Some people celebrate Halloween with a bag full of candy.
Some people celebrate with their favorite costume.
But some of us would rather celebrate with a new furry friend—better yet, a new furry friend that we can put in a costume.
If this sounds like your kind of Halloween, you’re in luck.
The Atlanta Humane Society is getting in the Halloween spirit by waiving adoption fees for all cats and kittens that have black or orange coloring.
The special offer will only last today but the Atlanta Humane Society is hoping for a big turn out and not just for the sake of the holiday.
There are well over 100 cats and kittens currently at the shelter and they all need safe, loving homes.
But before those cute little kitty faces pull at your heart strings and cause you to rush to the Atlanta Humane Society with hopes of taking them all home and then becoming the reigning YouTube headmaster of cat videos, there are some important things to consider.
The ASPCA’s official website lists tips for people to consider before they finalize their decision to adopt a cat.
First, make sure that everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat—that includes other pets too.
If you have a furry friend already, it might be helpful to have them with you for the adoption process so you can ensure they will actually get along with your new cat or kitten.
Understand that this can be a scary experience for the cat and your new family member might need some time to warm up to the new household. If your cat or kitten decides to be alone for a while after arriving home, don’t drag him or her out to the living room so a group of strangers can make them feel even more uncomfortable than they already are. Some cats warm up quickly and others need more time. Don’t force anything.
It’s also important to make sure that everyone knows what their responsibilities will be. If you live with other people who will be assisting in caring for your new pet, make sure everyone knows what their specific task will be. This is particularly true if there are children expected to help care for the cat.
Also, do NOT try to adopt a cat for someone else as a surprise!
You do not know if they are truly ready for a pet or which animal they may have had the best personal connection with. Unfortunately, these surprise pet gifts have good intentions but too often have horrifying results.
Some cruel owners will abandon the pet or mistreat it. Others may do the best thing and simply return the animal to the humane society but so much drastic and rapid change can be an emotionally taxing experience for any animal.
So do your homework. Ask if you’re ready. Kitty-proof your home and, if all the odds seem to be in your favor, take home a Halloween kitty or cat from the Atlanta Humane Society with no adoption fees today!
