How I did it: I started by volunteering with a cat adoption group and eventually it became clear to me that I was totally in love with two of the cats being fostered (sisters) who for some reason weren't getting adopted, but were totally cute, and obviously dependent on each other (they would groom one another and cuddle together the whole time on adoption days).  I called my landlady, who remained firm on the no pet policy.  I began looking for a new cat-friendly roommate and together we found a new house to rent.  I moved in and two weeks later brought my catbabies home just after their 1 year birthday, and they are fantastic. They were both already housebroken and while they are still frisky and wild in comparison to fully adult cats, they are not as needy and rambunctious as true infants.

Lessons & tips: Pay attention to the cat's personality more than just what the cat looks like.  If you think you might have room in your life for more than one cat, try to adopt siblings so they can stay together with someone they've grown close to all their lives.  This is especially useful if you know that you won't be home all the time to take care of them.  And that's also another reason to adopt cats who aren't still babies.  

Resources: Capitol Area Animal Welfare (Baton Rouge)

---

May 16, 2010, 09:32PM PDT | 2 comments | 4 cheers