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ADOPTING AN ADULT CAT Dear
Ms. Meow: What is
wrong with me? I'm a bright orange tiger cat with flashy white markings
and I'll be two years old in November. I've been here at the shelter
since the middle of August and I HOPE they are done doing stuff
to me--I've had shots, a leukemia test, a bath and a thorough grooming.
I even went to the vet to be neutered. I'm very neat in my pen and
I make sure I jump right up and reach my paws out to welcome every
visitor. People talk to me and say how pretty and friendly I am.
Just when I think it might be my lucky day, they walk away and choose
a baby to take home, leaving me behind once more. What have I done
to make no one want me?
Forgotten Feline Dear Forgotten: First, don't be so hard on yourself. You haven't done anything wrong--in fact, you sound like quite a special guy. You did grow up, however, and are probably being overlooked in favor of the many very young kittens available at the shelter. Here at St. Hubert's we are proud of the fact that in the first six months of 1992 we were able to place 336 homeless felines in responsible homes and we are grateful to all of the adopters who opened their hearts to these animals. We are saddened though when we remember that only 70 of the adopted cats were over one year old and the height of the "kitten season" (July, August, September) had yet to arrive. Of course, not every cat is a suitable candidate for adoption. But many, like you ARE young, healthy, friendly and eager to go home with some loving humans. Those that aren't chosen must be euthanized. Maybe I can help you in some small way by encouraging potential adopters to at least consider adopting a young adult cat. Certainly I don't wish to offend anyone who has chosen or will choose to adopt a kitten--they need homes also. No one can deny the appeal of those adorable little babies. They bring out the nurturing instinct in everyone! But a nice young adult has many years left to give a caring owner. For an owner who needs to consider finances (and who doesn't these days!) when adopting, a young adult animal who is already neutered and recently vaccinated and wormed will probably need no more than a routine check-up after adoption and revaccination in a year. Those who wish to have more than one feline family member might want to choose TWO young adults who already enjoy living together, especially when the first-year costs associated with raising two kittens at once might be prohibitive. The new owner can be certain that the two new pets can co-exist happily. Every potential adopter is an individual as is every animal. Selecting a kitten is enjoyable and many people watch the behavior and antics of several before making a choice. They can't really be certain, however, what type of personality their grown cat will have. With a young adult cat, an adopter will be able to choose an animal whose basic behavior is established. It won't be necessary to hope for an active, playful one or a quiet, snuggly one--the "finished product" is already available! Last, but certainly not least, a young adult is an excellent choice for people with hectic lifestyles who are away long hours every day. A mature cat doesn't need to be fed several times throughout the day and most don't need nearly as much supervision as a young kitten. Their curtain-climbing, mischief-making months are behind them. A young adult might not be the right choice for every situation, of course, but I hope that these points will make some potential adopters think about giving a young fellow like you a chance at a long and happy life. Volume 9 No.3, Fall, 1992
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Madison Adoption Center P.O. BOX 159 575 Woodland Ave. Madison, NJ 07940 (973) 377-2295 Tuesday - Sunday noon to 4 pm |
North Branch Adoption Center P.O. Box 5281 3201 Route 22 East North Branch, NJ 08876 (908) 526-3330 Tuesday - Sunday noon to 4 pm |
Dog Training School 22 Prospect Street Madison, NJ 07940 (973) 377-0116 | Administrative Offices (973) 377-7094 |