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Looking for a feline companion? -

Are you a cat lover and considering bringing a feline companion into your home? If so, there's a few things you need to think about beforehand.

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Visit a cat shelter -

The best place to look for a furry friend is an animal shelter. And there are many good reasons for adopting a rescue cat.

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Financial benefits -

Adopting a cat rather than making a purchase through a breeder of course saves money, though there's usually a modest adoption fee to be met.

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Help save a life -

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 3.2 million cats can be found in shelters every year, and of these about 860,000 are euthanized annually. By adopting a cat through a shelter, you're effectively saving its life.

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Help save a second life -

And by choosing to adopt a rescue cat, you're actually saving the life of a second feline by freeing up space for shelters to take in another stray or abandoned animal.

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Are you ready to adopt? -

Adopting a cat is a long-term commitment. Are you ready to look after an animal for the rest of its life? Remember, some felines live as long as 20 years. That's a whole lot of tender loving care on your part.

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Make it a double -

If you're looking to adopt a kitten, consider taking in a pair, ideally siblings. They know and trust each other, and this way they'll have a 24/7 play partner.

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Cats and kittens -

Be mindful that an older cat already ensconced in your home might not take too lightly to a couple of cheeky upstarts scampering around and wanting to play.

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Which pet is right for you? -

A great advantage of adopting a rescue cat is that shelter staff and volunteers will be familiar with the breed and personality of your chosen feline. They can help find a companion with the type of temperament you're looking for. Chances are, though, you'll find your purrfect buddy already waiting for you.

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Preparing your home for a new cat -

Once you're committed to offering a stray a new shot at life, you'll need to ready your own home for its impending arrival. Make it safe for cats before adopting. That includes keeping toxic foods and liquids, pet-unfriendly plants, and dangerous household items out of paw's reach.

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Toxic plants and flowers -

Incidentally, household plants poisonous to cats include cycads, Swiss cheese plants, and aloe vera. Lilies and daffodils are among flowers toxic to felines. If you enjoy having fresh bouquets or floral displays in your home, purchase cat-friendly flowers.

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Welcome home! -

It's a good idea to roll up expensive or decorative carpets before bringing your new kitty home. It also makes sense to remove ornate drapery and any other potential strangulation hazards until the cat has familiarized itself with its new surroundings.

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Making new friends -

An adopted cat will very likely appreciate the company of another cat or a cat-friendly dog in your household. And as long as the affection is reciprocal, this will reduce feelings of loneliness many rescue animals experience while in a shelter environment.

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Purchase a cat scratching post -

A cat scratching post serves as a helpful alternative to attractive carpets, furniture, and wallpaper. Cats need to scratch to keep their claws sharp, exercise, and stretch their muscles.

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Essential item -

An essential item to purchase is a cat litter box. Introduce your new furry friend to this toilet facility as soon as possible after welcoming the feline into your home. Cats are clean and fastidious creatures, and easily remember where to carry out their ablutions.

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Apartment cat -

Cats are certainly at home in apartments. What's important is not so much the size of the space, but how much enrichment and attention they get. For a touch of 'luxury,' provide a few head-height perches for your new friend to curl up on, ideally set near a window for a penthouse view.

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House cat -

A house offers up a lot of room for cats to roam around in. If you're fortunate enough to have a garden, this will serve as their wilderness, an outback to explore. Just make sure it's a safe, preferably fenced-in environment.

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Health benefits of adopting a cat -

According to the MEOW Foundation, studies have shown that cats have a calming, stress-reducing impact on our health. And the fact that you've taken in a rescue a cat only adds to an overall sense of well-being.

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Heart to heart -

While not scientifically proven, having a feline companion close at hand is said to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Good for body and soul -

Cats are also beneficial to us from a mental health standpoint. Receiving cuddles, purrs, and playful head butts from an affectionate kitty really is special. No wonder they make great therapy animals!

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Companions for senior citizens -

Cats make excellent companions for elderly people, especially those living alone. They're easy to care for and, if chosen carefully from a shelter, will likely match the pace and temperament of their owner.

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Cats help fight against asthma -

Did you know that cats can improve children's resistance to asthma? According to a report published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy, early exposure to a cat in the home can actually reduce infants' sensitization to the allergens felines produce.

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Compassion and commitment -

American Humane reminds us that by interacting with cats, kids can learn how to be gentle with animals who are small and delicate. And if it's a rescue cat, youngsters become especially aware of the compassion and commitment needed in order to look after stray animals in general.

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Bonding with cats -

Furthermore, the bonds that children create with their feline friends transfer over to the bonds they can form with their human ones.

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Proper pet care -

If it's relevant, one of the things to consider before adopting a cat is whether those in your family are also prepared for your new pet. This will include discussing proper pet care with your children.

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Microchip your cat -

Avoid the heartache of misplacing your cat or having it wander off or even stolen by getting it microchipped. It's a procedure that can expedite the return of a roaming furry friend.

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Neuter or spay? -

It's wise to spay a female cat or neuter a male one if this procedure has not already been carried out at the animal shelter. Generally, spayed and neutered pets live healthier, longer, and happier lives.

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Grooming a cat -

Cats are pretty independent in nature, but do appreciate a little fuss and attention on occasion. Pet care extends to purchasing and using grooming tools, things like a cat brush and nail clippers.

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Playing with a cat -

And don't forget to play with your furry friend, as often as possible. Playtime benefits all concerned and can induce fits of laughter as your adopted cat madly chases a dangling feather or a catnip ball.

See also: The best pet for you according to your personality and lifestyle

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