Evaluating a Shelter Before Adopting a Cat
Dog Breeds
Making a careful evaluation of a shelter before adopting a cat will help ensure that you end up taking home a happy and healthy new companion. Here are some tips to help you know what to look for when evaluating an animal shelter.
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Introduction
Making a careful evaluation of a shelter before adopting a cat will help ensure that you end up taking home a happy and healthy new companion. Here are some tips to help you know what to look for when evaluating an animal shelter
Tips for Evaluating an Animal Shelter
To evaluate a shelter before you adopt a cat, look closely at the conditions of the animals in the shelter and how the employees interact with you. Shelters that will not allow you to walk through the premises and see the cats in their kennels is a red flag. There is no reason why you should not be able to go and see the living conditions of the cats. If you walk through a shelter and you notice the cats and kittens are in crammed conditions, the litter boxes are not cleaned, and the water and food dishes are not clean, then go somewhere else. Likewise, if you notice that the cats are in poor health, such as a lot of tearing or gummy eyes, sneezing, or lethargic depressed cats, then go somewhere else (always change clothes and wash your hands before you visit a new adoption facility).
If you notice that the employees are not willing to answer your questions, then go somewhere else. Cats at a shelter should all have some type of medical history on their adoptive pets such as vaccinations, or lack thereof, and approximate birthdates. If the shelters are not bothering to vaccinate the cats, keep medical histories, or give spay and neuter help or information, find another shelter.
Shelters that will not let you return the cat if the adoption does not work out should be avoided as well. Shelters that are focused on placing cats in the right home will work with people if the adoption is not successful, and they will ensure that the cat finds a good home with someone else instead.
While it can be difficult to leave a cat in an irresponsible shelter, it is best to adopt cats from shelters which are truly concerned about their animals. Only through support will responsible shelters thrive, and hopefully in time shelters that are not run well will change their ways or shut their doors.
Interacting with a New Kitten
Identifying a Cat That Is Right For You