Next to dogs, cats are the second most popular pets in the world. These independent yet sweet and loving feline creatures are very much adored by a lot of people, not just because of their inherent cuteness, but also of their generally laid-back personality. Cats are your best choice if you want a pet that cuddles with you but isn’t too needy!

Getting the ideal cat for yourself isn’t too hard since there are several cat shelters and rescue centres out there. However, before you choose to adopt a cat, it’s essential to think through your decision first. Remember, having a pet is a huge responsibility. As such, here’s a guide to help you decide whether or not adopting a cat is right for you and what you should do for successful adoption.

Should You Adopt a Cat?

As mentioned earlier, owning a cat is a commitment. Many people like the idea of having an adorable pet they can casually post on social media or cuddle with every night, but complain later when their pet starts getting loud and messy. As such, you should take the time to consider whether you’re prepared to own a cat before you adopt one.

It’s important to ensure you can take good care of your cat for the rest of its life. Hence, before choosing to bring home a cat or a kitten, consider asking yourself these questions first: Can I afford a cat?, Do I have time to take care of a cat? and Is my home cat-friendly? Having the money, time, and suitable space to raise a cat is necessary to ensure that the cat won’t be neglected under your custody.

How to Adopt a Cat?

Once you’ve already determined that you’re capable of raising a cat, the next thing you need to do is to learn how pet adoption works. If you have no idea where to start, here are the basic steps you can follow to find the right feline companion for yourself:

1. Find a cat shelter near you

The very first question you probably have in your mind is where can you find adoptable cats. You actually have several options, such as online adoption listings and in-person adoption events. However, the most common way to find your ideal cat is to visit your nearest rescue centre or cat shelter. When it comes to adoption, they’re undoubtedly the experts.

Aside from housing a range of adoptable cats, they also provide information necessary for adopting and caring for a pet. They may even provide support throughout your cat parenting journey. To find your nearest cat shelter, search for them on Google or some social media channels like Facebook.

2. Understand more about the cat you wish to adopt

Like humans, cats have different conditions and personalities. Therefore, before adopting a cat, there are certain essential questions you need to ask your local shelter, such as What’s the temperament of the cat? What’s its medical history? Does it need any special care (like a specific diet)?

These questions will help you understand how your prospective adoptee will fit into your lifestyle. Depending on your budget and lifestyle, some cats may not be ideal. In that case, it’s better to find this one out before bringing a cat home.

3. Submit an application

Once you’ve found the cat you want to adopt, the next thing to do is to submit your adoption application! During the application process, the cat shelter will ask you several questions to help them ensure that the animals in their care will go to the right home.

These questions include, Do you have children? Do you have other pets? Do you own or rent your house? Remember, it’s crucial to answer these questions honestly so that the shelter can determine if you’re fit to be the caretaker of the cat you’ve chosen.

4. Buy everything your cat will need at home

If your application succeeds, there’s another critical thing you must do first before you bring your new feline companion home: buy everything it’ll need! This includes wellness cat food, cat treats, food and water bowls, cat bed, litter box, bath products, collars and leashes, and cat toys, among others. These items are essentials that your cat will need in its new home. Be sure to have them all at home so that you can begin your cat parenting journey seamlessly.

Conclusion

Adopting a cat isn’t something you can do on a whim since it comes with a lot of responsibilities. With that said, if you think you’re physically, mentally, and financially prepared to take good care of a cute feline companion, then adopting a cat is certainly an incredible thing you can do! The amazing benefits of having a cat outweigh all the potential worries and exhaustion you’ll feel from taking care of it.

If you’re about to bring home an adorable pet soon, aPetMart is the most trusted Singapore online pet supply store for you! With an extensive collection of premium pet-related essentials, you’ll definitely find everything you’ll need at aPetMart! All our products are guaranteed to be safe and of high quality, so you can rest easy knowing your loveable pet will be secure and happy. Get in touch with us today to learn more.