June is Adopt a Cat Month

By: Tracey Zysk – June, 2013

kittens-pictures16What a Purr-fect time to bring a feline into your home. June is National Adopt a Cat Month. Rescue leagues nationwide in collaboration with the American Humane Society will be promoting this annual adoption event in hopes to find 1000’s of cats and kittens their forever home.

In the spring months, better known as “Kitty Season” you may have started noticing the births of more and more litters of kittens. Due to mating season, there is always an abundance of young kitties left for homeless, and animal shelters and rescue organizations are often full.

Preparing is everything: Ask yourself the following:

1. Why do you want to bring a kitten/cat into your home? – This is a lifelong commitment. Therefore evaluate your lifestyle and determine if you have the time for a pet.

2. Are you financially prepared for the expenses of owning a cat? Have a short term and long term budget. You may even want to consider pet insurance

3. Meet the cat first and make sure the temperament and personality fits with yours.

4. Do you want a kitty or are you interested in a senior aged cat? Once again, depends on your personality, lifestyle and finances.

5. Research your local veterinarians and bring your new cat in for a visit within the first few days of adoption. It is important to develop that relationship between your cat and vet as soon as possible.

6. Cat supplies- Go shopping before you bring your cat home. You want to introduce your new cat to his surrounding and make it as welcoming as possible. Also cat proof the home before you bring him home. This will set the boundaries when he is first introduced to his new place.

7. Pet sitting- You will travel and you will need someone to care for your cat when you are not home. Make sure you have family members available to help and also build a relationship with your local petcare business. Wiggles & Jiggles Loves ALL pets!

8. Family evacuation plans – include you cats and all your family pets in your designated family evacuation plan. You just never know what Mother Nature will toss our way. Be prepared: travel crate, extra food, collar, tags and have your cat microchip. In case of an emergency this will help you to be able to keep your cats from being displaced from you during an emergency.

Now go “Save a Life and ADOPT”

 

Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional. She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness. Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net. Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care.