Second-Hand Cat, First-Rate Pet
By Timothy Brill
When Jack and Debi Roney of Vienna, Va., decided to get a kitten, they set their sights on a lively, energetic animal. But that was before they met Minnalouche, a calico that a local humane society fostered. "She seemed to need a lot of love and warmth," Debi recalls. "When I picked her up, she snuggled under my sweater. She seemed to really need me."
Feeling needed appealed to the Roneys then, just as it has in the 13 years since they adopted Minnalouche. Steve Aiken, an animal behaviorist from Wichita, Kan., understands why. Adopting from a shelter, humane society or rescue group "means helping a cat who's already there and needs the love of an owner," he says.
The Joy of Adopting
When you adopt a cat, there's the obvious benefit that you're providing a home for the animal. But there are more advantages, including:
- Socialization Many shelter cats were previously owned and socialized, so they're more likely than strays to make a happy adjustment to your household.
- Expert advice The staffs at animal shelters can help take the guesswork out of choosing the right pet. Since they interact daily with the kittens and cats, they have a feel for their moods.
- Lower costs Adopting a cat is less expensive than buying one. You can save money in medical costs too. Many cats have already been spayed or neutered and if they haven't, shelters usually reimburse a portion of the cost when a spay or neuter is requested.
Despite the advantages, shelter animals can have higher stress levels. "Shelter cats have been in another home, snatched up and brought to a shelter with the strange sights and sounds of many other animals, and then snatched up again and brought to their new home," says Aiken.
But that's no reason to look down upon the animal. "The idea that a shelter cat has something wrong with it is outdated," says Nancy Peterson, Human-Animal Bond Specialist for The Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C. "It's more likely something was wrong with the previous owners -- maybe they weren't as committed to the animal as they should have been."
Making the Match
To make the adoption work, here's what experts suggest:
- Do your research Find out as much information as possible about adoptions. Check out the Humane Society of the United States' Web site and local humane societies and animal shelters.
- Ask questions Find out everything you can about the kitten or cat. Is it good around kids? Has it ever lived in a multi-cat or multi-pet household? How does it get along with the other animals at the shelter?
- Take your time Peterson compares the adoption process to dating. "You just don't meet your soul mate the first time you go out with someone," she says. "You shouldn't have those expectations when picking a cat either. It's worth the wait to find exactly the right animal."
- Be realistic Talk to cat owners and read books so you know what to expect. "If you've never had a cat before, some of their habits, such as shedding or scratching, may surprise you or may annoy you," Peterson says.
- Seek help Both you and your pet need time to get to know each other. If you have problems adjusting, call the shelter for advice. "The nice thing about adoptions is that the staff is committed to a lifetime match," Peterson says.
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I am trying to find help for 7 kittens (now about 4 mos. old) they were born under our business porch, and the owner has asked us to get rid of them. Today they sent the Humane Society w/ a trap, and I have to find some help in trapping to fix them and find homes for them, not euthanize them. Can you help?
i like cus they r playful
i have the same problem as above i have 9 kittens inside and a lot outiside and its getting out of control i dont know what to do, i have my own cats i am in norco ca. any help please
to whom it may concern.i am a despesrte person I am quiet ill and about to lose my home. I have 3 cta that are all spayed nutered and have chips, my problem is i can bo longer care for them, they are like my children and this is killimg me. they are 2 4 yr old manx cats a female calico female and a sikver blus long hair,they are quite small and have never been outside cats. theyre wonderful.the older cat is black and white and 11. all three are kid and dog proof. I am despeste I have no money and I want to give them a chance these is most depressing. please feel free to email me at once if there is anyway you can help i am in dunnellom. fl. please help
An older family member died recently and her pet Calico Kitty was left without a home. I have been searching and asking everyone I now plus their friends if anyone wants a pet who is lovable as she. I need a home soon as possible as the house will be sold soon. Please come to her rescue as she too loves kids as she was great with my two but my husband is deathly allergic to cats.
I have 8 indoor cats..my 2 cats had kittens. They are all spayed/neutered. I didn't have the heart to give them away 4 yrs ago when they were born. I was afraid they wouldn't be properly taken care of, as I grew very attached. My grandaughter who lives with me has become allergic!! I have called all the local rescue places and no kill shelters they don't even have room for one! I am so very sad I love them all so very much. They are all so sweet and loving. They never scratched, bit or had any accidents. And they just love my granddaughter, but she can't be aroung them. Can someone please advise me what to do, i am running out of time
I do not how to contact the proper organization that would trap, take care and put up for adoption six cats (possibly seven months old) in my neighborhood. They have been fed since June or July by a neighboor; I pass by her house each morning to distribute food that I place in different locations around her house. Thank you
I am trying to adopt a dark grey or Russian blue cat....i live on 10 acres and have 3 indoor/outdoor cats and want a grey cat only that will be able to go in or out .if anyone near savannah or close by has a cat that needs a good home i am looking..all my cats are spayed or neutered......
A very sweet cat has ended on my door step. My two dogs are going crazy. I am feeding this long haired, calico cat, but I can't keep it. Help. Please come get a sweet cat. Stone Mountain, GA
My mother's cat just started going outside the box. Pee & Pooh:( the cat doesn't have a UT infection or diabetes. Is there any place that takes cats w/this problem?
My cat recently died and I am looking for another one for inside. I perfer a female cat or kitten. For free or little money.My friend lives in Tallahassee. Thanks.
this is to laura johnson who posted the "really friendly cat" comment above. i am wondering what state you live in? I live in minnesota, but if you aren't too far from there i would like to take in the sweet sounding cat that u have talked about, that is if u still have her? I have a 9 month old calico who is lonely and i'm looking for a loving friend for her. so if you would like you can e-mail me and let me know. thanks. #IF($EnableExternalLinks)niki.s#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTchultz@yahoo.c#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTom#ELSE** EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED **#ENDIF
ive had cats not come want foodor attend love being around them but why can't get see or not seethem. please owners be kind to them.
My mother has become very ill and can no longer live alone. Her very sweet kitty now must be rehomed. We are reaching out everwhere to find him a wonderful family. He is about 8 years old and is feline leukemia positive so he needs to be an only cat or in a home with other positive cats. He is a beautiful smoke gray with long fur. We keep him shaved down as the fur was too much for my mom to keep up. He is so sweet and loves to be petted and sit next to you on the sofa. Please get in touch if you are interested in this sweet sweet boy- jchaet@charter.net He is in western NC.
I am looking for a loving family for my mother/daughter cat duo team. I am having to move due to work and will be living in a live/work environment and can not take them. They are very loving, fixed and just want to hang out. They are a great addition to any family and give lots of love back. #IF($EnableExternalLinks)sabbott1@cox.n#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTet#ELSE** EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED **#ENDIF
My daughter is moving this weekend to an apartment that will not allow cats. She has two beautiful orange and orange with white male, declawed and neutered adult cats who she does not want separated. We live in the Manchester NH area and can be reached at 603-475-4377. They both are calm, lap cats and just beautiful. I hope someone can give these cats a wonderful home. We will not take them to a shelter to live in cages. Thank you for you consideration.
Recentely I moved to Salem IL, to live with my boyfriend. We have a cat named Paris who is less then a year old. Because of where we are living paris has to live ini are small bedroom, and I am getting sick because of the litter box and being in such a little area. She is adorable and a good cat. She loves attention, she is a long haired cat with a big fluffy tail. Please if anyone would like to give her a great home please contact me. Im heartbroken but I dont know what else to do.
I have a 8 year female grey cat. She has a difficult time having solid bowel movements and only uses the box to urinate. She doesn't use the litter box for defacate. I have her shut up in a bathroom with newspaper on the floor. I am at my wits end. Any suggestions?
My mom has passed away last month and had budders, a 12 yo blk/white tuxcedo cat, he is very sweet, all 4 paws declawed, neutered...and needs a loving home asap, I have 7 foster cats and just cant have another one, so if anyone can provide budders with a loving home please contact me. Thanks from Jennifer & budders !
i find 8 kitten and mom at wal mart all boys they are neuter all ready, the mom is spayed she was pregnant again they have all shots tey are mixed siamese i am in north west tenn were i move from fla it. a barbaric town
I am very interested in the cats described Desperate. shanahan. Please let me hear from you.
I'm looking for a playfal/ loving kitten for christmas. I woulod like it to be no more the 1 year old. I have one cat right now and he needs a playmant. The kitten i'm trying to find i would like it to be a boy. So can anyone help me???? thank you..
There is medication for allergy symptoms that is easily obtained by prescription from your doctor, or over the counter. A person's allergy to cats no longer means that his or her beloved companions must be displaced.
hello im look for a savanna kitten if anyone knows any good breeders in Pennsylvania or New Jersey please contact my e-mail #IF($EnableExternalLinks)ssnyder693@yahoo.c#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTom#ELSE** EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED **#ENDIF THANK YOU!!!!!!
My daughter just bought a kitten from PetSmart, but she cannot keep it because she has asthma. He is about 4 mos old. We are looking for a loving home for it. If interested email me at #IF($EnableExternalLinks)skisom2@earthlink.n#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTet#ELSE** EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED **#ENDIF
Kansas City MO area....I rescued a female cat from being outside during our recent ice storm.....She is approximately 1-3 years old, all black, litter box trained, and very friendly, prefers to be a lap cat...I have an allergy to cats and to dust from the litter...need to find her a good home...please let me know if you can help....
hi my name is Katherine Molineros, and i am a high school student living in Queens, New York. As a project for my College Now course in Queens College, we are incouraged to make a community project to help out and reach out to people on a certain project. I wanted to do something concerning stray cats and dogs, and what i can do to help them out, and reach out to my community and make a difference. I would like to know if you may have any suggestions that can further help my activity to help out. Thank You.
I have a male cat at home for about 10 years, I recently had to take a female cat in from the animal hospital (where I work) because the lady that took care of the cat died, I don't want to bring her to a humane society because I am afraid they will put the cat to sleep if no one adopts her. She is really an affectioned cat and is easy to love and take care of she is about 4 years old I have all of her records for rabie shots and different things spayed etc. Where can I find a good home for this cat? Thank you Shirley
I read about your kitty having bathroom issues. I hope you feed your kitty a decent food like science diet or better. Also your kitty may need to have its stool checked for worms. If they don't find any, your kitty will definately have to be checked for more serious issues. Beware of cheaper foods,you will pay more in the long run.
I love animals. I have a cat and she is awsome! She's a tuxido cat and is just adorable!
I have been feeding a family of wild cats since Thanksgiving trying to get them socialized enough to be adoptable. They will come when I have food but are still very scared. I need to catch them to have them spayed and neutered but don't want to trap them. Any suggestions? Also I will need homes for the mom, dad & 2 kittens. They are great for rodent control but can't be returned to the shopping center they current live. They are in Lake Elsinore, CA. PLEASE HELP!
It is NOT true that you should 'take your time' like with a prospective boyfriend/girlfriend, when looking to adopt. If you are serious about adopting and you are willing to make a lifetime commitment of love to a cat, you should be able to love ANY cat and will bond "for better or for worse". "Looky-lous" are the bane of shelters and rescues the world over, and indicate that the people want some kind of entertainment or shopping experience rather than to adopt and care for a lifetime for a sentient living being! Please, people -- if you want to window-shop, go to the mall and look at inanimate objects. And if "cute" and "no-problem" is all you want, buy a plush animal. But for those who ARE loving, personally responsible, and ready, able and willing to have the best loving and unconditionally loyal relationship ever, ADOPT A CAT (or CATS)!!!
A few months ago a stray cat showed up at our home. It is a sweet tiger stripped female cat. I am told she is about a year old. This is a friendly cat who greets us at the car when we come home. We have tried to bring her inside, but she is afraid of our Beagle. The neighbor feeds her and she sleeps in a box on our front porch. She would make a great pet for anyone. Please contact us if you would like to have this lovely kitty.
I have a mom black cat and 3 black kitten 1 year old and 1 simase a year old
We have 2 stray kittens that someone dropped off in our neighborhood a couple of months ago. We have been feeding them but my husband is allergic and we can't keep them. We live in myrtle beach so if anyone is interested please let me know.
I just stumbled on this site today and I want to know why everyone asks for help yet they give no contact info. The purpose seems fruitless when no one can contaact you to help. Just an observation. I live on the eastern end of long island and I am lookng to adopt older cats. Ones that people have thrown away, strays, or ones where owner can no longer keep because of financial or medical reasons. I have 7 INDOOR cats already but willing to open my heart and doors to 2 more. If anyone in the Suffoll area of New York or maybe even the Nassau County area is looking for a good home I can provide one. MY CONTACT INFO is laurene #IF($EnableExternalLinks)59@hotmail.c#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTom#ELSE** EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED **#ENDIF. Please state in the subject title cat adoption because your email will wind up in my junk folder. I will not open unless I know why this stranger has emailed me. Thanx and good luck to all who are seeking loving homes for their babies.
I am looking for a female Bichon dog. What's the procedures? Thank You!
A stray black female kitten showed up at our house about 15 months ago. It was starving so we fed it and kept it. She's very sweet and got along with our dog just fine. I had never owned a cat and had no idea that a four or five month old kitten could get pregnant, but she did. She had six kittens, but one died. We placed three in homes and kept a brother and sister pair that we just fell in love with. So we have three now: a mom, a daughter, and a son. They're all healthy, spayed/nuetered,feline leukemia free, up to date on shots, kid friendly, sweet,sweet,sweet! They live outside, but use a litter box in the garage. We have four sons that enjoy them, but our youngest is 4 and horribly allergic. He's been sick ever since we got them. I also have a nephew that cannot visit my house because he has had a heart transplant. So, sadly we have to find homes for them. I wish they could stay together, but I would consider splitting them - I guess. Anyway, we are in Somerset, Ky. Please e-mail me at(ladymayne@hotmail.com)if you can help out. We're very sad to see them go, but feel it's what we have to do.
I will try and keep it short. My mother lives in a condominium complex in Ft.Lauderdale where a cat has been living outside for over 10 years. Apparently, the cat belonged to a unit owner that had passed away and unfortunately, the cat was let outside to survive on it's own. She will not allow anyone to hold her, she will rub against you and my mother feeds her everyday. A few months ago a new condo. president was voted in and he is doing everything in his power to trap the cat. He hired a trapping company but the security and some residents would break the traps so they removed it. Do you know of anyone in the Ft.Lauderdale area that can trap this beautiful cat and save its life.
There is a beautiful gray &white long hair cat that has been comming around my house for a long time now and I have been feeding and made a little house for him. Since it has been really cold I am concerned about him. I know he was a house cat someone has left him out. Other cats fight him and he is covered with clumps of hair. No one is taking care of him. I already have 2 indoor cats and one in breezeway. and cannot bring him in. He really needs help. Can you tell me who to contact to help him. SINCERELY, Carrol Kimble.
MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR A KITTY, SHE DOES NOT WANT ONE OVER 3 MONTHS OLD, IF YOU HAVE ONE FOR FREE OR SMALL FEE PLEASE CONTACT ME. WE LIVE IN CHICAGO. E-MAIL IS #IF($EnableExternalLinks)CANCER1159@YAHOO.C#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTOM#ELSE** EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED **#ENDIF THANK YOU.
There is a beautiful little girl - black longhair and green eyes - who has been living around my office building and parking lot for the past few weeks. She is beautiful! It seems she's been abandoned! I've a big cat lover and have a furbaby of my own, but I'm in an apartment and can't afford another cat. I cry each night when I come out to my vehicle and see her there in the parking lot. A coworker feeds her twice a week. She deserves a loving, warm home. And it's been freezing the past couple of nights. Please someone come rescue her! Please call me for the location!
My cat was lost recently during a divorce my parents are going through she is about 10 or 11 i have had her since i was 5 i am now 15 she was lost early January and i would love help finding her she was lost in Pahrump, NV around Dandilion. She is a silver color when the light hits her and she is long haired i really miss her and i wont give up on finding her please if anyone has any clue please call me 1-775-537-0166 -thank you
I lost my 14 year old Himalayan Flame Point Male cat Simba to Cancer Dec 26th. My heart is broken. I have a wonderful 5 yr old Black cat Luigi that I love and a 1 1/2 yr old half-Siamese girl cat. Simba was the King. He was so special to me. He was my friend and closest companion. I tried to make myself and Luigi and Lola feel better by purchasing a Male Flame Point Kitten. I was not good. I am 14 yrs older. The kitten was darling but extremely hyperactive and my two other cats did not like him and they hissed and growled. Luckily the breeder was understanding and took him back and refunded my money. What I think would be much better for all is a grown Himalayan cat, male Flame Point if possible, but a more mature cat with a calm nature. Please email me if you know of anyone in Massachusetts who has a cat to fill our aching hearts. Jan
i have two beautiful persian cats i can no longer afford to keep,they are very loving and need a good home ,please let me no if anyone is interested.
this is a nice site
Anyone having trouble managing feral cats in Michigan, contact the Feral Cat Care Network. Other areas, see Alley Cat Allies for all kinds of help and suggestions- even people in your area who are willing to help!
i have two long haired cats spayed and neutered, first is female calico, her brother is all black, they are five years old, have been indoor cats , all shots. unfortunately i must give up my apt and am moving in w/my mom who cannot tolerate the dander from long haired animals, i only have till the end of february and then must place them into a facility that assures me they will be destroyed, i am located in orange co. ny, newburgh, if anyone can help it would mean the world to me. thank you' alicia
I have 2 calicos, they are sweethearts and we love them but we are PCSing (moving) and we can't take them with us. Both are microchipped and come with a litter box, litter scoop, scratching post, collars, and brush. We live in Ft Stewart, Ga. If anyone is interested plz email me at #IF($EnableExternalLinks)luckenbachlady@yahoo.c#COMMENT#ENDCOMMENTom#ELSE** EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED **#ENDIF
Everyone who posted here should post a classified ad for their pets who need new homes on petfinder! Contact your local shelter who can also put a courtesy posting linked to their organization to assist in finding your babies new homes!! NEVER put FREE TO GOOD HOME! Not everyone is a good pet owner, there are animals abusers everywhere, be careful who you allow to take your precious babies!
I have been searching for a kitten for weeks. If you have a kitten in need of a good home, please contact me asap. I live in Glen Burnie, Md. Please and thank you.
I had a baby recently & it appears he is allergic to our cat. The cat is my daughter's. We have had him since he was a kitten. He will be 10 yrs. old in Aug. We really don't want to get rid of him, but have to. He is neutered & declawed. His brother died last year so he would do well in a home with another cat, w/out any pets, or with small dogs. He likes children. He does not like babies or big dogs (we have a German Shephard). Thanks to "Jennifer" for giving some good advice here. I will try to post the info. here. Someone told me there is also an organization that takes cats in their homes until a home is found & will not put them to sleep. Anyone know of this. I am in the Phila., PA suburbs so that is where I am looking for this. Thanks!
My Nieghbor is trapping cats and dumping them I witnessed this today. They say it is because there are cats visiting his yard there are several cats in our neighborhood. I too have taken in stray cats and they have become lovable pets and for some reason they (the cats) must have put out the word...come to the Polo's!! I now have a few too many. I have most of them inside. Though several are outdoors. I need to find homes for 3 kittens and 2 adults. They have been indoors since the kittens have been born. I would love to keep them but I do not have the space or the funds to get them all spayed/nuetered. What should I do? I do not want any problems and I have to live here. Though I love my animals and do not want to send them to the animal shelter to be put down. Any suggestions? I live in montebello, california.
my dad has 2 cats george and gracie there brother and sister we live in CT and my dad is moving into elderly housing and he cant take them we would like to know if anybody can HELP we really dont want them 2 be seperated they are 15 yrs old any information would be helpful thank-you maria
To the one who posted about Feral Cats.. There is an inactive group The Boston Area Friends of Out Door Cats and I have just posted a new meetup for cat lovers to being in Watertown in July and hope that some people who care for ferals will join. I had a group ,but closed it down and several of members in that group cared for ferals.
I have a cat that is 3 yrs old, hand raised,loving , but I have a question on what i can do. He has developed a health issue and is enabling me from properly taking care of him. please help!
I have 8 cats from 1 year old to 6 months old, and thy're outdoors yearround, they're diet is strictly table food, they're clean and heathy, good hunters and very pretty. they're not fixed. I will keep 1 male. Any advise on the other 7 before the population increases? Thank you. Joe
i have a little mom with four kittens they need a hause where they can have love and a good owner
A female stray has had a litter of three kittens under my neighbors shed. My neighbor is apathetic and is not willing to do anything. I already have a cat that must be an only pet if someone can help please do so. All local shelters are full. I am located in Colonial Heights, VA.
A few days ago, someone left about 24 kittens, between 4-6 weeks old at our house. We cannot keep them, but do not want them to go to the shelter where they may be euthanized. Can anyone please help?
I have a black mom cat and her 4 new babies (two all gray and two gray and white) that need a home soon. daughter and son are allergic to them. would love to find good homes for them all.
I don't know how old your ad is. I am looking for a kitten. I live in whiting and am new to NJ. I don't know how far you are or how old the kitten is now. I have dogs (they love everybody and all animals). But I don't want to frighten a cat that may be too old to adjust. Thank you!
for several years I have been rescue-ing cats and kittens.careing for them and spay or nu.each one. I have been able to find homes for them till now. at this time I have 2 12 week old kettins,1 teenager,12 female and 5 males. 2 of these are my house cats and I still need to have 5 of them spayed. please can you help in any way?
I'M LOOKING FOR A YOUNG M OR LONG HAIR TTABBY CAT WITH GREEN EYES. i CAN'T FILL OUT ONE MORE DAMM FORM JUST TO LOOK AT THE CATS. IF U HAVE ONE EMAIL ME I WILL ADOPT. byStephani@aol.com PHOENIX ARIZONA
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