10 Things to Know BEFORE Adopting a Cat

[@ThePurringJournal]

Do you plan on adopting a cat? And were these tips helpful? 🐈

[@ameliawarfield5637]

Very helpful. My cat Tiger-J is going to be ten years old on April 11.

[@mysticthehorselover5979]

No I don't plan on adopting a cat, I wish I could get more, but I already have 5. These tips are very useful though. And it's kind of a weird coincidence, last night I had a dream I adopted 2 or 3 cats 😂

[@cattitude7809]

@@mysticthehorselover5979 Sometimes dreams come true!!!😸lol.

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

I did own two adopted cats in the past. They passed away in mid-2016 and early-2018. We moved out of state in late 2019 and bought a house previously owned by a cat owner. The owners had left the house and moved over a year earlier. The cat that lived here sprayed alot. What effect will the former resident cats spraying (in the carpets etc) habit have on a new resident after tall this time (4-5 years). I am thinking of finally adopting another cat and don't want him/her to be uncomfortable. Thanks.

[@zachmatt3]

@@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059 You may want to get a black light (e.g, at Petsmart) and hunt for places where the cat sprayed. Then, use an enzyme spray at each spot. I think that even after 4-5 years, a new cat would still be able to detect the smell. But the enzyme solutions may really take care of it. There are other ways (mixtures using home products). There's a lot on the web that can help you. I've done this before and it worked fine. Oh...if the house has carpet that was present when the cat was there, it might be a good idea to replace the carpet or put down tile or laminate flooring. New paint on the baseboards, doors, and walls may be needed if other methods don't work. It takes work, but it's worth it. I can't imagine not have cats in my house.

[@markkilley2683]

No 1:Make sure they adopt you :)

[@CarolDowning-lm7fm]

Yes absolutely lol, I went to a shelter looking for a cat I had seen in Pets Petsmart in their adoption center but when I went to look into adopting it, it was back at the shelter it had come from. Went I went there & inquired about this cat, I sadly learned it didn't get along with other cats & I already had an older cat so that was a bummer but then they showed me a few other cats that would be a better fit & I saw this 5 year old female tortie & when they opened the cage she 100% adopted me, jumping against & resting herself on my shoulder, I was equally smitten with her. She's a great girl & keeps her older sis on her toes at the same time respecting that she's queen of her castle lol.

[@narthdragon2237]

@@CarolDowning-lm7fm pretty much the same thing happened to my dad he went into a pet shelter and when they let the cats out to explore she just sat right on his lap she died yesterday and I'm still very sad but she was the best cat I could've ever asked for

[@crashnebula7]

Some more tips: Be able to consider older cats with disabilities. They also deserve to be loved. Also consider adopting black cats. They do NOT bring bad luck… We live in a modern world, so leave dumb superstitions behind!

[@honeytea9620]

in cat appearances something I really adore is black cats and white cats. I saw a photo of a white cat and fell in love with how graceful it looked, but I've just always loved black cats aswell. I heard about the superstition from a young age and it actually brought me to like them even more

[@ciphers327]

my cousin has a black cat and she's absolutely stunning. don't get why people don't adopt such beautys!

[@NiceMuslimLady]

I have 4 all black cats plus one muted tabby (he looks black in the right (wrong) light.

[@asexualsushi6709]

That is my life goal the second I get my own place I want a special needs cat

[@crashnebula7]

@CeeEra Aw, definitely get both if possible. It would be great to have a pair so they can play. Maybe ask the rescue if they can help you trap the little stray? Or maybe they can let you borrow a trap? It could be a challenge to get the kitty in normal carrier, but you could always put a can of smelly wet food to attract it in there and see if it lets you shut the door. Also, carry a towel to cover them so that it doesn't thrash around once it's trapped. The sooner they get to meet each other, the easier it'll be for them to bond. It might seem scary to use a trap if you do it by yourself, but it's the cat who does most of the work by just walking in! I've done it and it's relatively easy. Let us know how it goes!

[@pawshands9706]

I have been rescuing cats all my life, and I can say that each one has been different from the others. Fascinating companions that need to be spayed and neutered. Thank you for this video. Many people want a kitty, but a kitty is a handful and if your worried about your furniture then please do not adopt. And please do not purchase for aesthetics, please rescue responsibly.

[@SuzanneWho]

I’ve told people that the cute kitten might have a totally different personality when grown. I always suggest adopting an adult because you can see their personality. I’m personally a sucker for kittens, but if I wanted another cat I would go for an older one from a shelter. With my current cat, the first year and a half was hell and he’s just now coming into a calmer and more loving attitude. My two previous girls were great and I had less attitude from them, even when little. Lost both of them 2 years ago ( 6 months apart) - they were 16 yrs old and in great health until sudden onset of illness.

[@nick11201119]

If it’s a thing in your area, definitely look into a cat cafe. We went to one for fun in my GFs hometown and met the sweetest little cat; jumped right on my lap and didn’t leave the whole time. We sadly weren’t on the market for a little friend at the time, but told her mom about her who went to adopt her the next day. Cats were up to date on all vaccines and in good health. Gave a great chance to “trial run” (for lack of better terms) a cat before committing to one you see online and don’t know if their personality will match what you’re looking for.

[@sailincat2822]

Think of visiting a cat cafe adoption center as speed-dating a potential family member. A good date can be fun, even if it doesn't result in a long term commitment.😄 Also, most, if not all, rescue/foster organizations are always looking for temporary homes to free up cage space to save more animals. Fostering is a great way to 'test drive' a potential pet without making a long term commitment. Fostering helps not only that animal, but also other new arrivals, effectively expanding the rescue's capacity. If you become a 'foster failure' by adopting your guest, that's a good thing too!😻

[@ruledbyvenus1859]

First time cat mom here. I recently adopted a gray and white female tuxedo and thankfully I did everything on your list beforehand. I was very specific with the shelter by letting them know what I wanted and they matched Cashmere and I perfectly. She’s only 6lbs and most likely was the runt. She’ll be turning a year young on April 13th. I’m blessed to have her to care for. 💛

[@sailincat2822]

Former cat & kitten rescuer here. This video provides excellent advice! Points I would like to add or emphasize: *Adopt, don't shop.* Your local animal control may be killing homeless cats while breeders are selling more for profit. A shockingly high percentage of shelter cats are purebreds, or so close to it you can't tell they aren't. Felines from rescues, shelters, and adoption centers _should_ already be spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, treated for fleas and other parasites, and tested for serious diseases. Consider what all that would cost you at your vet clinic, then pay their adoption fee with a smile. Maybe make an additional donation to help with the cost of other cats needing more expensive preparation for adoption. (For example, I once spent $1,000 to save a kitten's eyesight. His adoption fee was $75, same as all the others.) Many rescues and adoption centers will 'take special orders' and notify you when the cat you're looking for shows up. Once a lady told me she wanted to find a kitten or young adult female Siamese or mix who was having trouble getting adopted because she wasn't fully socialized, yet wasn't hopelessly feral. Within a week I had two matches for her to choose from. *Never, ever declaw a cat or kitten!* If you're considering a declawed cat, then study what adverse effects such mutilation has on the cat's mental and physical health. If you still insist on having a declawed cat, then adopt one which a previous owner had declawed before abandoning them. Cats are very smart. Each has a complex and unique personality. Just as with humans, adults have a more developed and stable personality, less likely to change over time. Cats which have lived with humans already know most of the household rules. (Whether they always follow your rules is another thing. After all, we're talking about cats here.) Adopting kittens probably sounds like fun, but be aware, they are furry little vandals! Even more than human babies, they will get into everything, eat things they shouldn't, spill things, damage stuff without regard for replacement cost, and occasionally ignore their toilet training (litter box). A kitten really needs to interact with other felines during its first year so as to develop a normal personality. Two kittens provide more than double the entertainment! And wrestling with each other helps keep them occupied, exercised, tired out, and less destructive (except when they team up to destroy something). Seriously consider some of the least-adopted cats, such as all black, amputees, blind in one or both eyes, or otherwise less than perfect. Cats have an amazing ability to overcome physical handicaps. Once a new cat is integrated into your household, none of those things will be important compared to their personalities and how they interact with other family members. Understand how long cats live. Many people don't realize 20-year-old cats are not unheard of, although the average lifespan is closer to 15. As the video mentioned, research the cost of taking care of a cat. Ask your vet to help you estimate the cost of healthcare, routine and otherwise. I recently spent around $600 on a cat during the final few days of its life. It happens. If you don't already have experience with a local vet you're happy with, then ask for suggestions from people involved in rescue, foster & adoption. There's a good chance they spend more time and money at vet clinics in a year than you will in a lifetime. I'll stop here, because I doubt anyone is going to read even this far.😸

[@Ammar_bababoi]

I read this far thank you for the advice ❤️❤️

[@Lemon-Bark]

Fantastic advice, thank you for taking the time to write it out! I recently lost my kitten of 15 years and hope to adopt another into the family eventually. It seems the common consensus is that I'll be adopting two, though 😅, so all of the advice is very helpful

[@Golden_Journey]

Thank you for this. I’m actually considering adopting a cat “less than perfect” the cats not that aesthetically please but had the temperament that was literally what I was looking for. Sounds shallow, but I had an idea of what I wanted the cat to look like Thank you again

[@pakubkhang8017]

Uhm please tell me more I love it all !! I want to adopt an adult, preferably black, less “perfect” cat! But I have a 2 month old baby and am just not sure how that will go. I can find info all over google about pregnant or toddler/older kids. Or kitties and babies. But I want a 3-4 year old baby I keep seeing on my humane society page!! I hope you see this and give me all the kitty info you know ur amazing at it

[@sailincat2822]

@@pakubkhang8017, Re: _"I hope you see this and give me all the kitty info you know ur amazing at it"_ Well, I don't think either of us is ready for me to brain dump on you all I learned in over 10 years of cat rescue, foster & adoption, plus trap, neuter, return (TNR) clinics, etc!🙂 Particularly in a KZbin comment. I understand you are concerned whether a cat might harm your baby through injury or disease. I've never had kids of my own, so can't give you first hand info on that. The closest I recall was some of my earliest memories include my mom's cat Sassy, who did not suffer fools or small children gladly. Sassy quickly taught me to respect her independence and personal space without inflicting any permanent scars. My mentor did far more rescue, foster & adoption than I, including many pet species, before, during, and after pregnancy. She worked TNR clinics as a vet tech well into her 9th month. At clinics, we joked that if she gave birth there, she would ear-tip her own newborn kid and release it into the wild!😄 In my opinion, there are too many untrue 'old wives tales' floating around regarding infants and cats. My own advice is to meet, and spend time with, any cat you're considering adopting. With a toddler, you need a cat with a very calm, mellow, tolerant personality. Also keep its claws trimmed, which is no more trouble than trimming fingernails. *Do not declaw!* Re: _" But I want a 3-4 year old baby I keep seeing on my humane society page!!"_ Discuss your specific situation with the folks you are adopting from. You will find them very knowledgeable, understanding, and accommodating. Depending on schedules, maybe spend some quiet alone time with any cat you're interested in, to get a feel for their personality and compatibility. Keep in mind what I said in my previous long comment about 'custom ordering' a rescued cat. If the cat you're looking for isn't 'in stock' then ask if they will keep an eye out for one which matches your wants and needs. The local Humane Society or other adoption center you're working with almost certainly has access to a vast network of cat rescues. When I was active in rescue, it was not unusual to get emails from other rescues seeking a cat to match specific characteristics. So: "Wanted - a young cat so laid back it won't hurt a curious toddler. Black preferred." As soon as they know you're looking for a black cat, they will move heaven and earth to find you the perfect one. In my experience, solid black cats took literally 12 times as long to find homes for as any other color or markings! Sometimes years! Good luck with whatever you decide. You're welcome to ask for more cat info as needed.🙂

[@Mr.cat0000]

When I adopt my first cat she was extremely excited and she started to discover all around the house she is female

[@cattitude7809]

Great information! It's always smart to do some research before adopting any animal companion. It's a serious commitment! They are counting on you to care for them for the rest of their lives! This is an awesome video to watch for anyone thinking of adopting a cat!!😻🐾🐾

[@Chibi-kittenplays]

Don't consider cat insurance. GET a cat insurance. It is so important, you never know

[@barbaracholak5204]

Thanks for sharing your information! Helpful hints👍 Salutations 🐾

[@OurCatioHome]

Thank you for another excellent video with important content too! Yes, just like people, they all have different personalities and are always very special in their own right. Happy cat pairing to everyone!

[@NiceMuslimLady]

That first black cat looks a lot like my Miss Midnight the Spoilt Feral Queen of the Cat Tree. She is this feral mum that had kittens that needed help in April 2020. She HATED being inside. But, when her kittens needed help, she let me take them and later, I heard her outside looking for them, so I caught her. I promised her that after she got fixed, she could leave if she wished. She was finally fixed in January 2021 and...now almost two years later...she's still here! She has never asked to go back to living outside. In fact, she has gotten really spoilt living here to where she absolutely does not even want to go outside at all! She is right now on a cat tree playing. I also have two other girls that get along just great with each other. Miss Patches was my first one and she ALWAYS has her daughter, Miss Booties right next to her. It's actually difficult to get a picture of one without the other one. Miss Patches two sons, Mr Blacky and Mr Tiger are friends with Miss Midnight's brother, Mr Tabby the Feral House Cat. When Mr Tabby joined us, Mr Blacky was like "oh no!" Miss Booties was just apoplectic "oh HELL NO! In fact, ::censored:: and the horse you rode in on!" She was cursing him out in cat for over a year! She's ok with him now. Miss Patches was like "oh, hi". Mr Tiger was like "Want to be buddies?" Miss Patches has always been welcoming. She has nicks in her ears from fighting with other cats, but, I have never seen her behave aggressively towards any other cats. Before I got her, I used to hear her fighting with other cats. I don't think she instigated them. I have, right now, 14 cats, including several ferals. Even the feral ones are quite happy here, especially today, since it's raining. I saw some of the ferals this morning playing with toys.

[@13BGunBunny]

One of my Torties (Pixie) is fascinated by the toilet and she will wait patiently while I do my business. After I'm done and I flush, she will jump up onto the seat to watch the log swirl around and disappear. She has even circled the toilet trying to figure out where it went. 🤣

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

When I was 11 years old that I became best friends with my family’s 2nd cat. I first met him when he was a stray. I was very lucky that he turned out to be a big sweetie. Even our 1st cat was a stray,too. These 2 both were red tabby cats. The 2nd cat was a big sweetie. He was loved by my mother and me. The 1st cat was more than my father’s and sister’s cat.

[@thehauntedgirl113]

Thank You, these are very helpful tips!👍🏻 I can’t wait to adopt both a female kitten and male kitten soon. 🐈‍⬛🐈♥️

[@VEXXEDER]

Hello, I have a question. If I have a small kitten around 2 to 3 months, and my parents and my brother and I go to work and school every day for five days a week, will the kitten be OK 1:29

[@yoonjioni9017]

I am far from being ready to adopt one. But I've been getting information left and right so I know everything about cats when I am financially able to adopt one. I've been in love with cats all my life and I really want to adopt one even stray ones. But I want to make sure I am able to care for them completely before adopting cause I never in my life would like to see a cat suffer. So thank you for making this video. I'll make sure to take these advices into consideration.

[@didoryan3537]

I was watching your video because soon in a few weeks I will get a new young cat as my first cat has died from his old age. He died about 10 weeks ago this year 2023.

[@annegillespie3974]

Very good info on video about adopting a cat, 🐈🤗 ! I have one cat, which is good for me right now! 😺😸

[@hearingthemwhisper1492]

Thanks for the tips!

[@geraldinelecoultre6113]

Very thorough thank you.

[@daisyrammutle2572]

I love cats there are so adorable 😍🥰

[@ameliawarfield5637]

You should also know that if you live in an apartment, you should check with your landlord if a cat is okay.

[@ThePurringJournal]

We mentioned that within the first minute of the video (to check the lease if you rent). 🐈 Super duper important! ❤

[@ameliawarfield5637]

@@ThePurringJournal Okay, thanks. I'm allowed one cat.

[@laregimbal]

Where I live, landlords cannot refuse a tenant pets 😊

[@billdavenport8228]

Don't expect your security deposit back, cats can be rough

[@Uahahaaja]

Thanks I might get a ragdoll cat this summer

[@GalaXy-f1b]

I wish to Have beautiful Tuxedo Cat named GALAXY but, my parents are allergic to cats.

[@rudolphthered-nosedcat6701]

Thank you so much for this advice!

[@Jennifer-vl6po]

Can you do a video about facts on Scottish Folds?

[@nazhao3156]

I’m going to hopefully Adopt an American shorthair cat in the future. Even though I will be working 40 hours or more as a historian. But I still want to an American shorthair cat regardless of how many hours I will have to work.

[@pmbluemoon]

One thing I found out is, here in Minnesota (I don't know about other states), you can register your cat as a support animal (different from a service animal) and you can have cat expenses taken into account for your rent amount. You have to save all your receipts though, that's a bit of a bother, but I got almost $30 off my rent each month this year because I spent around $2000 for my cat last year. (He's geriatric and goes to the vet often, plus needs special food). Ask your landlord if they let you do this for your companion, it's worth it for them and you (more money for cat toys, treats, vet bills and such 👍😁)

[@ianmace1964]

If the cat adopts you take it ❤

[@sailincat2822]

Being chosen as a human companion by a cat is huge honor and privilege. When your cat chooses you, be sure to run it through a vet clinic, unless that was already done by a rescue,adoption center, shelter, previous owner, etc. Also check for a microchip. If the cat has one, have it traced in case there's a brokenhearted cat owner looking for it. If no chip, then get one put in. Either way, be sure to register the chip using stable, reliable contact info. (Your parents if you're a college student, for example.)

[@Cat-Doodle]

My mom wants a kitten for a bonding reason so they are more attached then an adult cat and 2 my mom will be graduating from collage so she will have more time 3 we want 1 or 2 I say 2 becuase they can entertain each other and she is graduating in may is this a good idea?

[@jaleru]

03:04 Doesn't surprise me that two male cats would get along better than two female 😂

[@Jennifer-vl6po]

Can you do a video about facts on Bengal cats?

[@DIZ365]

Cats are cute😸

[@Squiddyv1]

how do i tell the cat that its adopted?

[@uhavemooface]

We got our first two cats about 13 years ago. But we have no more cats. They got use to our home that day. It didn't take long for them to adjust to their new home. They loved us right away to. I got a female cat and my fiance she got the male cat. The male we named Panther and the female cat we named her Tiger. They were with us a while the female had a few litters. Now we are a lone except for my Cockatiel. My dog passed away a few days ago. Overall we have had three pets die this year. panther and tiger died a while back. But with one of the litters we got two kittens from it. One of them died a few weeks ago named Oreo. I miss them all dearly. I don't know when we will get another cat or dog.

[@rositarumble4880]

I LOST MY FEMALE CAT. THREE WKS LATER I ADOPTED A 10YR OLD CAT. I GAVE HIM A MY LOVE AND ATTENTION. I HAD HIM FOR FIVE WKS. HE ATTACKED ME FOUR TIMES MAKING MY RIGHT ARM AND MY LEG DEEP WOUNDS. I BACAME SO AFRAID OF HIM. I DON"T KNOW WHEN HE IS GOING TO ATTACK NEXT. I FEEL SO BAD IF I RETURN HIM TO THE SHELTER THEY MAY EUTHANIZED HIM. CAN YOU KINDLY HELP ME?

[@thecasualwalker]

Oh mabey you should find a trainer

[@mysticthehorselover5979]

I sure would love to adopt another cat, I really want a black one! I'd probably have to wait a few years, though, since I already have 5 cats.

[@vukjovanovic1063]

I would like to have a cats❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lauraadacerri1311]

sono d'accordo su tutto.. e per quanto mi riguarda dopo un quarto d'ora il mio leo era gia' pazzo di me e del mio appartamento.. veramente entusiasto.. e' giusto e corretto passare dai vari gattili che hanno cosi tanti gatti splendidi e bellissimi e adottarne uno.. sara' bellissimo..i gatti sono animali magici e in cina un proverbio dice che porta fortuna dare da mangiare e prendersi cura di un gatto

[@uweinhamburg]

When you go for your weekly shopping, bring your purchase home in cardboard boxes (without plastic or colorful imprints)!

[@Wndnb]

No 11: Please make sure not to buy one of those crazily dangerous self-cleaning cat toilets - some people have literally lost their pets because of this 😢

[@lauraleecreations3217]

😻😻😻😻😻😻😻

[@pphedup]

Be prepared to spend upwards of $125 a month for food and litter.

[@conwayallen2216]

I have 4 cats ages ranging 4-10 my female being the oldest and only female...she hates the dog beats up all my male cats...all of them are fixed have been since they were 6months of age... always fix ur animals ..i think black cats are good luck...

[@midnightcat6116]

I’m a caregiver of a male and a female cat. They are frenemies 😔😣😟

[@TomValkema-um7py]

no laser pointers its not good for cats, they shouldnt chase after light because its confusing, also danger of shining in yourcats eye otherwise good video

[@jessicapospolita8350]

I’m Going To When I’m 27 Years Old

[@guljahonboynazarova]

😓😓😓

[@tubedude4859]

Know that they will destroy your furniture . You cannot break them of that . Its in their nature to scratch . They do not care how expensive your furniture is . Even if you get them a scratching pad they will destroy your furniture when they know you are not home

[@pinkpassiverogue]

I wouldn't say that's totally true.. I have a cat who doesn't scratch my furniture at all

[@thatcanadiangrandma]

my parents cat never touched their furniture, it really just does it on the scratching pole. The cat's been with them for years.

[@borderline_lizard]

Ninerlives?)

[@mellasio3911]

mate i "hate " your videos :))) make me feel cat miss sick ,if that can be a term , i want a cat very badly but my living accommodation for now is just a stress for her/ him if i get one