Adopting a new cat is so exciting! You've probably been thinking about it for sometime and now that the moment has finally arrived you can barely wait to get down to the shelter and save your new friend. However, you shouldn't forget to be prepared. I just saw some great advice from a reader who adopted two cats in the last few months. She ran across a bit of heartache with her first adoption and wants to make sure the same doesn't happen to you.

Maria in Los Angeles writes that she was just over the moon about adopting a red tabby Persian named Ely from her local animal shelter. She already had a 14 year-old Persian and was looking forward bringing a companion home for him. She was so excited that she thinks she may not have asked enough questions at the shelter. She was told that Ely was a finicky eater, but found out later that the truth was he hadn't eaten in three weeks due to advanced stages of cancer.

Maria, of course, was heartbroken. A week and $400 later, poor Ely had to be put to sleep because of acute kidney failure, a complication of the cancer. She has no regrets about helping the wonderful kitty through his last days with comfort and dignity, but wanted to share some advice with our readers.

You should always ask as many questions as possible when adopting and get your new cat to your own vet as quickly as you can. Have an initial health check done, shots administered and consider having a comprehensive lab test done. It's important to know from the start if your new cat may have any health problems. You don't know this cat's history and the more you know about her overall health, the more likely she'll have a long and happy life with you.

Maria also advises that once your cat has a clean bill of health, you should consider getting a good health insurance plan. The premiums for a healthy animal and very reasonable and having insurance can be a financial lifesaver in times of crisis. Having pet insurance means one less thing to worry about when the furry love of your life gets ill!


Until next time...


Petplace Staff



To learn more about pet insurance, visit Veterinary Pet Insurance