Adopting a cat online has become increasingly popular for several reasons. The internet provides access to cats across the country, beyond just local shelters. This widens the selection and allows prospective owners to find a cat that closely matches their preferences. Online adoptions are also very convenient, avoiding the need to visit physical locations multiple times.
However, there are benefits to in-person adoptions too. You can interact with the cat to judge personality and energy levels. Physical traits like shedding and coat texture are easier to assess. And you’ll work directly with knowledgeable shelter staff who can guide you.
Adopting online takes more research upfront. But with diligence, you can find the perfect cat for your home. This process involves searching listings, asking questions, completing an application, arranging travel, and follow-up vet care once the cat is home.
Decide if You’re Ready for a Cat
Getting a cat is a big commitment that will require some lifestyle changes. Before adopting a cat, think honestly about whether you’re ready for the responsibility. Cats require time, money, and care.
Having a cat means spending time feeding, grooming, playing with, and cleaning up after them each day. Can you commit to being there to care for them? Cats will also need attention when you are home. Are you prepared to have a furry companion underfoot?
There are costs associated with caring for a cat as well. Food, litter, toys, vet bills, and other expenses add up over time. Budget at least $500-1000 per year for food, litter and basic medical needs. Be prepared for extra costs if your cat has any health issues.[1]
Also consider any upcoming travel plans or schedule changes. While cats can be left alone for periods of time, they do best with a consistent routine. You’ll need to arrange for pet sitters or other care when you are away. Don’t get a cat if you are planning an extended trip in the near future.
Take an honest look at your lifestyle and commitments before bringing home a furry friend. A cat can be a wonderful companion, but only if you’re truly ready for the responsibility.
[1] https://www.petsbest.com/blog/6-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-cat
Choose a Reputable Website
When looking to adopt a cat online, it’s important to choose a reputable website. Avoid using classifieds sites like Craigslist, as you may unknowingly support backyard breeders or kitten mills. Instead, stick to well-known shelter and rescue organization websites.
Some excellent options for adopting cats online include:
- Petfinder – Features adoptable pets from over 11,000 animal shelters and rescue groups across the US, Canada and Mexico.
- Adopt-a-Pet.com – Connects potential adopters with shelters, humane societies, SPCAs and rescue groups across North America.
- RescueMe.Org – Allows registered shelters and rescues to post adoptable cats nationwide.
When browsing reputable sites, be wary of scams. Refuse requests to wire money or ship a cat sight unseen. Instead, arrange an in-person meeting at the shelter to complete the adoption.
Search for Your Ideal Cat
When searching for a cat to adopt, make use of any filters available on the website, such as age, breed, gender, and any special needs. This will help you narrow down your options to cats that best fit your home and lifestyle. Be sure to browse through all the photos and read the full profiles so you get a good sense of each cat’s unique personality. Choosing a cat is a very personal decision – it’s important to find one whose personality is a good match for you. For example, if you want a playful and energetic cat, look for profiles that describe the cat as active, curious, and kitten-like. If you desire a more mellow lap cat, seek out cats described as calm, gentle, and affectionate. Don’t make your decision based on looks alone – the cat’s personality and your bond with them will determine if they are the right fit for your home.
Here are some helpful tips when searching for your new feline companion online:
- Read through each cat’s full profile carefully to get a sense of their personality and needs.
- Look for key descriptive words like playful, mellow, shy, bold, cuddly, aloof, etc. that give insight into temperament.
- Watch videos of the cat if available to see how they move and interact.
- Think about the age you are looking for – kittens need more hands-on care while older cats are often calmer.
- Consider any special needs such as medical issues – are you prepared to provide extra care?
- Use filters to narrow down options, but keep an open mind about breed, color etc.
- Prioritize personality over looks – this will lead to the best match.
Taking the time to search for just the right cat for your household will lead to many happy years together with your new feline companion. Focus on personality over looks and keep an open mind to find your purrfect match!
Ask Questions
You should contact the shelter or rescue to learn more about the cat you are interested in adopting. This gives you a chance to ask any questions about the cat’s health, behavior, and care needs.
Here are some key questions to ask the shelter or rescue organization before adopting a cat:
- What is the cat’s age, breed, and gender?
- Does the cat have any known health issues or require any special care?
- What food, toys, and accessories come with the cat?
- Is the cat spayed/neutered? If not, are there resources to assist with this?
- Is the cat up to date on vaccinations?
- Has the cat been around other cats, dogs, or children before?
- Why is the cat available for adoption?
- What is the cat’s behavior and personality like?
- Does the cat have any behavioral issues?
- Are there any quirks or habits potential adopters should know about?
Taking the time to get detailed information from the shelter or rescue will help ensure you find the right cat for your lifestyle. Be sure to ask any other questions important to you.
Complete the Adoption Application
The adoption application is a crucial part of the adoption process. It allows the shelter or rescue to get to know you and ensure the cat will go to a good home. The application will likely ask for your name, address, contact information, household members, housing situation (rent or own), veterinary references, and questions about your ability to care for the cat.
Many organizations will also conduct a home visit or vet reference check as part of the approval process. This allows them to verify the information you provided and see the environment the cat will be living in. Some may charge an adoption fee, which helps cover expenses like spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping. This fee is usually around $50-150.
Once approved, you’ll complete adoption paperwork, which makes the cat officially yours. This paperwork provides details on the cat’s health and behavior and terms of the adoption. You’ll likely need to show ID and sign saying you agree to provide proper care.
The application process ensures the cat goes to a responsible owner. While it may take a bit of time and effort, it’s an important step towards bringing home your furry friend. Approach it as the start of your journey together. With patience and preparation, you’ll be holding your new cat soon!
Make Travel Arrangements
If adopting from out of town, you’ll need to arrange transportation for your new cat. Some options include:
- Ask the shelter or rescue about transport services or volunteers. Many have existing networks to transport animals to new homes.
- Use a pet relocation service. They can handle all travel arrangements for a fee.
- Rent a car or take public transportation if within reasonable distance.
- As a last resort, ask a friend or family member to drive.
Avoid picking up your cat directly from strangers, even if offered a free or discounted adoption fee. For safety and accountability, it’s best to go through an established organization.
Before your cat arrives, prepare their space in your home. Set up the litter box, food and water bowls, toys, scratching posts, beds, etc. This will help them settle in smoothly in their new environment.
If adopting locally, bring a carrier to transport your cat. Line it with a blanket and towel for comfort. For long distance, your cat will likely travel in a kennel. Get one large enough for them to stand, lie down, and turn around.
Lastly, have any supplies on hand that you’ll need right away – food, litter, brush, nail clippers, etc. Your new family member will be relying on you for their care.
Bring Your Cat Home
When you first bring your new cat home, it’s important to start them off in a safe, confined space like a bathroom or spare bedroom. This “safe room” allows your cat to adjust to all the new sights, sounds, and smells in your home at their own pace, without getting overwhelmed. Give them access to food, water, litter box, toys, scratching posts, and hiding spots in this room.
Try to keep noise and activity low around the safe room at first. Let your new cat approach you, don’t force interactions. Sit calmly in the room with them, allowing them to get used to your presence. Go slow with introductions and spend as much time in the room as your new cat is comfortable with. Once they seem relaxed in the safe room after a few days, you can then start allowing brief, supervised explorations of the rest of the home for short periods.
Make sure your resident pets are kept separate initially and introductions are gradual. Scattering cat nip or treats around the home can encourage exploration. Try rubbing a towel on your resident cat and leaving it in the safe room so they can get used to the scent. Keep food, water, litter box, and hiding spots set up in multiple areas as you expand your new cat’s territory. Be patient through this transition period and allow your new cat to adjust at their own pace.
Get Follow-Up Care
It’s important to take your new cat to the veterinarian within the first week after adoption. This visit will allow the vet to give your cat a more thorough wellness exam and identify any potential health issues early on. Your vet may recommend certain vaccines or treatments that are important for your cat’s continued good health. For example, according to the Bringing Your New Cat Home: What to Expect article, booster vaccines may be needed.
Your vet will also likely recommend microchipping your cat. Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure that allows your cat to be identified if they ever become lost. Per the Essential Medical Information for Your New Cat pamphlet from the Humane Society, microchipping greatly increases the chances your lost pet will be returned to you.
You may also want to consider pet insurance, which can offset the costs of veterinary care. Having insurance in place from the start is ideal, as many policies will not cover pre-existing conditions. Discuss options with your vet to decide if pet insurance is right for your new cat and your budget.
Enjoy Your New Family Member
Once you bring your new cat home, you’ll want to focus on bonding with them and making sure they are settled and happy in their new environment. Here are some tips for creating a strong bond with your new cat:
Spend time playing with your cat every day using interactive toys like feather wands and laser pointers. Playing helps build trust and affection. Give your cat treats to positively reinforce behaviors you like. Set up cozy spots around the house for your cat to nap and get comfortable. [1]
Make sure your cat has all their needs met including food, water, litter box, scratching posts, toys, and a clean living environment. A happy cat will bond better with you. Speak softly, stroke your cat gently, and be patient as you get to know each other. Let the cat come to you on their own terms at first.
Signs that your cat is settled and happy in their new home include seeking out your company, purring, rubbing against you, kneading, eating and grooming on a normal schedule, using their litter box consistently, and playing. If your cat is hiding or acting skittish and aggressive still after 2-3 weeks, speak to your vet.
When you adopt a cat, you are making a lifelong commitment to care for their health and happiness. Provide regular vet checkups, vaccinations, parasite control, and high-quality nutrition throughout their life. Make sure your cat gets exercise and enrichment. Be responsive to changes in their behavior or needs as they age. With a little love and patience, you’ll form an incredible bond with your new feline family member.
