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Highly digestible recipe, gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat
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Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
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Jeanne Grunert
|May 04, 2022
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you could also be saving a life. About 3.4 million cats live in shelters waiting for adoption across the US, as reported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). With so many wonderful felines to choose from, getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense. Here's why:
You have several options when looking for adopt your kitty.
Each facility sets its own adoption guidelines and fees, so check with your local shelter for more information on how to adopt a cat and what you need to do before you bring them home.
Not even close! A cat often ends up at animal shelters through no fault of their own. In fact, the most common reasons involve their former parents. They may be moving to new homes where kitty isn't allowed or going through lifestyle changes, such as a new baby or moving in with a partner who is allergic to cats. Illness or passing of a pet parent is another unfortunate reason a cat may wind up in a shelter.
Most of the time, it's through simply unlucky circumstances. Whatever the case, most shelters gladly reveal the reason why a particular cat is up for adoption and can give advice on how to best integrate a potential pet into your home.
Cats in need of a new home are often the perfect choice for first-time pet parents. Most of these cats have already lived inside, and therefore know the routines of a household like yours. Animal shelters provide a wide range of kitties to choose from, as well, allowing you to find a shorthair, tabby cat, male, female—whatever attributes your heart desires.
Many shelters also take note of the temperament of resident cats and keep a record of information for owner-surrendered animals. They then use this information to help you find your best match. Knowing what to expect, or at least what a given cat has been exposed to in the past, is another great benefit of adopting an adult cat from an animal shelter.
When looking for a great cat at your local animal shelter, a healthy cat should be your number-one priority. Healthy cats have clear eyes and noses without excessive sneezing, coughing, or mucous discharges in otherwise clean environments. Their coats should look groomed and generally free of mats, too.
Don't let this ideal keep you from falling for a curious cat, though! If they're awake when you're visiting the shelter, they should be daring enough to approach the ends of the cage and interact with you. A cat with this sense of adventure is one who may adjust more easily to living with your family.
Each shelter has a different process for adopting cats, so check the organization's website (or call them) for specifics before you go. The following steps are pretty common parts of the process:
Getting a cat is a lifetime commitment. As a parent and guardian, you'll be responsible for your cat’swell-being for the rest of their life. Knowing the costs and time commitments for cat ownership is an important part of the adoption process.
Adoption fees are your primary initial investment, and range from $10 at a town animal shelter to $100 or more from a private animal shelter that houses cats who've already been spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering does, however, cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per cat, depending on where you live. You cat will also need an annual veterinary checkup and routine vaccinations. Typical costs are about $150 per year.
Cats groom themselves, but trimming their claws regularly helps keep them from scratching you or your floors (you know how much they love digging into carpet). To clip their claws at home, it's best if you have someone to help you hold them while you take trimming duty. Groomers usually charge $10 and up, depending on the cat and location. If they are a long-haired kitty, they may need regular grooming appointments with a professional to keep thecoats soft and tangle-free.
Don't forget a litter box, bowls, and toys. Expect to pay between $10 and $25 for a litter box, food bowl, and a few simple play items. A brush is also helpful to keep your kitty's coat clean. As far as litter itself, plain clay or dustless products can cost at least $5 per bag. Depending on how often you change the litterbox, expect to pay $10 or more per month.
Good-quality cat food provides all of the nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy.. Cat foods such as Science Diet are available at your pet's veterinarian or a specialty retailer. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 on up per month for cat food.
What about a time commitment? You don't need to walk your cat, but you should look forward to spending quality time each day with your adorable friend. Grooming, brushing, feeding, and simply enjoying your time with them is essential to creating that special bond with your newest family member.
Cats offer companionship, affection, and enjoyment—and ask so little in return. So, adopt a cat. As they say, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Jeanne Grunert is a book author, blogger and freelance writer from Virginia. She cares for six rescued cats and a rescued dog named Shadow on her 17 acre farm in Virginia.
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.