There is an attraction to the sight of a kitten.They don't need to be housebroken, they're also instinctively clean.They're popular as adoptive pets.You can't just go to the shelter and adopt on the spot.Before you go through the adoption process, you need to assess your readiness and prepare your home.It's worth the effort once you bond with your new friend.
Step 1: Make sure you have a cat in your home.
Too many people abandon animals because they don't realize their living conditions are bad for pets.If you're a renter, it's a good idea to read over the terms of your lease.Ask your landlord if they will increase your rent.No one in your household is allergic to cats.Before bringing a pet into the home, make sure the person can manage their allergies.Adoption of an allergy-friendly breed is possible.These cats are less likely to cause allergies because they don't let loose as much.There is no such thing as a cat that is completely allergy free.
Step 2: Take care of the responsibilities.
Cats don't like being alone for long.If you have to work late or go away for business, who will feed your cat?If you want to give the cat regular brushings, ask yourself if you're willing to clean the litter box at least daily.Cats shed frequently even with regular brushings.You'll need to vacuum about once or twice a week.You will need to ask your housemates if you don't live alone.If they are willing to help with the responsibilities.Adding feedings and brushings to their chores is possible if you have children.
Step 3: Make sure you have money.
Many shelters take care of the first check-up.You have to set money aside for yearly exams and vaccinations.If you plan on letting your cat outside, you'll need to budget for preventative measures.You have to consider the costs of buying food, treats, and cat litter.The cost of a trusted cat sitter should be considered if you have to be away from home often.It's a good idea to protect your pet against unforeseen health expenses.
Step 4: Purchase a litter box.
Dust-free litter that won't irritate young eyes or lungs is what kittens can be sensitive to.Corn husks or shredded newspaper are natural materials that can be used to make litter.There are some natural brands that come in a convenient clumping formula.There are many different types of litter boxes from simple pans to self-cleaning facilities.You don't need to litter box-train your new kitten since cats excrete in dirt or sand.A quiet room is the best place to put the litter box.The bathroom is very popular.
Step 5: Purchase bowls for water and food.
Kittens need their own food bowls, even if they'll be sharing your home with older siblings.Many food bowls have separate areas for wet and dry food.You have the choice of plastic, metal, or ceramic.You will need to buy a separate bowl for water.Cats don't like their waste in the same location so keep the food and water bowls away from the litter box.You can choose a different room.If the bathroom has a litter box, put the food and water bowls in the kitchen.
Step 6: Buy food for kittens.
Cats need food with the right amount of vitamins and minerals to take care of their needs.The food should be specially formulated for kittens.The adult cat food has a different label.The kitten food should have more calories for energy and more for nervous system growth.Your child will get used to both canned and dry food if you buy both.The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or their non-U.S. equivalents are the best places to test food.The brands that are more expensive will put your kitten at a lower risk for illness later in life.
Step 7: Purchase a carrier for cats.
You will need one to take your new family member home, as well as to visit the vet and other outings.It's a good idea to buy a carrier for an adult cat to avoid buying a larger one later.Pet supply stores and big box stores have carriers.
Step 8: There are perches by the windows.
Cats like to survey the outdoors for birds and other animals.Provide a perching area by at least a few windows to give your cat a variety of viewing angles.perches can be purchased in pet supply stores.They range from padded extensions for your window sill to floor-to-ceiling cat trees with multiple perching levels.
Step 9: Provide a scratching post.
Cats can grow into the pads of their feet if they don't file their nails.Satisfy this need by placing scratching posts in the rooms you think your cat will spend the most time in.There are a variety of forms for scratching posts.The cat will be drawn to the post by the catnip that comes with it.If you think your cat might be tempted, you can scratch-proof your furniture.Double-sided tape or upside down carpet runners can be applied to furniture.Make sure the knobby side of the carpet runners is facing up.
Step 10: strangulation dangers should be removed.
Anything that hangs can kill your cat.This also includes curtain cords and pooling curtains.If you have long cords, make sure they are tied to a height that is out of reach for a kitten.Replacing your blinds and curtains with safer alternatives is a good idea.
Step 11: It's a good idea to check for easily overlooked dangers.
If you're not proactive, kittens can find dangerous objects.Search for loose change, rubber bands, or anything else that could pose a danger to your cat.Look under and behind furniture, in between cushions, and in small open areas between furniture and walls.Push your furniture or appliances as close to the wall as possible, if you can.Tiny bodies can get stuck in these areas.
Step 12: Plants that are poisonous need to be replaced.
Plants like lilies, poinsettias, tulips, and azaleas are toxic and can kill your cat.African violet, yellow rocket, and bamboo are non-toxic plants.The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
Step 13: Go to the shelter.
You should always adopt from a shelter.Cats end up in shelters due to abandonment, the illness/death of a past owner, and a variety of other reasons, but rarely because they're damaged.When you adopt a shelter kitten, you will save a life because animals are often euthanized to make room for new arrivals.
Step 14: The application needs to be filled out.
Your full name, address, and phone number can be asked for by applications.You will be asked for a photo ID to verify this information.Information about other animals living in your home and the dates of their most recent vaccinations are required.All questions should be answered honestly.This is done to protect the kitten.
Step 15: Get to know the cats.
You should wash your hands before handling them.Look for a cat that you think will be a good fit for you and your family.Pick them up, play with them, and pet them.Each cat has its own personality.If a cat is sleepy at that time of day, it could be that they are not used to humans.Don't try to change anything.If you share your home with other people, bring them to the shelter with you.The entire household needs to be involved in the decision.
Step 16: The waiting period needs to be honored.
Prospective pet parents have to wait at least 24 hours before they can bring their child home.This will give you time to think about your decision to adopt and discuss it with your family.You can back out without penalties if you reconsider.The shelter will put a hold on the kitten if you try to prevent someone else from adopting them.
Step 17: The contract should be completed.
If the kitten hasn't been taken care of, most shelter contracts ask you to spaying or neuter it.If you can't provide proper care for them, you'll have to return them to the shelter.You will be allowed to visit the shelter from time to time if you swear that you have no history of animal abuse.
Step 18: The adoption fee is paid.
Adoption fees can range from $100 to $300.They usually include any medical care the kitten received while at the shelter, as well as transportation costs from their first home.It helps to cover the costs of care for the animals.If you give extra money to the shelter, they will appreciate it.Animals need every little bit of help.
Step 19: Bring your pet home.
The carrier should be placed in a quiet room.The cat shouldn't be forced to come out.Allow them to investigate on their own.Give them time to adjust to the new environment.kittens need 1 to 2 weeks to get used to their new home