Adopting a cat is the best way to welcome a new feline family member into your home. Animal shelters are far too often overloaded with unwanted cats and kittens and it is our responsibility as human beings to support these animal shelters by adopting a cat as opposed to supporting pet breeders. There are so many beautiful cats at animal shelters eagerly waiting to be adopted, brought home and loved unconditionally. There are many reasons why cats end up in animal shelters and these are mostly due to unfortunate circumstances such as the previous owners relocating or facing financial difficulties. People often assume that cats in animal shelters are sickly or poorly behaved, but most of them only end up there due to unfortunate external events and are in fact healthy, clean and fully lovable animals. Choosing to adopt and not shop is the wisest choice you can make and you will not be disappointed. 

What to Consider Before Adopting a Cat

Below are a few tips you may want to consider before adopting a cat:

Personality: What type of personality or characteristics are you looking for in a cat? Having this knowledge ready before you visit an animal shelter can assist you in finding your ideal kitty companion. Many animal shelters know their cats on an intimate level and will be able to tell you which cats are more playful, active, affectionate and independent and which are more reserved, quiet, calm and prefer to stay indoors. All cats have their own unique personality so it is helpful to have an idea of what type of furry companion you are looking for. 

Be prepared for the long-term: Adopting a cat is a long-term commitment and you will need to care for your cat for hopefully many years to come. One of the main reasons why cats end up in animal shelters is due to owners not being able to provide consistent care. Many cats find themselves at shelters when their owners can no longer afford to keep them or move to a new home where they cannot take their cats. This is essentially irresponsible and these factors should be taken into account before the adoption takes place. It is also a great idea to be prepared with a trusted friend or family member who can look after your cat should you travel or go on holiday in the future.  

Adopting a Cat in South Africa

Adopting a cat in South Africa is a simple and straightforward process. There are many animal shelters that you can visit to view and spend time with their available cats. You can even choose your new kitty companion online, as many animal shelters now offer an ‘adoption page’ including pictures and descriptions of their available cats. If one or more of these cats finds their way into your heart, you will be required to fill out an application form and all good animal shelters will first perform a home check before allowing you to bring your cat home. These checks are to ensure that you are prepared for owning a cat and that your home environment is safe and compatible. 

If you are looking to adopt a new feline friend, below are the names of some trusted organizations in South Africa that can assist you:

  • T.E.A.R.S (Cape Town)
  • S.P.C.A (Countrywide) 
  • D.A.R.G (Cape Town)
  • Wetnose (Gauteng)
  • Friends of the Cat (Gauteng)
  • 4 Paws (Gauteng)
  • African Tails (Cape Town)
  • Catz R Us (Pretoria)