Introduction

If you’ve ever considered adopting a kitten, now’s the time: Kitten season is underway! Pregnant cats in shelters are giving birth to litters of kittens that need homes. You can help save these precious little lives by adopting one of them. But before you make an appointment to visit your local shelter or rescue organization and start looking at felines up for adoption, there are some things you should know.

Visit the shelter.

You should visit the shelter in person to get a feel for the environment. While you are there, ask questions about the adoption process and how long it takes to adopt a cat. You can also ask if you can visit the cat you are interested in at home. If they say no, take it as a sign that this is not going to be your best bet.

If you live in an apartment or condo building, make sure there will be enough space for a new cat (and remember: two cats are better than one). Look around and see how many other people own cats in your building and what type of pets they have (dogs? birds?).

Have an idea of what you’re looking for.

• Have an idea of what you’re looking for.

When you go to the shelter, it’s important to have a clear picture in your mind of what exactly you are looking for. You should know what kind of cat would be best for your lifestyle and how many cats will fit into your home. If you only want one cat, but would like two kittens because they’ll get along with each other—that makes sense! If someone else wants two adult cats because they don’t have time or space for kittens—that is also reasonable! Knowing these things ahead of time will help ensure that you don’t miss out on an opportunity that could change everything if it was just right there in front of us all along (and we didn’t recognize it).

Don’t fall in love with a single cat.

Don’t fall in love with a single cat. This can happen if you spend too much time with one kitten, even though they all need homes. Don’t get too attached to a single cat until you’ve decided to adopt one.

Don’t adopt a cat on impulse.

When it comes to rescuing a cat, the most important thing you can do is be sure that you’re adopting a cat that fits your lifestyle and personality. The best way to do this is by taking your time—and making sure that the animal you choose isn’t a “last-minute impulse adoption.”

Here are some tips for making sure your new kitty is the perfect match for your home:

• Don’t fall in love with one particular cat without considering all of his or her characteristics. What type of personality does he have? Is he outgoing and playful, or more relaxed and mellow? Does she like other animals, or prefer being an only pet? It’s important to know what kind of personality traits fit into yours before bringing home a feline buddy!
• Make sure that this animal fits into your family dynamic before going ahead with the adoption process. If there are children, consider their ages; if there aren’t any children living in the house yet but they’re on their way (or if they’ll be visiting often), make sure they’ll get along well with kitty! Even though kittens may seem adorable now—and older cats might look like wise old souls—it’s important not let emotions cloud reason when choosing who will become part of our lives forever

Ask questions.

• Ask to see the cat’s medical records.
• Ask about their personality.
• Ask about their history.
• Ask about their litter box habits and eating habits, if you are concerned with those issues. You may also want to ask whether they’ve been declawed or spayed/neutered, as these procedures can impact a cat’s health in the long run.
• If you’re concerned about your new feline friend being a cuddler or lap cat, ask about their playtime preferences as well!

Bring home the cat that feels right for your family.

At the end of the day, it is a good idea to go with your gut. If you walk into the shelter and feel like there is a cat that will fit perfectly into your home and family, then go ahead and adopt that cat. On the other hand, if you are unsure about adopting a particular cat or if you do not bond well with it during your visit at the shelter then move on to another one.

It may take several visits before finding that perfect kitten for your family; however, this can be done by visiting cats in different areas of the shelter such as: kitten area (kittens under 6 months old), adult cat area (cats 6 months old & older)or senior cats (older than 10 years).

Adopting a kitten can be one of the most exciting — and sometimes challenging — experiences of your life.

Adopting a kitten is a big decision, but it can also be one of the most exciting — and sometimes challenging — experiences of your life. Before you adopt, make sure that you’re prepared for the long-term commitment and understand why you want a kitten.

You’ll also need to consider whether having a cat would fit into your lifestyle. Cats are not like dogs: they’re independent animals who do their own thing when they feel like it, so it’s important that there’s space for them in your home (like an enclosed backyard). Cats also require more grooming than dogs — although with good brushing this should not be too much trouble!

Conclusion

If you’re ready to give a rescued kitten a home, we hope this guide has helped you get started. If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to contact the shelter or rescue group that has the animal in question. Have fun shopping for your new fur baby and remember: it’s not a competition!