Adopt A Shelter Cat Month takes place in June! For us, every month is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month. No matter where they come from, we’re always glad to see a cat find a loving home. However, many shelter cats have a difficult time getting adopted. If you’re considering getting a new cat, your local shelter is a terrific place to start looking! In this post, a local Marriottsville, MD veterinarian shares some tips for finding Fluffy.
How Do I Pick a Shelter Cat?
There are no correct or incorrect answers here. Some people have a list of features they are seeking. You may prefer your next kitten to be of a specific age, breed, or color. Shelters contain many kinds of cats, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find Fluffy in a shelter sooner or later.
Of course, you may enter a shelter with a mental checklist, only to develop an attachment to a kitty that appears to be the complete antithesis of what you were looking for. That is completely OK! It’s critical to maintain an open mind. There’s certainly a lot to be said about simply following your heart and choosing the kitty that connects with you the most.
There are a few things to remember. If you have other pets, choose a feline who will get along with her furry housemates. A cat who has always lived alone may not feel at ease in a home with three other kitties, two dogs, and a bunny. On the other hand, a feline who forms strong attachments with other cats may be lonely by herself. Most shelters are fairly good at evaluating the pets who come into their care, so you should be able to find out some of these details.
Why Should I Adopt A Shelter Cat?
There are several reasons why going to a shelter is the ideal option to get Fluffy! Here are a handful of the major ones:
Find Your Perfect Pet: Shelters house cats of all shapes, sizes, and colors. You’re sure to discover a fantastic fit.
Spend Time with Fluffy: Most of the time, you will be able to meet Fluffy before making your final decision. This can help guarantee that you’ve chosen the right pet. (At this point, many individuals simply know they’ve found their cat.)
Save Money: Adopting from a shelter is far less expensive than buying from a breeder or a pet store.
Help Other Animals: This is one of the main reasons why going through a shelter is an excellent alternative. You will also be assisting other homeless cats! Another sweet cat will soon fill your new kitty’s vacated spot. Plus, Fluffy’s adoption fees will also assist the shelter in caring for its other furry residents.
How Can I Help Fluffy Get Settled?
Moving to a new home is a momentous occasion for a cat. Fluffy may be moving to a wonderful home, but the transition will be difficult for her. Allow your pet time to adjust.
We recommend that you have everything ready in advance. You might want to go shopping before finding your pet. Even if you get a kitten, your little furball will be able to use full-sized toys, beds, and furniture. You may need to buy a kitten litterbox for Fluffy, but these are relatively inexpensive.
Your grocery list should include the following:
For kittens, avoid using clay or clumping litter boxes.
- Scratching Post
- Dishes
- Toys
- Beds
- Treats
- Catnip
- Carrier
When shopping for your feline friend, consider his or her age. A kitten will appreciate a variety of toys and activity centers, but a senior may prefer comfortable beds.
Your pet’s age and overall health will also determine food choices. Consult your veterinarian for particular recommendations. (Note: Typically, we advise making adjustments gently. However, shelters frequently have to feed whatever is for sale or donated, so Fluffy may not be on a regular menu.)
If you have other pets, store your furry buddy’s belongings in a separate room at first. This will provide Fluffy with a space to unwind and settle in. If Fluffy is going to be your lone pet, choose a peaceful corner.
Bringing your shelter cat home is a significant milestone for both you and Fluffy. When you come home, don’t rush anything. Place the carrier down and allow your feline friend to exit when she is ready.
This is where your feline companion’s personality comes into play. Some kittens may quickly begin exploring their new territories. Others may run (literally) for the first hiding place they see, or they may stay put and emerge only slowly.
Avoid focusing too much attention on your pet. Just give her time to adjust. That may backfire and make her fearful of you.
If you have additional pets, introduce them gradually. This should ideally happen in stages over a few days. Fluffy values first impressions greatly! Please see your Marriottsville, MD veterinarian for precise advice on this.
How Can I Keep My Feline Buddy Safe?
Our feline friends are quite self-sufficient. They also walk, meowing bundles of curiosity and mischief.
Petproofing is essential. Remove or secure anything you don’t want your furry friend to consume or play with. The list includes small or sharp objects, hazardous plants, poisons, and medication. Plastic bags, ties, ropes, and cords are all potentially harmful. Make sure your doors and windows close properly. Ask your vet for advice on this.
Aside from that, we would advise you to keep your new pet safe and secure indoors. Kitties that are permitted to roam encounter a number of major hazards, including traffic, weather, chemicals, and predators. Furthermore, Fluffy will be unfamiliar with the area and may become disoriented, so she is at huge risk of getting lost.
How Do I Form A Close Bond With a Shelter Cat?
While some cats will instantly think you’re the best thing in the world and want to snuggle you all day, others will take their time warming up. The most important thing is patience. Don’t force attention on Fluffy. You’ll need to earn her trust. That means she must be confident that you would not grasp or hold her against her will.
Talk to your furry buddy and offer toys, treats, and catnip. Getting that engine going will be much easier if you make your home safe and fun! For example, you can put out some pet-safe plants for Fluffy to eat and sniff. The ASPCA has a nice list on its website here. Your feline companion will definitely welcome some purrniture, such as a cat tower. Window seats are very popular among kitties as well.
How Do You Keep A Shelter Cat Healthy?
One of the first things you should do is bring Fluffy to the vet. Your feline friend will require a complete nose-to-tail exam. Many shelter cats are already fixed, while some schedule this during the adoption process. Aside from that, you’ll need to keep your pet up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention.
This is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about how to care for your furry buddy companion. We’re happy to answer questions!
Conclusion: With millions of cats admitted to shelters each year, adopting a shelter cat is an excellent way to give one lucky feeling a second chance.
Schedule An Appointment At Your Marriottsville, MD Animal Clinic
Do you need to bring your feline companion in? Is Fluffy overdue for an examination? Contact us, your neighborhood Marriottsville, MD pet hospital, now!
