| are so many animals that are in desperate need | | | | Eliminating fleas once they infest the home can be |
| of a loving home so if you have decided to get a | | | | very difficult. |
| cat, why not choose one from your local cat | | | | Listen to the cat. A cat that coughs, sneezes, or |
| rescue home or animal shelter? | | | | sounds congested can be quite ill and should be |
| By adopting from a shelter instead of buying | | | | avoided. Also, listen for sounds of contentment. A |
| from a pet shop, you help those animals that are | | | | cat who is purring is probably happy and healthy.A |
| most in need to find a home and help fund the | | | | meow can indicate either trouble or contentment |
| rescue work so that other cats can be saved. | | | | - a long, pleading meow could show that the cat is |
| Many of these felines have had difficult lives so | | | | ill. On the other hand, a playful meow could mean |
| far - they may have been abandoned, abused or | | | | the she is already developing a bond with its |
| neglected by their owners. So, responsible rescue | | | | potential new owner! |
| centres will take special care to match owner and | | | | Watch how the cat plays. Some pet owners are |
| pet and find them a good home. They will give | | | | looking for playful cats that will scamper about the |
| you as much information as possible about their | | | | house and chase and play with toys. Others would |
| charges' personalities and histories to help you | | | | prefer a more docile cat who will spend hours |
| choose wisely. | | | | cuddled up in the owner’s lap. |
| At the animal shelter,use your power of | | | | See how they play with each other first to get a |
| observation. | | | | feeling for their disposition. This is particularly |
| Take some time to just watch the cats and | | | | important for pet owners who already have a pet |
| kittens without trying to interact with them. | | | | cat at home. Then play with the kitties yourself. |
| Observe how active they are and what type of | | | | Take out a string, ball of wool or car keys and |
| attitude they have. A cat that stays huddled in a | | | | dangle them in front of each cat. The one that |
| corner or appears lethargic may be sick, which | | | | seems most alert and active is likely the better |
| could mean expensive vets bills in the future. Or | | | | choice. Of course, you could always take home |
| the poor cat may nave been abused and so is | | | | more than one if the decision is just too hard to |
| terrified of everyone and everything. If you have | | | | make |
| the time and patience, please don't automatically | | | | It is so rewarding to adopt a cat from a cat |
| dismiss an abused feline. They can repay your | | | | rescue shelter and know that you have saved its |
| care many times over. | | | | life and given it a comfortable home but do be |
| Give the cat a thorough examination, starting with | | | | aware of potential problems. Any cat or kitten |
| the eyes. Bright and clear eyes with no discharge | | | | that comes from a shelter will be stressed to |
| or weepiness are a good sign. | | | | some level. This stress has put them at a higher |
| The nose should be clean and slightly | | | | risk of attracting a respiratory infection. They |
| moist.Again,there should be no discharge. | | | | may also be more prone to bite or scratch you |
| Ears should also be clean. Those that are | | | | before you have bonded. Most cat rescue |
| extremely dirty are potentially contaminated with | | | | shelters offer a spayed or neutered cat, with full |
| ear mites which can be very difficult to eliminate | | | | shots and de-worming but You must also get |
| and can easily spread to other cats at home. | | | | your cat tested immediately for feline |
| Finally, the cat’s fur should be clean, shiny, | | | | immunodeficiency virus (FIV).finally,listen to the |
| and free of fleas. Fleas can be particularly | | | | advice of the shelter workers and don't rush into |
| bothersome to both the cat and to the owner. | | | | any decisions. |