Recently my boyfriend and I made the decision to adopt a kitten at our local shelter. We have had him for about a week, and he has been quite the entertainment. Adopting a kitten was a huge responsibility both financially and time-wise, but in the end, our two month old kitten will end up contributing so much to our little family. I have never adopted an animal before, nor have I ever actually owned my own pet that I specifically was placed in charge of. This is about my experience with my little Jack; I hope that some of you may relate, and I hope that it encourages others to go out and adopt their own kittens/cats as well.
My boyfriend and I had spoken of adopting an animal from the first day we moved into our apartment. We had no idea what sort of animal we would end up with or when we would purchase the animal. Last Sunday we decided on a kitten and that it was time. We headed to our local shelter in hopes of finding the purfect (pun intended) kitten for our home. We did our research online of what sorts of cats the shelter had to offer and went in with a bit of an idea. Then it was time for the fun part -- going in the cat rooms. Going into the cat rooms just so happened to be the first time that I realized I was a cat person. The cat rooms had many different cats residing in them that I wanted them all, but somehow our little Jack caught our eyes. Going to school in Stillwater did unfortunately mean making the hour and a half trip back, but he adjusted quite well and we made it home just fine.
At home, Jack really blossomed. He played, hid, ran, and has broken practically all of my belongings. Everything you would expect out of a mischievous kitten. The only things we struggle with currently are his desires to hop into the oven, the toilet, the refrigerator, and any cabinet that we may open. We have to take that extra chance to make sure that he is safe and that he feels loved because he has already grown so attached to us. Adopting a kitten is difficult, I will not lie, but it has been the most rewarding feeling. Having this little creature to come home to at the end of every day is worth every single drop of effort I put into him. Adopting an animal that may not have had a life such as the one we have provided is rewarding in itself as well. I know that I now have a lifetime companion who will break every phone charger I have if he gets the chance, but he is one that will be here for me at all times. A week in our home and Jack has already made such a positive impact on our lives. We benefit one another in that he keeps my stress levels down and I give him constant attention because I cannot resist. I strongly encourage anyone who is capable of keeping an animal to check out their local shelters because you may just find a fur baby of your own.
