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Health & Fitness

The Many Joys of Adopting an Adult Cat

We are so fortunate to have MEOW Cat Rescue in our community, serving a critical need that has only increased with the economic downtown.

WE ARE so fortunate to have in our community.Β  We can always depend on this shelter in Houghton to make the world just a little bit better – one pet at a time.

The economic downturn we’ve been experiencing for the past several years has impacted the lives of so many – and not even the pets have been spared.

Animal shelters everywhere have been experiencing the fallout.Β  Adoptions are down, donations are down.Β  But β€˜returns’ are up.Β  Good people have lost their jobs and often, their homes.Β  Some have had to move into less expensive no-pets housing, or move in with relatives.Β  Others simply can no longer afford the cost of pet food or veterinary care.Β  People who made honest commitments to their beloved cats have had to face the terrible decision to return them.

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MEOW Cat Rescue has always held its doors open for cats and dogs adopted from them. They’ve made a promise to provide a soft place for them to land, should that ever be necessary.Β  They continue to make good on that promise.Β  Since the recession began, the return rate has increased dramatically.Β Β Β  They are struggling to make room for the steady flow of homeless adult cats and are still entrenched in a very busy kitten β€˜season’.Β 

The silver lining in all of this is that MEOW has some truly wonderful cats.Β  Some are fluffy, some are sleek.Β  Some are young, some are seniors.Β  Some are talkative, some are quiet.Β  All are beautiful.Β  All have a story.Β  They ask for so little and give so much in return.Β  There are many benefits of adopting an adult cat.Β  Please consider the following:

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The vast majority of people who decide to adopt a cat choose kittens.Β  Kittens are so cute – they’re irresistible.Β  Many people like the idea of watching their pet grow and they feel that by adopting kittens, they’re starting out with a β€˜clean slate’.

What most people don’t realize, however, is that caring for kittens is a lot like caring for a baby.Β  Young kittens need almost constant supervision.Β  You have to safeguard their health – electrical and computer cords, knickknacks, household cleaners, drawers, window screens and pull cords, toilet bowls, your feet, and other pets can place a kittens’ safety at risk.

Kittens also have endless energy.Β  Expect your kittens to spend their nights scaling your draps and running up and down the stairs and across the countertops.Β  Rarely will a young kitten sleep at the foot of your bed.

AN ADULT CAT, on the other hand, is usually much calmer and less likely to get into trouble.Β  And, because an adult cat is fully grown, you know what you’re getting in terms of personality and appearance.Β  You can tell whether or not a cat is the type to sit on your lap.

Depending on your own age and lifestyle, you may be better off adopting an adult cat.Β  If you have a quiet lifestyle, work outside the home, or have children under six, consider adopting an adult cat or cats.Β  Senior citizens are often unprepared for the energy level of a kitten and would actually get more enjoyment from adopting a calm adult or senior cat.

Young children move quickly and like to hug pets.Β  Kids can accidentally hurt a small kitten, which might bite or scratch if it’s frightened.Β  The right adult cat, on the other hand, is more likely to tolerate children and less likely to be injured.

The best part about adopting an adult or senior cat?Β  You’re literally saving a life.Β  Because most people want to adopt kittens, a cat’s chances for adoption decreases with age.Β  Most of these cats make wonderful pets when someone gives them a chance.Β  MEOW is a no-kill shelter.Β  The cats at MEOW will remain there, or in foster care, until they are adopted.Β  Sadly, although the odds are improving, many older cats at shelters are euthanized.Β  By adopting an adult cat, you are helping to make room for more cats, who might otherwise be put to death.

Currently, MEOW has three senior cats who each have a Guardian Angel.Β  What does this mean?Β  This means that a very kind person has pre-paid the adoption fee for each of these three cats!Β  Perhaps you can help one of these precious pets wake up in their new home – very soon.Β  Please stop in and say hello to the kind people and cats at MEOW.Β  You will be in for a real treat!

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