[longsuffering]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I don't want an old cat, though. The best shot I have at making this work is getting a kitten, loving it, and then still loving it as it grows up into a cat. A full-grown cat will just gross me out right out of the gates. Plus I don't want a cat from the SPCA. They come with too much baggage (e.g. they were probably dropped off for a good reason in the first place) and I'd be concerned about all their exposure to diseases and stuff while in the SPCA.

Would it kill you to inform yourself? Cats from the Humane Society are extremely well cared for, are vaccinated and not put up for adoption if they are sick. You're more likely to run into problems buying from a bad breeder.



That said, if you were to be honest with the folks at the Humane Society they probably wouldn't let you adopt.

The CHS endeavours to ensure that all animals, having met the criteria of the Calgary Humane Society Adoptability Guidelines, are placed in loving, caring, stable and lifelong homes suited to the animal. It is of the utmost concern to the CHS that the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of the animal are met in their new homes. Since the animals do not have the ability to choose their owners, we must act in their best interests. The CHS or its representatives assist adopters with the selection of a companion animal suitable to their lifestyles. All potential adopters must complete a formal matching process (“Lifestyle Survey”), which also gives the CHS an opportunity to educate potential adopters on responsible pet ownership. All adopters must sign the Animal Adoption Contract and abide by the conditions therein. The Calgary Humane Society reserves the right to refuse an adoption.

Potential adopters must not have a documented history of neglect or abuse of animals. As well, potential adopters must not exhibit intolerance of or aggressiveness toward the animal or express unreasonable expectations of the animal being considered for adoption.

All adult household members, related or unrelated, must be informed and must consent to the adoption of a companion animal from the CHS. Members of the household will, with regard to dog adoptions, be required to come to the CHS to meet the prospective new companion animal.

BEFORE YOU ADOPT

Think you are ready for a pet? Consider these questions first.

Will you be a responsible pet guardian?
Will you ensure that your pet is spayed or neutered, to decrease the problem of pet overpopulation? Will you provide them with permanent ID such as a microchip and tattoo? (Adoption fee from CHS includes all of the above mentioned surgeries) Will you ensure your pet has access to veterinary care, food, water, shelter, love, exercise, training, grooming, and nail care? Will you abide by city bylaws regarding your pet (licensing, picking up after your dog etc.)?

What are your living arrangements?
Do you own your own home or are you renting? Moving frequently can be stressful to pets. If you are renting does your landlord allow pets? Secondly is the space large enough for the pet and breed that you want? Do you have a fenced backyard?

What is your lifestyle?
Are you a couch potato? Are you active and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping? Do you work late or go out after work? Ensure that the pet, or breed, that you are seeking matches what you like to do.

Do you have time for a pet?
Animals require varying amounts of time. Depending on the animal, and even the breed, how much time you have to dedicate to walking, training, exercising and mental stimulation for your pet will vary.

Is it the right time?
Are you planning a move? Going back to school or work? Pregnant? Will something in your life affect the introduction of a pet into your home? Then maybe it is not the right time.

Can you afford the costs?
Are you able to afford the costs of pet care? The average cost for dogs annually is $1,550 (not including one time costs such as adoption fee, spaying, microchipping etc.) and the average for cats is $850 annually. Also remember replacement costs of things such as your favorite shoes. Check out our pet calculators for more info.

What is the lifespan of animal?
Are you prepared to commit to your pet for its lifetime? Most cats and dogs have a lifespan of 15 years. Thinking about a parrot? They can live up to 80 years and they may potentially outlive you – who will take care of your parrot in this case?

Who will be responsible?
Trying to teach responsibility to your children? Understand that a family pet is a family decision and children will not take on all of the duties involving the pet, even though they will be enthusiastic at first! It is recommended for children to be seven years old to actively take part in pet care.

You've made it clear in other posts that you consider these animals disposal and have no qualms about ridding yourself of the the animal if it bores you or becomes inconvenient.

You have no business being a pet owner.