Read About Cat Rescue Tips

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Cat rescue is a great way to give a cat an opportunity for a new life. Each day, there are literally millions of unwanted cats waiting at shelters and with rescue groups. Some groups or shelters have cats of many different breeds and ages; other specialize in particular breeds.

When thinking about rescuing a cat, one of the first decisions you must make is whether or not a specific breed is important to you. Just because you are interested in a specific breed of cat does not mean you can't rescue a needy kitty. There are many groups that specialize in rescue and adoption of particular breeds of cats. The Internet can be an excellent resource for locating a rescue group. A simple search can be performed by typing the words "cat rescue" into an Internet search engine. If breed is not important, you can contact your municipal animal shelter or the local chapter of the ASPCA to find shelters near you. Your local vet may also be a good resource for locating groups or individuals who have cats for adoption.

Another important decision is whether to rescue a kitten or an adult cat. Kittens are certainly cute and cuddly, but they are also a lot of work. You will need to devote a serious amount of time and patience to house training and socializing a kitten. If you do not think you have the time or patience for this, consider rescuing an adult cat. Kittens are generally more readily rescued than adults. If the idea of saving an animal's life is important to you, consider this fact when making your decision. To truly give a cat a second chance, think about rescuing an adult cat.

Be prepared to take your time going through the process of rescuing a cat. A decision like this should never be spur-of-the-moment; always be sure you, your family, and your home are ready for a new cat. Be prepared to fill out applications and possibly go through interviews and even home visits as you work with a rescue organization. Matching adoptable cats and interested owners can take some time. Rescue groups want to make sure they are placing each cat in a truly permanent home.

Make sure the timing is right before rescuing a cat. Some cats in shelters or with rescue groups may have been abused or abandoned, and will need special attention. If you are planning a vacation, a move, or a new baby, wait until you are "settled" again before bringing home a rescued cat. Do your homework, and your shopping, before kitty arrives. Have supplies already on hand for your new cat. He will need, at a minimum, a litter box, food and water bowls, and good-quality cat food. You may also want a bed for the cat to sleep in and he will certainly enjoy toys to play with.

Some shelters or rescue groups charge a small fee for processing the adoption, others ask that you make a donation to their organization. Most shelters require you to spay or neuter the animal, to prevent potentially unwanted cats in the future. Overall, the expense of taking in a rescue cat is usually much lower than the cost of buying one outright, and saves the life of an abandoned cat.