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Think Before You Adopt

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Our Adoptions are Forever

There are many situations to consider before adopting a lifelong friend. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes just begging for attention. You take one look and the next thing you know you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is the easy part. Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a cat is a big decision. They require your time, money, and commitment for their entire lives…over 15 years in many cases. We obviously think adopting a cat is one of the best things ever, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt. Our adoptions are forever!

THINGS TO CONSIDER

The fact that you're thinking about adopting a cat from First Ladies Farm means you're a responsible and caring person. Before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

  • Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been begging for a kitten usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that cats may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
  • Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
  • Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, flea preventative treatment, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.
  • Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Fleas, scratched-up furniture, accidents from stress or illness, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
  • Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities either don't allow pets or have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
  • Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have infants or toddlers, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a full time student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
  • Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
  • Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime. Our adoptions are forever!

 

Adoptions Are Forever!

Sure, it's a long list of questions but a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many homeless cats and kittens are victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. There are many cats at the shelter who are more than a year old…animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love for the life of the pet.

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