Normally, when we talk about adopt cats We immediately think of furry mixed-breed or hybrid animals who have had the misfortune of ending up or being born on the street and are now in cages waiting for someone to take them home. But what if I told you there are also purebred cats in shelters and kennelsMany people are surprised to discover that purebred animals can be found not only in breeders or private individuals.
La adoption of purebred cats It is certainly not as common as (or as should be) the adoption of mixed-breed cats, but it is a practice that exists and that more and more shelters are promoting. In many adoption profiles, shelters indicate the case status (For example, “up for adoption,” “urgent,” “in foster care,” “reserved,” or “adopted”) so you know if the cat has already found a family or if it urgently needs a home. So before buying a cat, don't hesitate to visit animal shelters in your area and carefully review all the available profiles. Next I will explain to you what is usually asked of the adopter and what you should calmly assess.
What does adopting a purebred cat involve?
A purebred cat, although it may seem obvious, is a cat like any otherWhat does this mean? Well, it means it needs exactly the same care than any other cat: quality food, regular visits to the vet, environmental enrichment and, above all, companionship and respect for their emotional well-being.
Perhaps the advantage of it being a purebred is that you can know in advance What size will it be?, what type of coat it requires or what its coat might be like, approximately with a dash of rebelliousness For example, some breeds are known for being calmer and more sociable, and they tend to adapt very well to family life with children or other animals, while others are more active or independent. Even so, you have to keep in mind that purebred cats that end up in animal shelters (kennels and rescue organizations) are often... adultsso they already have a defined personality that has been shaped by their previous experiences.
In many animal shelters, the volunteer team or foster homes carry out a detailed observation of behavior about the cat so that its profile can be described: whether it is affectionate, easily frightened, gets along well with other cats or dogs, or prefers a quiet home without too much noise. These profiles usually indicate the status of the case, with labels such as:
- For adoptionThe cat is available and is located at the shelter or at the home of a collaborating individual.
- Urgent: for some specific reason (health, lack of a home, stress in the cage) its adoption is needed quickly.
- In foster careThe cat is currently at a volunteer's home, but is still available for permanent adoption.
- ReservedThere is an interested person and the adoption is being finalized, although it is not yet 100% confirmed.
- AdoptedFortunately, she has already found a new family and her case is closed.
Knowing these states will help you better understand the situation of each breed cat You will see that you can already prioritize, if you wish, those cases categorized as "urgent" or those that have been waiting for a home for a longer time.
Reasons why a purebred cat ends up in a shelter
Why is a purebred cat taken to a shelter? Basically, for the same reasons any other animal is abandoned. It's not about whether the cat is better or worse, but about wrong human decisions or of significant changes in the life of the family:
- They cannot attend to him (or they have grown tired of doing it): the cat no longer fits into the family's lifestyle or they simply lose interest in it.
- He behaves “badly”Scratching furniture, urine marking, meowing at night… problems that, in reality, can usually be solved with good feline training and professional advice.
- Health problems whose treatment they cannot afford: some breeds may be more prone to certain diseases and, if the family does not assume the cost, the cat ends up in a shelter.
- Economic problemsJob loss, separations, or debts that lead to cutting back on expenses, including pet care.
- Move: changes of residence, relocations to another country or rentals where They do not allow animals. and the family is not looking for alternatives.
- The son or daughter is not paying attention.The cat was given as a "toy" to a child and, when the novelty wore off, it was decided to get rid of it.
To avoid that the cat ends up suffering the consequences of a bad decision, The family must meet BEFORE adopting or buying the cat So that EVERYONE can have their say about the possible addition of a cat to the family, as well as its training and the responsibilities involved. It's essential to discuss topics such as who will be in charge of cleaning the litter box, taking it to the vet, playing with it daily, or covering any potential future medical treatments.
What is required of the adopter of a purebred cat
What is asked of the adopter? Basically, seriousness and commitmentIf you adopt from a shelter, they will make you sign a adoption contractBy adopting the cat, you agree to properly care for the animal, respect its well-being, and not use it for indiscriminate breeding. In many cases, the cat is delivered already microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, and, if age permits, neutered, which represents a significant saving compared to buying it.
In addition, they might make you a subsequent follow-up to ensure the cat has truly ended up in good hands. This follow-up may consist of calls, messages, or even a scheduled visit, all with the sole aim of confirming the cat is well cared for. Depending on the animal's situation, some shelters may classify certain cases as "urgent" to remind adopters that these cats need a home as soon as possible.
On association websites and portals, individual profiles for each cat are usually available, with basic information such as approximate ageBreed (or mix), sex, health status, and temperament description, very similar to what you would do with an adult cat like "Duchess" or with young cats like "Outburst." This information helps you assess whether the cat fits your lifestyle and expectations.
Before filling out the adoption form, you will be asked to read and accept some terms and conditions. living conditions (Don't let the cat go outside alone, keep it microchipped, notify the shelter if you can no longer care for it, etc.). They may also ask you questions about your home, your schedule, whether there are children or other animals in the house, or if you travel frequently, all aimed at ensuring a good match between the purebred cat and its new family.
Final tips for responsible adoption
Did you know that purebred cats can be adopted? Now that you better understand how animal records work, the different statuses a case can be in (available for adoption, urgent, in foster care, reserved, adopted), and what shelters expect from adopters, it's easier to make an informed decision. An adopted purebred cat can be just as affectionate, well-balanced, and adaptable as any other, and you'll also be offering a second opportunity to an animal that, due to circumstances beyond its control, has lost its home.
If you're drawn to the physical appearance or typical temperament of a particular breed, but don't want to contribute to uncontrolled breeding, visiting shelters, animal welfare organizations, and foster homes is a responsible way to find your future feline companion. Take your time to review the profiles, inquire about urgent cases, and consider whether you're prepared to take on a responsibility. long term commitmentboth emotionally and financially. So, when you finally take the step to adopt, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing you're doing so with all the information at hand and with the best intentions of offering the cat a stable and happy life.
Taking your time to choose, respecting the shelters' processes, and valuing both mixed-breed and purebred cats will make adoption a very positive experience for everyone involved, especially for that feline who, thanks to you, will finally be able to enjoy a forever home.