Where to get a kitten?

Every year, about 3,4 million cats end up in animal shelters in the US alone. 37% of them are taken to families, 41% are euthanized, less than 5% of lost cats are returned to their owners. At the moment, about 700 mustachioed-striped guests are kept in shelters in Moscow. Many of them will face an unenviable fate, but some will still be lucky to become “adopted”. 

Before adopting a kitten, it is important to think about what responsibilities will be added to your daily life.

Should I get a kitten?

Because getting a pet is such a huge responsibility, there are a few important questions to consider before taking this step:

• Is my home ready for a kitten? He’ll want to explore every inch of his new home – climb bookshelves, explore the tiniest crevices, and play with everything he has access to. You must be prepared to make changes that will keep your pet safe and protect your home from damage. Follow the recommendations “Precautions in the house where the cat lives.”
• Is my family ready for a kitten? Perhaps there are children in the house where you plan to bring a kitten. Toddlers who have never dealt with animals before may not know how to handle them. It is important that you do not just “give in under pressure” of requests, but make sure that your children are ready for this new responsibility. They may promise that they will feed, care for and clean up after the kitten, but remember – the main role in the care and upbringing will belong to you. In addition, only you can teach children how to care for a pet properly.
• Do you have pets whose presence needs to be taken into account? If you already have pets at home, it may take time for them to get used to a new friend. Introduce them gradually, do not leave them alone until you are sure that they are ready for this. Remember that your pets are used to getting 100 percent attention and may start to defend their territory. To ease the transition, it is important to continue to show love to other pets at the same level.
• Will I have enough time for a kitten? Kittens are little fluffy bundles of energy that really want to get to know you better. If babies are left alone for too long, they may develop behavioral problems in the future. They need to move a lot, learn and get used to you.
• Do I have the patience to raise a kitten? It is important that you have the patience to train a new kitten. Kittens, like children, need attention. They need to be shown what behavior is considered acceptable. The owners should have enough endurance to teach the kitten how to use the tray, grind off the claws, jump on the sofa.
• Can I afford a kitten financially? Deciding to adopt a kitten involves making a long-term commitment. Vaccination, castration or sterilization, microchipping, visiting a veterinarian and treatment if necessary, buying quality food, litter for trays – for every day: all these expenses will accompany you for years. If you’re on a budget, check out the ASPCA Cat Cost Chart.
• What kind of cat should I get? Before making a decision, study the information about the various breeds. Think about how much time you can spend with her, get tested for feline allergies.

Choosing the right cat for your family

Animal shelters, animal rescue organizations and humanitarian communities are overflowing with affectionate and healthy cats and kittens looking forward to finding a new home. Find out which shelters are available in your city, including Hill’s partner shelters, so you can make the right choice and find the right pet. If you have chosen a particular breed, ask your veterinarian to recommend local kennels.

In addition, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the list of necessary things for a kitten. Whatever cat you decide to bring into your home, remember that it requires the same love and care as any other member of the family.