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From fabulous felines to marvellous moggies, adopting rescue cats is rewarding

It's the "purr-fect" pet.
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Cute, cuddly and with plenty of love to give, rescue cats can bring a lot of joy into our lives. If youโ€™ve been thinking of adopting a feline fur baby, Petbarn Foundation manager Janelle Bloxsom says that there are currently thousands of cats and kittens in shelters who are waiting for their forever homes.

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With cat vaccines coming back into supply following recent shortages, now is the time for rehoming these felines.

โ€œItโ€™s the perfect time to think about adopting, help relieve the pressure of overcrowding in shelters and save a precious life,โ€ she says.

Rescue cats like this one the lady is hugging are loving companions
Providing a forever home to an older cat is rewarding. (Image: Getty)

REASONS TO ADOPT

Janelle says some people worry about adopting pets from shelters because theyโ€™ve been misled to believe they may have behavioural issues. However, Janelle says this simply isnโ€™t true, and rescue cats have everything it takes to make the purrfect pet companions, provided you have room.

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โ€œThe reality is there are thousands of healthy, well-socialised, vet-checked, desexed animals looking for a loving home that have ended up in shelters or rescues by no fault of their own,โ€ she explains.

โ€œThrough adoption youโ€™re giving a cat or kitten the second chance at life that they deserve.โ€

Along with visiting local shelters, many local vet clinics have adoption programs. Petbarn also works with animal charities across Australia, with rescue cats and kittens available for adoption in store.

โ€œSince opening our first Petbarn Adoption Centre in 2012, we have helped rehomed over 72,000 cats and kittens on behalf of our partner animal shelters, whom we partner with closely,โ€ says Janelle.

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SHOULD I RESCUE A CAT OR KITTEN?

Orange striped kitten stretches against a white background
Kittens are typically the first to get adopted but require more supervision than an adult cat. (Image: Getty)

This often comes down to your lifestyle and the kind of companion youโ€™re after. While kittens typically get adopted first, adult cats have a lot going in their favour.

โ€œAdult cats typically require less hands-on care and supervision compared to kittens,โ€ Janelle explains. โ€œThey are often already litter-box-trained, accustomed to grooming routines, and may have lower energy levels, making them a great choice for busy individuals or families.โ€

Because adult cats have a known health history, youโ€™ll also be able to make informed decisions about their needs.

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โ€œUnlike kittens, whose personalities are still developing, adult cats have fully formed personalities, allowing you to choose a cat whose temperament aligns with your lifestyle,โ€ Janelle adds.

โ€œMany adult shelter cats have experienced hardship or abandonment โ€“ through no fault of their own โ€“ and providing them with a forever home can be incredibly rewarding as they repay you with unconditional love and loyalty.

โ€œAdult cats often make wonderful companions for older individuals due to their lower energy levels and calmer demeanour compared to kittens.โ€

BECOMING A NEW CAT PARENT

Around 33 per cent of Aussie households have a cat. They can make ideal pets for apartment dwellers or people who donโ€™t have time to walk a dog every day.

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Cats still need plenty of care, though. Youโ€™ll need to ensure your home is cat-friendly with a designated litter box area, scratching posts, cosy hiding spots and safe toys for enrichment. Chat with your vet about your catโ€™s diet and remove any potential hazards such as toxic plants โ€“ did you know that lilies can be deadly?

Youโ€™ll also need to ensure your cat is registered and up-to-date with vaccinations, parasite prevention and vet check-ups. Some cats also need more grooming than others, and long-haired cats should be groomed daily.

โ€œSpend quality time bonding with your cat through interactive play, gentle grooming sessions, and provide plenty of affection to help your cat feel secure and loved,โ€ says Janelle. โ€œCats communicate through body language, vocalisations and behaviour. Learn to interpret your catโ€™s cues to understand their needs, preferences and emotions.โ€

Golden Retriever and rescue cat cuddle on blue couch
A bonded pair of pets wonโ€™t fight like cats and dogs. (Image: Getty)
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ADOPTING RESCUE CATS

If youโ€™ve got room for more than one pet, a good way to ensure theyโ€™ll get along is by adopting a bonded pair.

โ€œBonded pairs refer to two animals that have formed a close emotional bond with each other and rely on each other for companionship, comfort and support,โ€ says Janelle.

Some bonded pairs come from the same litter or they might have formed a close friendship in a shelter or while they were being fostered. They could be two cats, two dogs or even a combination of both!

Janelle says adopting a bonded pair can reduce the likelihood of loneliness and boredom when theyโ€™re left alone. It can also lead to a smoother transition when they move into their new home. โ€œSince they already have each other for comfort and support, they are less likely to experience the same level of stress or anxiety associated with adjusting to a new living situation,โ€ she says.

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