|
Do some research
to find the right companion cat for you and
your family. A little investigation of breeds
will help you find the perfect fit. Also,
decide if you want to obtain your cat from
a shelter or a breeder.
If you choose
to obtain your cat through a breeder, familiarize
yourself with the breeder's qualifications.
Some breeders are much better than others
and some are even cruel to their animals.
|
|
|
A
reputable breeder will keep the cats
in a clean environment with clean litter
pans and plenty of fresh food and water.
The cats should be well groomed, bright-eyed
and friendly. A good breeder asks questions
about you and your lifestyle.
A
good breeder answers questions honestly,
explains the characteristics the breed
and will teach you about cat care and
training. The kittens will be socialized
at a very early age to ensure that they
are happy and confident with people.
You should receive a written contract
that protects you against certain genetic
problems and gives you either compensation
or replacement of the animal, if such
problems arise. Responsible breeders
will askyou to spay or neuter your kitten.
Finally, reputable breeders do not mass-produce
kittens. They take great care in deciding
what two cats to breed and home or facility
does not contain a large number of cats.
|
When considering a breeder, ask these
questions:
- At what age will you let your
kittens go home with their new owners? The
Ozaukee Humane Society recommends that kittens
stay with their mother and littermates for
at least 8 weeks.
- Are your kittens raised in the
home or in cages? Kittens raised
around people are friendlier and better
adjusted.
- How many breeding adult cats do
you have? Dedicated breeders choose
breeding stock very carefully and are very
concerned about their quality.
- Are your cats tested for infectious
diseases? You want to deal with
a breeder who is doing his best to keep
his cats healthy and to produce healthy
kittens. The three diseases that you should
be concerned about are feline leukemia
virus, feline immunodeficiency virus and
feline infectious peritonitis.
- What type of guarantee is included
for your kittens? A reputable breeder
will remain available to help you resolve
problems according to your agreement and
support care for pre-exisiting conditions.
- Has the kitten been examined by
a veterinarian and received initial vaccinations?
When are the booster vaccines due? Has the
kitten been wormed? Kittens should
receive the first of the series of vaccinations
by 6-8 weeks of age. Kittens should also
be checked for internal parasites, such
as worms, at the first veterinary visit.
- What is included in your contract?
Many breeders place certain requirements
on the adopters such as keeping the cat
indoors, spay/neuter and no declawing. They
may also require that you return the kitten
to them if you find that you can no longer
keep your new feline. Don't be offended
by these requirements. Rather, consider
these conditions signs that the breeder
truly cares about the future of his kittens.
- Will you provide me with a veterinary
health certificate? A veterinary
health certificate confirms that the kitten
has been checked by a veterinarian and documents
the health care to date.
- Will you provide me with references?
Satisfied adopters are the best
advertising. Contacting references will
help you determine if the breeder you are
considering is reputable.
- May I inspect your cat area? It
should be clean, odor free and sanitary
and provide humane conditions for the cats.
It should not contain a large number of
cats.
The
Ozaukee Humane Society has a variety of wonderful
cats available for adoption.
Every
possible combination of age, personality,
coat color and coat length can be found at
the Ozaukee Humane Society. Purebred cats
are frequently available for adoption as well.
For
a low adoption fee all animals are spayed
or neutered, given a microchip for identification
and provided with other veterinary services.
As part of our adoption program, we provide
assistance for undiagnosed, pre-existing medical
problems within three weeks of adoption. One
month of additional free animal health insurance
is also provided.
You may want to consider adopting an older
cat that is physically and behaviorally mature.
Adopting an adult or adolescent cat can have
its advantages. An older cat is out of the
"kitty" phase and will probably be less destructive
around your home. An adult cat's personality
is already formed, allowing you to know just
what the cat's temperament is like.
Volunteer
cat socializers spend a lot of time with the
Ozaukee Humane Society's adoptable cats and
provide valuable information about each cat's
personality, which helps adopters select the
perfect companion. An adult cat is exactly
the size it is going to be; there are no size
or coat length surprises. Currently, the adoption
fee is waived for cats over one year old.
Whether
you are interested in adopting a kitten or
older cat, the Ozaukee Humane Society's knowledgeable
Adoption Counselors will assist you in selecting
a cat that will be compatible with your lifestyle
and other animals in your home.
Free animal behavior seminars, informational
brochures and behavior telephone counseling
and tip lines are available at OHS and WHS.
Animal Antics is a retail store located at
both the Ozaukee and Wisconsin Humane Societies
and online
at the WHS web site that assists people
in selecting appropriate animal care products.
Knowing that you are giving a very deserving
and wonderful animal a second chance increases
the joy of adding a new member to your family.
Sadly,
there are far more homeless cats in our community
than loving homes available. Please spay or
neuter your new cat and encourage your friends
to sterilize their companion animals as well.
Consider adopting a cat or kitten from the
Ozaukee Humane Society and experience the
joy of giving a second chance to a wonderful
companion animal!
Click here
for adoptable
cats at the Ozaukee Humane Society. |