Adopting
When you’re approved to adopt, don’t get too caught up in the kitten’s color, age, or sex. Instead, ask your foster coordinator these vital questions:
- Where are the kittens fostered? Are they in a shelter or a home?
- What does the foster home environment look like? Are there children or other pets?
- How loud is the household? If the foster family is quiet, a kitten might struggle in a busy home.
Additionally, make sure to see the medical records. If a kitten arrived at the rescue covered in fleas, be prepared for potential health issues down the line, like worms. The state mandates certain medical treatments—make sure your future fur baby is up to date!