Choosing the Right Kitten Adoption or Rescue Center | Dog & Cat Health, Wellness, Products and Breed Information

Choosing the Right Kitten Adoption or Rescue Center
| Print | By Suzanne Gardner | July 9, 2009 4:44 PM

Every potential pet owner wants to ensure that their new kitten is healthy and happy, and choosing the right adoption or rescue center is the first step towards finding a healthy kitten.

While most centers in the United States follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the health of their animals, there are sadly always a few bad apples in the bunch, which, either through inexperience or carelessness, run an unhealthy facility.

If you are looking for the right adoption or rescue center for your new kitten, take a close look at the conditions of the premises, the health of the kittens and the reputation of the facility.

Once you have found a potential adoption center, drop by unannounced for a tour of the facility. Take a general look at the environment and staff during your tour, and ask yourself the following questions:

Is the facility clean?
Are the kitten kennels overcrowded and unkempt?
Is there fresh water in the kennels, and are the litter boxes clean?
Is the staff friendly and approachable?
Does the staff offer information about how to care for your kitten? And what types of vaccination and parasite control the kittens have had or need?

A reputable center will always allow potential pet owners to look through the facility and be open to answering questions. If you find a place that does not allow tours, or where the staff is not willing to answer questions, go somewhere else.

The health of the kittens will also alert you to any potential problems with the adoption or rescue center. Look closely for any signs of respiratory illnesses, which include: discharge around the nose or eyes, coughing, sneezing, lethargy and depression. The kittens should all be active and curious, and they should have a healthy body condition. Kittens that are underweight can indicate parasite infection or additional health problems. Ask the facility if they test their kittens for feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus as well.

Before you commit to an adoption or rescue center, check the center's reputation. Look for Internet reviews, ask the local humane society if they have any knowledge or information about the center, and ask the center for client recommendations. You may also want to ask the center what veterinarian they use and talk with the veterinarian about the center's reputation.

If you happen to find an adoption or rescue center that houses kittens in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions, report the center to the local humane society. While it is tempting to adopt kittens from these environments in order to save them, in the end you will only be providing additional financial resources for the center's continual survival.

Kittens in these facilities may already have health conditions which are fatal or which require high veterinarian costs to treat, and permanent damage to the kitten's health may already have occurred. The kittens may also be infected with an illness, such as feline leukemia, which could pose a threat to other cats in your household.

Comments (6)

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Michaela September 22, 2009 8:36 PM

I love kittens and cats mosts kittens!

Phyllis October 22, 2009 10:04 AM

We just adopted 2 little kittens (brother and sister) and they are a joy. They are the best thing for senior citizen.

Shirley Ann Botkin October 22, 2009 6:02 PM

I have two cats that I adopted from a shelter and two that I took in as strays.They are all males and the loves of my life. They are such a great joy when they come running to me when I walk in the front door.Of course they know they will be getting a treat!!!.So spoiled.They are Coey,J.B., Mickey, & Kingsley.

Jackie Miller October 23, 2009 10:02 AM

I adopted two cats from our local shelter. My first little girl, Bailey Boo, came to our home on June 3, 2008: her "sister", Sydney Soo, joined our family on June 3, 2009. It took some time but Bailey accepted Sydney and they are now the best of friends and the loves of my life! I've always liked cats but they have renewed my LOVE for cats. Wonder what June 3, 2010 will bring:)

Sandy Wilkes October 27, 2009 2:44 PM

My husband & I adpoted a female kitten from our local rescue.She was
terribly thin and had a bad respiratory infection.We spent a lot of time,and money,bringing her back to good health.But,Savannah is now 3 yrs.old & loves to sleep on his head every night.She was worth every effort!We wouldn't give her up for the world! Sandy & Herb Wilkes

Donna Rose October 28, 2009 1:49 PM

We just adopted 2 male kittens - not brothers - but they are always together - either grappling or snuggling. I'm grateful we were able to save them - they actually saved us!!! Their names are Jett & Smokey!

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