Adopt an Adult Cat
People approach me often asking if the shelter has any kittens.
I usually can update them as to availability, but I always remind
them that the shelter has wonderful adult cats and there are
significant advantages to adopting an older cat.
Each year in shelters across the US thousands of senior cats are
euthanized strictly because of their age and adoptability. At the
Healdsburg Animal Shelter we believe in giving animals a second
chance no matter what their age, but this means we need caring
people to come and adopt these loving creatures who deserve a
wonderful home to live out their lives.
Today, cats are living into their late teens and early twenties
so a 10+ year old cat can still provide you many years of
unconditional love and fun! A point of interest is that grown cats
bond just as easily with new families as do the kittens.
Some of the most compelling reasons to adopt an adult cat is
that they are already litter-trained, they are calmer and do not
destroy furniture, etc., they are less demanding of your attention
and time, and need less supervision. You can leave them home
without worrying as they are usually content when left alone and
less likely to get into mischief. Many of them are simply looking
for a soft lap to sit on and be petted and purr.
Historically, adult cats have been very successful with senior
citizens as older cats tend to be quiet pets and transition into a
new home easily. Studies have shown that cats can have a real
health benefit for humans in a number of ways.
Another advantage to adopting an adult cat is that in addition
to having developed into their physical characteristics, they have
also developed their lifelong personality. This allows you to
choose the kind of pet that will best suit your family. The
Healdsburg Animal Shelter has excellent Cat Counselors who can help
you find the adult cat that meets your expectation- whether it is a
cat that likes to cuddle and spend hours on your lap, or a more
independent cat, or one that likes a little of both. You can choose
a mellow cat or perhaps you would prefer a more spirited adult cat.
The counselors are intimately aware of the cats' personalities and
are highly successful in matching the right cat to the right
home.
There have been unhappy occasions where cute and playful young
kittens are adopted, but have grown into an adult personality that
one was not expecting (too shy, too playful, too big, too small,
too noisy, too quiet, etc.,) unfortunately resulting in returning
the now adult cat to the shelter, frightened and confused with no
idea why it lost its family and home.
Make sure when you are ready to adopt a cat, you take a good
look at the adult cats. Tell the Cat Counselorhow you envision your
new cat fitting into your home, sitting quietly in your lap,
scampering around the house with the kids, etc. I am guessing the
counselor will say, "We have the perfect cat for you!" The perfect
cat may be an adult cat, or it may be a kitten, but we know it will
be the right cat for you and your family.
Kathleen McCaffrey
Board of Directors
Healdsburg Animal Shelter