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[宠友交流] Things you should consider before adopting a cat or kitten [复制链接]

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发表于 2010-1-7 10:14:19 |只看该作者 |倒序浏览 微信分享

年底和年初是送猫送狗的“旺季”，每次看到这些帖子，都让我们这些爱猫爱狗之人心寒！
希望正在养或者准备养宠物的朋友们好好的读一读这篇文章！
如果不能做到以下的任何一点，请不要害了这些无辜的小生命！

Cats are adorable pets providing warm and affectionate companionship for both young and old. When adopting a cat or kitten you accept the long-term responsibility to provide suitable care and quality of life. The following information will help you understand your responsibilities and outlines the procedures involved when adopting a cat or kitten from the Lonely Miaow Association.

Things you should consider before adopting a cat or kitten

Can you commit to lifetime care, usually between 15 and 20 years?
Can you devote the time needed for daily feeding, grooming, and playing?
Can you afford the cost of food and veterinary treatments?
Will it fit in with your other pets?
Will you keep it inside at night?
Do you live close to a busy road? If so, what can you do to help keep your cat safe?

Note: A kitten will not remain a kitten for long. You should not adopt a cat or kitten simply because it looks cute and cuddly, or as a toy for children to play with. A cat should NEVER be adopted as an unexpected present.

Cat or kitten?

Kittens are more popular than adult cats due to their small size and playful personalities. However, the extra time and effort required to care for kittens in the first few months is often overlooked. In addition, there are usually more expenses associated with a younger cat such as desexing and vaccinations.If you are prepared for this extra time and expense, then a kitten will provide a rewarding experience as you watch them grow and their personality develop. An adult cat (one year or older) has largely developed their personality. Also, they are likely to have been desexed and received their first vaccination.

Male or female?

Your choice! Once they are desexed, there is little behavioural difference between a male and female cat.

What will it cost?

The Lonely Miaow Association charges an adoption fee of:

$120 - Kittens 8 Weeks - 6 Months
$70 - Young cats 7 Months - 5 Years
$50 - Older cats 5 Years plus

This usually covers the cost of:

A thorough vet check and treatment as required.
De-fleaing and de-worming.
The first vaccination for Feline Enteritis and Feline Viral Respiratory Disease.
Desexing.

In addition, a kitten will require a second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks old. You must also be prepared for ongoing veterinary bills throughout your cat's life to cover annual vaccinations and any illnesses or injuries.

Other typical expenses include:

Food and litter
Monthly de-fleaing and three monthly de-worming
General pet care supplies
Boarding costs
Metal/plastic carry cage

Note: We recommend Bayers Advantage for defleaing, Drontal deworming tablets for cats and Cancare deworming tablets for kittens.

The adoption process

Before adopting a cat or kitten from the Lonely Miaow Association we need to ensure the cat or kitten is going to the right home by asking you a few questions. This process gives you the opportunity to think about the responsibilities you are taking on and enables us to assess your application. An adoption contract details what is required from you and must be signed before we release a cat or kitten.

Post adoption

Once you take your new cat or kitten home, we advise that you keep it inside for a minimum of two weeks with all doors and windows shut to avoid any upsetting escapes. Use this time to bond with your pet and make them feel safe in their new home. We usually make a follow-up phone call to ask how your new friend has settled in.