Adopting a Cat
June is Adopt a Cat Month!
We focus on dogs a lot, but that doesn’t mean the Funky Feline Bunch isn't just as important to us! The right cat with the right owner is a relationship and bond that will last up to 20 years. Because of the longevity of some cats, bringing one into your life isn’t something to rush into. Too often an adorable kitten is picked up on a whim, only to be dropped off months later because they grew and weren’t getting the attention they needed.
Before bringing a pet into your home, consider the following:
Introductions: If you have other pets at home, especially other cats or dogs, speak with an Adoption Counselor before adopting. They can give you helpful advice for how to choose your new kitten and how to slowly introduce it to your home environment and your current pet household to give the very best chance of a positive adoption outcome. Consider bringing in a trainer and pet sitter to help smooth the transition too.
Adjustment period: Be sure to give your new cat or kitten plenty of time to acclimate to their new home. It is not unusual for it to take several weeks for cats to adjust and even young kittens can take a little time to feel comfortable, especially if they have been transported from one shelter to another, and then adopted into your home. A shelter, vehicles, veterinary treatments, and lots of changes can be a challenge, so practice patience and give your new friend some time to adjust. Basically, bringing your new companion into a stable environment will help speed up their transition and ensure a safe and happy adjustment period for everyone.
Indoor vs outdoor: Consider the risks before letting your cat outside. Cats are at significant risk for exposure to disease, dangerous encounters with wildlife, vehicles, and other hazards that could cause them harm and shorten their life expectancy.
Water: Kittens and cats should be offered plenty of fresh clean water every day. Cats are especially susceptible to dehydration because they do not have a strong “urge” to drink water, even when their bodies need it. Because they are natural-born carnivores, they're conditioned to get most of the moisture they consume through the food they eat. Refreshing their water daily encourages them to drink and stay hydrated.
Litter Box: A household should have one more litter box than the number of cats living there. For example, if you have two cats, there should be three litter boxes in the home. If your kitten is not using the litter box properly, speak with your veterinarian and consider taking the kitten in for an exam to rule out any underlying health conditions. In many cases, inappropriate litter box use is related to a health problem but sometimes could be a result of stress.
Enrichment: Have a variety of interesting toys for your kitten to play with. It is a good idea to engage with them frequently so they have active play. Mouse toys, feathers, jingle balls and crinkle balls are all great toys that entice a kitten’s natural instinct to play and pretend hunt. A successful cat household will integrate cat-friendly items into your regular living spaces. Cat scratchers – there are many types and surfaces available. Provide a variety in their environment, so they are encouraged to use those to scratch on. Provide positive reinforcement with praise and treats when they use their cat-safe scratchers.
Check out the ‘Community Cats’ podcast for more on cat care
Want more reading? Beth Pasek, a full-time cat sitter and Fear Free certified caregiver has written a book on cat behaviour and learning to speak ‘meow’.
Sedalia has an AMAZING Cat Assistant Team. While they focus mostly on Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR), they’re more than willing to help with any pet in need.
If you’re ready to start looking for the purr-fect cat for your life, check out the Sedalia Animal Shelter!
