| I've adopted two cats from shelters. The first one | | | | Although our Burmese was initially defensive about |
| was actually for my mother who needed a new | | | | the new arrival, after a couple of days we knew we |
| animal companion after her dog died, but was getting | | | | had made the right choice as they started to play |
| too old to look after another dog. I wanted to get | | | | with each other the way the two siblings had done. |
| her a very friendly cat that would enjoy her | | | | She loves her humans as well. |
| company and sitting on her lap. I was looking for a | | | | How can you be sure you'll have similar success |
| cat at least a year old so that my mother would | | | | choosing a shelter cat? When you get there, look at |
| have it for a while. | | | | all the cats and interact with them as much as you |
| The second adoption was for my own family. We | | | | can. Read the information available on each cat - the |
| had a 6-month-old Burmese who had just lost his | | | | staff and volunteers will have described their |
| sister. He really needed the company of another cat, | | | | temperaments and any special needs. Notice which |
| so we went looking for a playful cat of similar age | | | | cats are good with other animals and children if these |
| that liked being with other cats. | | | | are requirements. Do you want a quiet or outgoing |
| In both cases, knowing what characteristics I wanted | | | | cat? |
| was crucial. In the first instance, the shelter did not | | | | Ask to hold and play with particular cats. If there are |
| provide much information about each cat's | | | | toys to play with, try to engage with the cats that |
| temperament, so I entered the large room housing | | | | interest you. If you want a mouser, you'll want a |
| the adoptable cats and first looked for the ones that | | | | playful cat. |
| responded to me with interest and friendliness. I | | | | Often shelter cats choose you! That certainly |
| observed which cats enjoyed being petted. One very | | | | seemed to happen with my mother's cat. You'll most |
| quickly rubbed against my hand and followed me | | | | likely have stronger feelings towards one or two |
| around the room as I checked out the others. She | | | | cats. If you can't decide, try asking the shelter staff |
| was the one! And a great success she was too. She | | | | for help. Tell them what you're looking for, where |
| and my mother adored each other and lived together | | | | you live, whether you intend the cat to be indoors or |
| for many years. | | | | outdoors, how many hours a day the cat will spend |
| The second adoption occurred with more | | | | alone and so on. |
| technological assistance! My family found her on the | | | | If you can't decide, just sit or stand quietly and see |
| shelter's website where her photo and biography | | | | which cat comes to you. If worst comes to worst, |
| were posted. We put her on a list with the other | | | | you can always get two! |
| cats of the right age that liked cat company. | | | | |