What To Look For When Choosing A Rescue Cat From An Animal Shelter

Executive summary about Cat Rescue by Tricia Craggs

rescue cats

If you have decided to get a new cat for your family, why not choose one from your local cat rescue home or animal shelter? By adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a pet shop, you help those animals that are most in need to find a home and help fund the rescue work so that other cats can be saved. Here are some pointers to help you choose.

Observation

Take  sometime to just watch the cats and kittens without trying to interact with them. Observe how active they are and what type of attitude they have. A cat that stays huddled in a corner or appears lethargic may be sick, which could mean expensive vets bills in the future.

Observe how playful a cat is

Some pet owners are looking for playful cats that will scamper about the house and chase and play with toys. Others would prefer a more docile cat  who will spend hours cuddled up in the owner’s lap.

Examine the Cat

Start with the eyes. Bright and clear eyes with no discharge or weepiness are a good sign. The  nose  should  be  clean  and slightly moist.  Again,  there should be no discharge. The ears should also be clean. Ears that are extremely dirty are potentially contaminated with ear mites. Ear mites can be very difficult to get rid of and can easily spread to other cats at home.

Finally, the cat’s fur should be clean, shiny, and free of fleas. Fleas can be particularly bothersome to both the cat and to the owner. Eliminating fleas once they infest the home can be very difficult.

Listen to the Cat

A cat that coughs, sneezes, or sounds congested can be quite ill and should be avoided. A cat who is purring is probably happy and healthy. A meow can indicate either trouble or contentment. A long, pleading meow could show that the cat is ill. On the other hand, a playful meow could mean the cat is already developing a bond with its potential new owner!

Play with Kitty

persian cat rescue

After  narrowing  your choice  down to  a  few possibilities   that  appear  to have  the appropriate personality, it is time to play! See how the cats play with each other first to get a feeling for their disposition. How each cat interacts is particularly important for pet owners who already have a pet cat at home.

Play with the kitties yourself

Take out a string, ball of wool or car keys and dangle them in front of each cat. The one that seems most alert and active is likely to be the better choice.

Word of Caution

Any cat or kitten that comes from a shelter will be stressed to some level. This stress has put them at a higher risk of attracting a respiratory infection. They may also be more prone to bite or scratch you before you have bonded.

Be aware of any potential problems. listen to the advice of the shelter workers and don’t rush into any decisions. However, it is so rewarding to adopt a cat from a cat rescue shelter and know that you have saved its life and given it a comfortable home.

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