Conference misery::feline_v1

2050.0. "Owner, Beware! (from Cat Fancy)" by TPVAX1::ROBBINS () Fri Dec 09 1988 15:33

        This information is taken from an article in January's 1989
    Cat Fancy.  The article is quite long so I'll just briefly try to
    consolidate it.
    
         1.  Be realistic in considering your lifestyle before you adopt.
    Don't assume that your own persuasion or new arrival's charm will
    change the mind of your landlord, spouse, roommate, or even existing
    pets.  Many pets are given up within weeks or a few months because
    of the realization of limitations hitting later.
    
         2.  Have your cat spayed or neutered before one or more litters
             arrive.
    
         3.  Newspapers offer the best means of reaching a large amount
    of people when your looking to place a cat.  It also however increases
    ones exposure to the "bad people" in this world.  First start with
    small local papers and newsletters.  Contact friends, relatives,
    acquaintances, neighbors, and vets.  To increase your odds of reaching
    animal lovers make sure you post at vet offices and animal shelter.
    (and of course here :^)
    
          4.  Word the ads carefully.  Your usage of words such as
    "desperate" or threats to take the cat and/or kittens to a pound
    within a certain time period may not motivate those with big hearts
    but are more likely to attract those wanting to take advantage of
    the situation with no welfare of your animal in mind at all. Instead
    push personality and appearance traits.
    
          5.  Ask a fee for the animal ($20-$25).  Include this in the
    ad.  (Unless of course this is a stray who you found.  The owner
    should be able to on the phone describe his/her pet more then what
    you have in the ad and may even show you a photograph)  Parties
    who round up animals for research labs usually sell to the broker $10-
    $25 apiece.  Highly unlikely they'll pay for yours with so many
    other free ones around.
               People who truely want your pet will pay that amount.
    If they can't pay that amount how will they afford everything else
    entailed in caring for a pet?  If you don't feel right about keeping
    the money donate it.
    
          6.  Screen callers on the phone before allowing them to come
    and see the animal.  When they do come follow your gut reaction.
    Don't be afraid to say "NO" if you feel somthing isn't right.  To
    help with your decision ask them for the name of their vet as a
    reference and check it.
    
          7.  If time is dwindling away fast bringing your animal to
    a reputalbe public or private shelter may be better then giving
    them away free to someone you don't know.  Some questions to ask
    of the shelter is :  How long pets are kept and what placement efforts
    are made?  Is the placement free or for a fee?  Public or private?
    Visit the shelter yourself first.  Check their references also.
    
          8.  Call your city's animal regulation department and ask
    whether local laws specifically permit or prohibit the sale of
    unclaimed or relinquished pets in city shelters to research labs?
    Does this law affect private shelters as well? Does the pet's owner
    have rights that supersede existing law? 
    
          9.  Best protection against cat-nappers (as well as their
    general well-being) is to keep kitty indoors at all times.  If not
    possible be sure kitty has a permanent id tag and is fixed to curb
    its instinct to roam.