Pet Adoption Questions

This article is all about good pet adoption questions to ask yourself and tips to acknowledge before adopting a cat or a dog for Christmas or any time. It also includes a checklist of items for your new pet. From checking pet sites like DailyNews.com, TuftsCatnip.com, TheBark.com (now ‘The Wildest’), PetAge.com, and more see the following information.

The consensus seems to be that getting a new pet for Christmas is a fine idea but not a fine surprise. Mainly we don’t want the person or persons surprised because we also do not want the pet surrendered if the age or personality of the pet doesn’t ‘click’ with the new pet parent or parents. Adding a new pet is a life decision and is best decided by all involved persons. See some great cat adoption questions and dog adoption questions following:

Cat Adoption Questions:

There are several fur baby adoption questions you need to ask yourself before taking in a feline pet. You might want to consider adopting two together in the same age group so they can keep each other company and help train each other as well. Or would you prefer to have only one?

Training

Do you want to potty train, and pay for all the vaccinations, and deworming, etc. for a new kitten? Or would you rather be matched with the personality of an older cat who is most possibly already trained in many ways. So do you want an active kitten or a more laid back older cat who likes to cuddle? The rescue sites can actually help match you in that regard.

Will the kittens come into a family with children who will be taught to help raise them?

On the subject of ‘training’ it is written that positive reinforcement is the best training method. Yes, loving touches and good treats are in order for any training objectives. Do you have the time to train and play with your new fur ball?

Care

Who will you choose as a veterinarian? You will need to pick a good feline veterinarian in your area by checking with friends and family and looking at reviews.

What is the parent cat’s health background or the older cat’s history?

Does Anyone in the household have pet allergies?

Lifestyle

What kind of lifestyle works for you. Do you travel a lot? Have any pet sitter friends available to care for your new fur ball? Are you an outdoors lover? Would you want a cat who will walk with you? If so, read up on training tips for walking and use a harness along with a quick-release collar for safety. Also use identification tags and a micro chip from the vet in case of a lost kitty.

Will you be able to afford the veterinarian bills for a kitten or an older cat. Would pet insurance be a good option?

16 Items to Have On Hand for your Kitty:

1. A carrier, preferably with a top opening so that it is easier to drop your cat into the carrier.
2. Litter box that is 1 and 1/2 times the length of your cat and some natural cat litter. Best to have separate litter boxes if you have more than one cat.
3. A food bowl and a water bowl, possibly, a fountain. Some cats like the running water. They do not care to share their food or water bowls.
4. Cat tree or scratcher, preferably 3 feet or taller so they can stretch and scratch and not do so on your furniture.
5. Toys to keep them occupied. You will find what is best after playing with your feline.
6. Breakaway collar with id tags.
7. A micro chip from the vet to keep your kitty coming back to you if lost.
8. Good natural USA-made and sourced pet food for your cat, both wet and dry.
9. And natural dental treats or dental kit. Periodontal disease is number one for cats.
10. Treats for training or just treating, also made and sourced in the USA.
11. Definitely a comfy bed, preferably one that is enclosed since cats like to ‘hide’.
12. A good fitting harness and a leash if you want your kitty to walk with you, and paw balm for hot summers or cold winters.
13. Natural grooming supplies.
14. Vet recommended supplements.
15. Picture of your feline friend to have on hand in case of a lost cat.
16. Tufts Catnip might be a good source of knowledge about felines, one of the top university veterinarian schools in the world, as well as your local vet.

It would also be wise to study up on toxicity to felines from both plants and foods and the best foods for your fur pal. Check out my recent post on some of this info: “Time for Thanks with Natural Pet Food Treats” .

Here is a recent article I posted on our furry felines with some fun facts you might like to know: “October 29th-Meow!” .

Dog Adoption Questions:

As with adopting a cat or any pet, there are many fur baby adoption questions to ask before deciding to adopt a dog or a puppy. Many good articles on adopting can be found at Rescue Dogs 101, Petfinder, and TheBark. And, as for a cat, there are many adoption questions to ask yourself before accepting a new dog or a puppy.

Training

Do you want to train a new active puppy? Does your lifestyle give you the time to feed more than twice a day and take your pup outside for potty trips as well as play and exercise time? Or do you have others available at home to help with your new dog?

Are you ready to be woken up for early potty times and walks?

Is enough space available for your new dog or pup? And have you considered the dog’s new surroundings, ie, like available wires to chew on?? Or, would you need to install a fence in your yard?

Care

What is the best food to feed a puppy and how often or for an older dog? And, what are toxic plants and foods for dogs, and what are good natural foods for dogs?

Do you have pet friends who can sit with your dog when you need to go away? Or where can you find a good caretaker?

As with any pet, this is a lifetime consideration and dogs, depending on their size, live anywhere on average from 7 to 15 years.

Have you picked out a good veterinarian? And, are you able to handle all the early puppy shots, and annual canine vaccinations and vet visits and medications, ie, flea meds, etc.

How about canine health insurance?

History

What is the dog’s history? The puppy parents’ history.

Lifestyle

What lifestyle do you want your dog to adapt to? Are you a hiker or a walker? Do you like to camp or visit the beach. Is an active dog, and a protective dog best for you or more of just a little cuddly guy? What breed would best suit you?

15 Items to Have On Hand for your Doggy:

1. A hard plastic carrier with a blanket inside and sized for your dog.
2. Good stainless steel food and water bowls…possibly on a stand for a larger dog.
3. Tug toys or squeakers to keep your dog occupied and for play time with you.
4. A good fitting harness and a leash for walking jaunts.
5. Collar with ID tags and a microchip from your vet in case of a lost dog.
6. Good natural dog food made in the USA, both wet and dry.
7. And, natural dog treats made in the USA for training and treating.
8. Natural dental treats and dental kit for their teeth and overall health.
9. Non-toxic grooming supplies.
10. Vet recommended supplements.
11. A good comfy bed preferably made in the USA with no harmful materials.
12. For hot summer, paw balm or shoes to walk on streets, also in cold winter.
13. Poop baggies.
14. Picture in case of loss.
15. Possibly a baby gate if you need to close an area off for your dog at times.

See my article on dental help for your pets. An important task to keep your fur balls healthy: “Imperative Dental Care for our Fur Babies” .

Additional Info

Another post tells you about “Protection for Pets“.

And lastly, I want to refer you back to some fun fur pal facts mentioned in: “Curious Facts About Cats and Dogs” .

Thanks

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