Special to the Star-Herald
Thinking of adopting a cat? Flaglerhumane.org gives us the following food-for-thought tips. Adding a cat to your family is a wise choice. Cats are loving, devoted and charming. They are easy to care for and do not require a lot of room. They are at their best as full-time indoor companions. However, they are a life-long responsibility and commitment. Before adopting, ask yourself the following questions:
• Am I ready to make a long-term commitment? Adopting a cat means being responsible for his or her health and happiness that should take the relationship through all of life’s transitions, such as moving or other family changes. Cats often live up to 15 or 20 years;
• Can I afford the cat? The cost of a cat is more than just the adoption fee; remember to include the cost of food, litter, annual vaccinations and emergency veterinary care and medications;
• Is everyone in my household in favor of adopting a cat? An adult in the home should be designated as the primary caretaker so the cat’s needs do not get lost in the shuffle of busy schedules. Make sure your landlord allows pets prior to adopting;
• Do I have at least an hour a day to devote to the care of my cat? A cat requires plenty of love and affection. Though cats are more independent than dogs, they thrive on your companionship. It is recommended that you consider adopting two cats if there is no one home during the day. Two are company for each other — and two will bring twice the love into your life;
• Am I ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a cat? Although cats are easier to take care of than dogs, they still require daily care, such as feeding, exercise and a litter box that must be scooped clean every day; and
• Am I willing to commit to understanding basic cat behavior and training? Understanding cat behavior will help you train your cat not to scratch your furniture and to use the litter box. Cats are independent but they can be trained with patience, understanding and love.
Pets can be a great source of comfort and help us reduce stress, but they can also cause stress. Some people allow their animals (especially dogs) to run their lives, creating an animal who has taken over the role as leader and making life for his humans unbearable. If you are not going to be a strong leader and set guidelines for behavior, I am afraid your relationship may not be all it can be. A healthy relationship is a fulfilling one for both owner and pet; it has defined rules that all know. Does this sort of relationship happen overnight? Of course not. Your pet has to learn what the rules are and you have to be consistent about enforcing them. One great way to strengthen your relationship with your dog and to learn to communicate with them is through obedience work. With positive training, both you and your dog will understand, communicate and enjoy each other’s company.
I am reminded daily that training is a lifetime commitment; you train your pet every day, even when you don’t realize it. Take advantage of your pet’s natural behavior; reward the good behavior, encourage it and you will have a happy pet who works to please you.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” check out the animals available for adoption at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month. The Humane Society is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., our phone number is 764-3441 or you can find us online at www.petfinder.com.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
