When you go to adopt a cat (or any animal) it’s the job of the person whom has it to make sure the animal goes to the most appropriate and best prepared home possible. They therefore ask you many questions about what your intentions are as a pet owner. I will not tell you the answers (some of them have very definite wrong answers) but these are the questions you should be prepared for when adopting a new pet.

 

QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL ADOPTERS

 

What is your reason for acquiring a pet/another pet? Why this specific animal?

 

Can you afford to care for your pet’s health and safety? Are you aware of and prepared to assume the financial and physical responsibilities of caring for this animal? Including but not limited to:

• vaccinations

• regular veterinary care

• emergency veterinary care

• check-ups

• appropriate quality food

• time and attention

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Is everyone in the household agreeable to adopting this animal?

 

Who will be the primary caregiver of the animal?

 

Will there be someone at home during the day? If not, how many hours will the animal be left alone?

 

Have you had any pets before?

 

What happened to your previous pet(s)?

 

Do you currently have any pets? What are they?

• Are they up to date on all required annual vaccinations?

• Are they spay or neutered?

• Do they generally get along with other animals?

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Are you aware of the need and prepared to introduce the animals gradually?

 

What will you do if they do not get along?

 

What preparations have you made for the animal? For example, where will it sleep, what foods have you bought, etc.

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What type of property do you live in? Do you have a Landlord?

• You must provide your Landlord’s contact information to prove you are allowed to have pets.

• Many landlords charge a per month fee and/or deposit, are you prepared for this additional expense?

 

Will you be keeping the cat indoors? How do you expect to keep it from roaming?

 

Do you have children at home?

• In the event you were expecting children, what would be the plan for your pets?

• What would you do if your pet harmed a child by accident?

 

Are you planning to move in the near future? If yes, are you prepared to bring the animal with you?

 

What will you do if someone in the family develops an allergy?

 

How do you intend to handle if an animal does damage to furniture?

 

How do you handle if an animal stops using it’s litter box, of sometimes goes in other places?

 

What are your thoughts on De-Clawing a cat?

 

Are you aware of the average life-span of a cat (up to 20 years) and are you prepared to give it a home for the rest of its life?

 

Do you have a care plan/provider in the event you go on vacation? What rules do you set for their standard of care?

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Do you have an emergency plan for what happens to/whom takes care of your pet(s) in the event you are unable to, have to go to the hospital, or pass?