Should I adopt a cat thru the Pet Smart adopt a pet program?
I currently own 2 daschunds and a chihuahua. I have never owned a cat but last night while shopping for pet supplies I saw a 1 year old cat in the kennel. After approaching, the cat immediately positioned himself so I could pet him and remained for the duration that I pet him thru the bars. I don’t know anything about cats. I have a large property and think that he could be happy going out all day long and coming inside if he wants to in the evening. Would a cat be happy living like this? I’m at a total loss w/regard to my knowledge of cats. Should I just leave him alone for someone who knows how to take care of a cat properly? His name is Waldo.
As with what everyone else said, I think that a cat would be a great addition, as long as you can afford to support it and care for it. You would have to make sure that the kitty gets along with your dogs, sometimes they’ll let you do a kind of ‘meet and greet’ where you can bring in your dogs to see how they react to the cat, and how the cat reacts to them.
The Petsmart program you’re talking about it a very nice one. They get the cats from local humane societies and shelters, and usually they’re only there with the cats twice a week, so check online, or call the store. (I know, because I almost adopted a cat from there, but I waited too long and someone adopted her before I could.)
As for not knowing anything, just tell them that! They’ll give you pamphlets, advice, and help! And you can always check back here and ask more questions.
Or you could e-mail me anytime! haha.
I didn’t have any pets until I was 18, and I learned SO much when I adopted my kitten.
Definitely don’t let it outdoors though. Again, as with every other comment, keep your cat an indoor cat. If you can’t provide space for it, or can’t feed it properly, then a cat may not be the right choice right now.
Cat’s don’t need much space, though. They just roam around, napping. haha. They do need love and attention, fresh food and water daily, you would need to scoop the litter box at least once a day, brush the cat about once a week if it’s a short-hair (more if it’s long-haired) trim its nails, and a few more things.
Just do the research and make sure you want a cat, can afford a cat, and can give it attention and love.
Good luck!
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Cats should really stay indoors due to the dangers that are outside. (cars, wild animals, diseases..etc.) All 3 of my cats are indoors and they are happy. They dont even want to go outside. Indoor cats live to be 15+ years while outdoor cats can be 4-8 years old. The lifespan of an indoor cat is much longer.
If you’d like to adopt a cat, I’d go to your local shelter. There’s so many cats in shelters without homes, you’d be saving their life!
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April 22nd, 2010 at 9:06 pm
If you think you have the capacity for a cat in your home and the money for vet bills and whatever comes you way, I say this cat would be happy to live with you.
One thing is that cats should not ever be allowed outside and many rescue groups will deny adoption to potential owners that intend to let the adoptive cats outdoors unsupervised. Cats that live 100% indoors have a substantial boost in lifespan, not to mention they’re overall healthier and you don’t need to worry about fighting with other neighborhood cats or wildlife.
Best of luck in your decision.
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April 22nd, 2010 at 9:16 pm
maybe
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April 22nd, 2010 at 9:56 pm
If you’re willing to adopt, and you have the means to care for the cat go for it! I would checked to see if they know about his temperament around dogs (some cats can be very defensive due to bad experiences). When you prepare to introduce your dogs to the new arrival makes sure you do it slowly. I suggest keeping the cat closed up in a room with the litter box, food, etc. for the first couple of days. This will allow the cat to get used to its surroundings and get used to the smell of the dogs as well as allowing the dogs to get used to the smell of the cat. After a couple of days let the cat out to interact with the dogs only when you are there to supervise them. Gradually work up to the cat being all over the house with the dogs.
While cats can be outdoor, I prefer to keep mine indoors. Indoor cats usually live longer and are healthier than outdoor cats. If you are going to let the cat outside shots are essential. Also make sure that you bring the cat in for the night especially if you live in an area with coyotes.
Good luck!
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April 22nd, 2010 at 10:33 pm
If you think you can provide a loving home & have the funds for his vet care, which it sound like you do, I would go for it. I never had a cat in my life until i got my own apt, i always had dogs. but with my lifestyle a dog wouldn’t work, so i got a cat. Didn’t know a single thing about them, self taught
But i love my guy, he’s a happy spoiled rescue now. Their pretty easy. He is an indoor only cat, I would suggest maybe haivng your possible future kitty indoors mostly, but I’m sure he would appreciate some outdoors time. Unless he is declawed, then i would keep him totally inside.
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April 22nd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Cats are better as indoor pets, but if he bonded to you and needs a home, then I say you do some research on cats and take him home. Cats are wonderful animals to have, esp adopted. Your saving a life and bringing happiness into yours!
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April 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Like Amanda said, there are so many dangers for cats outside, it’s not a good idea to let them out. Most shelters in the US won’t adopt cats to people who plan to let them out. The kitty could be very happy in your home. You would need to put in the time and effort to get the dogs and cat used to each other. I have several indoor cats and I brought home a dog last year. With patience and proper introductions, my dog has integrated well. If you adopt the kitty, put him in a separate room for a few days till he gets used to the smells and sounds of the new house and the dogs. Allow short visits which can be lengthened as things progress. There will be hissing from the cat and the dogs will probably bark. Make sure your dogs are trained to sit, stay, and know the command "leave it". Waldo sounds like a sweetie and deserves a good home. It could be he’s already been around dogs before and will have an easy time adjusting. Ask the shelter staff about it.
Petsmart cats are shelter animals. Petsmart allows the shelters to showcase their adoptable cats in the stores so you would be adopting, not buying.
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April 22nd, 2010 at 11:23 pm
first off no cat should ever be let outside to wonder if you choose to leash train your cat and you can get a harness and a leash for your cat train your cat for a couple months inside before taking him outside…..but it safest and best for cats to be inside cats……it is a HUGE myth that cats need to be outside to be happy.
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April 23rd, 2010 at 12:11 am
I am not sure of this kind of organization but I am very sure that this cat needs a home, Find out if they have neutered him and vaccinated him as these are essential things before you think of adopting a cat and if not could you afford to have these things done? On the other hand if not then maybe he is not the cat for you, You could try the Cats Protection League, they spay/Neuter all their cats they are also Micro-chipped, Flea and wormed, vaccinate and vet check every Cat and Kitten that they have and all they ask for is a donation and a kind loving forever home in return. good luck and I hope you find your suitable furry friend. J.
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April 23rd, 2010 at 12:57 am
I just adopted a cat 5 weeks ago from Pet Smart… the local shelter rotates their cats at Pet Smart, Pet Smart themselves do not sell the cats. At least in my neighborhood, each Pet Smart works with a different shelter.
The cat I adopted came from another shelter where they were going to put her down. So she’s only known the comfort of a cage. Now that she’s in a 2 bedroom condo…. that is all new territory for her and is extremely happy to explore.
I personally wouldn’t let a cat outside. There’s so many dangers out there – animals, disease, bugs, cars, etc. Since this cat is in a shelter, you don’t know their fully history. I would let the cat adjust to being inside.
My last 2 cats (which both recently died – natural causes) were indoor cats, but I occasionally let them on the balcony. In their last few months I did allow them to play in grass but I was there to protect them if needed.
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April 23rd, 2010 at 1:34 am
Most all adoption places, shelters, etc. require the pets be inside only and the dogs in fenced in yards. Its in the contracts you sign.
If you don’t want to go by their rules, then check in your area and ask around for farm cats/kittens if you want to adopt.
Read up on the proper way to raise a cat/kitten before you go and get one.
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April 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 am
As with what everyone else said, I think that a cat would be a great addition, as long as you can afford to support it and care for it. You would have to make sure that the kitty gets along with your dogs, sometimes they’ll let you do a kind of ‘meet and greet’ where you can bring in your dogs to see how they react to the cat, and how the cat reacts to them.
The Petsmart program you’re talking about it a very nice one. They get the cats from local humane societies and shelters, and usually they’re only there with the cats twice a week, so check online, or call the store. (I know, because I almost adopted a cat from there, but I waited too long and someone adopted her before I could.)
As for not knowing anything, just tell them that! They’ll give you pamphlets, advice, and help! And you can always check back here and ask more questions.
Or you could e-mail me anytime! haha.
I didn’t have any pets until I was 18, and I learned SO much when I adopted my kitten.
Definitely don’t let it outdoors though. Again, as with every other comment, keep your cat an indoor cat. If you can’t provide space for it, or can’t feed it properly, then a cat may not be the right choice right now.
Cat’s don’t need much space, though. They just roam around, napping. haha. They do need love and attention, fresh food and water daily, you would need to scoop the litter box at least once a day, brush the cat about once a week if it’s a short-hair (more if it’s long-haired) trim its nails, and a few more things.
Just do the research and make sure you want a cat, can afford a cat, and can give it attention and love.
Good luck!
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Worked at an animal shelter, trained with a veterinary doctor, and I have two kitties. =)