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FINDING
A CAT
If you find a cat and you can't keep the cat, your first
reaction is probably to call a local animal shelter. Don't
be surprised when the shelter says it's full or puts you
on a waiting list. There simply are too many stray animals and not
enough homes.
The local municipal shelter most likely
will immediately accept the cat, but put him to sleep if he
is not adopted within a few days. So, it's understandable that you'd prefer
to call a no-kill rescue group like KittyKind.
However,
ALL shelters and rescue groups have severely limited space,
resources, money, and volunteers. So before you pick up
the phone, first try to adopt the cat out yourself. A friendly
cat stands a good chance of finding a home if you are willing
to put a little work into it.
WHAT
TO DO
First, bring the cat inside. Make an appointment with a
vet. The cat will need to be tested for FIV and Leukemia,
vaccinated, and fixed. Yes, this will cost money. It costs
shelters money too (donations don't come close to covering
the costs shelters have). Many vets will give you a discount
if you explain the situation. There are also low-cost veterinary
hospitals like The Humane Society that are reasonably priced.
Keep the stray cat separated from your pets (the bathroom
will do) until the cat is at least tested.
MAKE
POSTERS
Then take some photos of the cat. Make posters and place
them around the neighborhood, in vet offices, and pet stores.
Have your phone number in little tear sheets at the bottom,
and don't be afraid to poster your neighborhood, and move
into other neighborhoods. The more posters, the more chances
of finding a home.
USE
THE INTERNET
Send a description of the cat to everyone on your email
list, and ask them to send it to everyone on theirs. Within
a few days, hundreds of people can learn about the cat.
Make use of the Petfinder and Pets 911 Web sites — you'll be able to
post a picture of the cat and information about him or her for free.
INTERVIEW
If you've done all of the above, chances are you will get
at least one phone call about the cat. Make sure you interview
the person well over the phone. Ask the person about their
history with cats, why they want a cat, and if they have
screens on their windows. No sense rescuing the stray only
to give it to a person who will soon lose interest in it
and put it back out on the street. Or lose it as soon as
they open a window.
Then
have the person come to YOUR house to see the cat. The cat
will be more friendly and comfortable in familiar surroundings.
If the person is interested, you can offer to deliver the
cat to their house. This is much more convenient for the
person, and gives you a chance to check for screens when
you visit.
Kittens
have a much easier time finding a home. Interview people
who want kittens even MORE strongly. Kittens grow up extremely
quickly, and you want to make sure your adopter wants a
cat, not just a kitten. Always remember, kittens (and therefore
the owners) will be much happier if placed in pairs.
LAST
RESORT
By this time, you very well may have found the cat a home.
If not, then try the no-kill shelters as a last resort.
The fact that you have a cat already tested, vaccinated,
and fixed will vastly increase its chances of being taken
in. Offering a donation will help even more. The shelter
will have to provide food, litter and possibly medical care
for the cat until it is adopted. All this costs money, and
shelters are doing it for dozens of cats at once, not just
one.
VOLUNTEER
Another thing you can do to help stray cats is to become
a volunteer at your local shelter. People are always needed
to clean cages, foster cats, or walk dogs. Even once a week
will help. The more volunteers a shelter has, the more able
it will be to take in a cat when you find one.
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