Did you know that June is the National Adopt a Cat Month? This month also marks the height of “kitten season,” when large litters of kittens are born and often end up in animal shelters. If you are planning to bring home your first cat or adding one to your family, here are some tips from The Pet Pamper to help you prepare:

1. Try Adopting 2 Cats: Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. Plus they can provide more benefits to you. Recent studies have shown that cats' purring soothe humans as well as themselves.
2. Importance of Personalities: Like us,, cats have their own personality. In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active. Adoption counsellors can offer advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.
3. Pick a vet: Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption. You should take any medical records you received from the adoption centre on your first visit.
4. Prepare everyone in the house: First you should prepare everyone in the house. The first visit to the adoption centre is a family matter. If you already have pets at home and welcoming a new cat, discuss with the adoption facility how to make a proper introduction.
5. Cat-proof your house: A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will serve to teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).
6. Emergency plan: You probably have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency. Adjust this plan to include your pets. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list.
7. Gifting a cat: If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process. Remember, adopting a cat isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or a piece of jewellery – this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being.

Note : Sites like petfinder.com and adoptapet.com let you search numerous shelters in your area simultaneously to help narrow your search, and more quickly find the match that’s right for you and your new feline friend.