Know This Before Adopting

Please Think

Before You Leap

There are various situations to consider before adopting a life long friend. 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. 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 cat is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a cat, though, is a big decision. Cats require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Cat ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Why

Adopt

Cats are good for you! Psychological reports suggest that cats have shown to have positive effects on your ability to cope with stress, anxiety, depression or loneliness. If you live in an apartment, a cat can be an excellent companion because cats don’t require lots of room. Cats can be low maintenance and if you supply them with toys, and a cat tree by a sunny window, they can make wonderful roommates. Too often, shelters euthanize due to room constraints, but if more people adopted, the number of cats euthanized would lower dramatically.

Please note: Kittens must be adopted in pairs or to households with age appropriate cat(s) to ensure proper socialization and companionship. NO exceptions! If you would prefer a solo cat, we would be happy to recommend those cats who would do best as solo cats.

Things

To Know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal rescue 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 cat? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a cat. Adopting a cat just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a kitty usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that cats may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
Do you have time for a cat? 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 cats in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you afford a cat? The costs of cat caretaker can be quite high. Licenses, 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 cat can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from cats who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of being a cat caretaker.
Can you have a cat where you live? Many rental communities don't allow cats, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a furry friend home.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a cat? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Cats require 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.
Do you know who will care for your cat while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a cat-sitting service.
Will you be a responsible cat caretaker? Having your cat spayed or neutered, obeying community licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your cats are all part of being a responsible caretaker. Of course, giving your cat love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the cat for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a cat, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Get An

cat For Life

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

Many of the shelter's homeless cats are kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their cats to breed. But there are at least as many cats at the shelter who are more than a year old-cats who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of cat caretaking before they got the cat.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion cat 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 cat.

If you're ready to adopt a companion for life, please click the links above at the top of the page to see a sample of our many wonderful cats available for adoption at the Astoria Cat Rescue.

If someone tugs at your heart and you would like to meet him or her, please fill out an Adoption Application.

Ready to Adopt?

Apply to Adopt a Cat