After reading many posts in this group from people who feel getting rid of the cat over a minor problems makes me wonder where these people's heads are at? To all of you people who feel cats are disposable like throwing out soda can let me remind you that cats (and any other animal) are living, breathing creatures who have a heart, brain and feelings. They are living things and not to be thrown out like garbage.

For those of you who decide to get rid of a cat because you're moving, have a baby on the way, the cat peed or crapped outside the litterbox, accidently scratched you, or even the occasional he destroyed a piece of furniture, should rethink why you got that cat in the first place. Cats are not decorations, nor are they in-animate objects. They have souls, minds, and even thoughts. Those of you who are thinking about getting a cat should consider the following:

1. Are you moving away in a month and will find you won't or can't take the animal with you (one poster here decided to get rid of the cat because they were moving away in a month or so, I believe because they were a college student)?

2. Do you have a means of support so you can care for the cat? Cats need to be fed, have toys, a good home to live in, a litterbox, and all the basics for good cat care. They also will require vet care on occasion as well as love from the owner. If you can't afford the animal don't bother getting them.

3. Is your temperament good? Do you plan on getting rid of the cat if it doesn't adapt to your home or apartment right away? Are you planning on getting rid of the cat if it ends up having a minor problem which could possibly be treated by a vet?

4. Do you love animals? This important because the best owners are those with a kind heart who will accept the fact the animal they decided on getting is a living creature. If you love and care for the animal they will give you a very nice gift that will last a lifetime, love, friendship and memories that will last a lifetime.

5. Are the people in your home kind to animals? If not then I do suggest not getting one.

6. Is your cat having kittens, had kittens or is going to have kittens? Then before giving them away (when they are old enough to be adopted) make sure that homes they go to are ones that good ones. Interview the prospective owners, if you can visit their homes and try to get visitation rights so you can make sure they are being cared for properly. To keep away potential animal abusers, and helping to prevent the cats from ending up in research labs don't advertise them as free kittens. Charge a small fee and then donate it to an animal shelter.

7. If your cat isn't spayed or neutered then get them fixed. Not only will you be helping to lower the pet population but you'll also ensure that a cat leads a longer, healthier, and happier life.

8. Make sure that the animal is up to date with it's shots and have the animal checked out by a vet.

9. Try to keep the cat indoors. If you must let them explore the then train them on a leash and harness. That way the cat and their humans can enjoy the great outdoors together safely. If they have to be let outdoors then why not make sure your yard is a fenced one. Though there is no guarantee that the cat will not get outside your yard it some protection. If you live in an apartment then I recommend highly to keep your cats indoors. If they are outside then they could get hit by cars, get hurt by other cats and even worse get hurt by other people. For those who prefer to have their cats be indoor/outdoor ones, make sure they also have identification. If the cat gets lost then there is a chance they could get picked up by the local animal shelter and their owners can be contacted.

10. If you're moving or planning on moving, choose a place that allows pets. There have been too many posts where people have just simply made an excuse not to take their pets with them. Do not abandon the animal simply because you're moving. Too many people simply will just abandon or dump the animal leaving them to fend for themselves. You wouldn't dump a human being would you?

11. If you find a cat you think is abandoned then do what you can to find the owner. It is recommended that you don't give out too much information about the animal. Anyone can call and say they lost a cat but if you give that person a description of the cat then it could end up in the wrong hands. Ask the person who calls you to describe the cat especially any identifying marks the cat may have. If you have no luck in finding the owner then ask for help from the local animal shelter.

12. Lastly, make sure you can give the animal the love it needs. Love and tender care is the most important thing.

I know there is probably more a person can list but this all I can think of at the moment. Remember, cats are a joy and not an obligation. If you give the cat love, care and proper guidance, then you'll have a friend for a lifetime.

This article is Copyright © Cat Protector, and printed with permission of the author.
October 25, 1998