tips for adopting a shelter cat

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Cats are heavily reliant on scent and will settle much quicker if their new environment smells familiar. So you're bringing home a shelter cat? , ISBN-10 Cats communicate with body language so be sure to watch out for signals. Before visiting the shelter, please ask yourself some important questions. Ask questions about the cat before you adopt. Heres What To Do, Cats Learn the Names of Their Friend Cats, Doughnut Kitten Celebrates One Million Visitors. How to adopt: Pay him a visit at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, 11129 Michigan Ave., Youngtown. Im sure you wont need to rehome your cat. The "free" kitten will need these services, which will cost you substantially more than the shelter adoption fee. When approaching a shelter about adoption, you can expect to complete the steps below: Questions can vary, but typically include: After your application has been approved, its time to visit your potential kitty to see if its the right fit. Its easy to fall in love with the first cat you see (or like me, all of them), but do take a minute or two at each cage to observe each cat. Plus, wouldnt you want your beloved cat to go to someone you love and trust? Ask if you can spend some time with the cat at the shelter first. She's working on ebooks about procrastinating, fitness, and women's issues. Wild cats climb and perch so they can watch over their territory. Lewes Road, If you agree, well also use cookies to complement your shopping experience across the Amazon stores as described in our Cookie Notice. Bring the whole family so they can meet the potential new addition to your home and you can rule out any allergies. 203644 (England and Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland). Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Kittens arrive at Cats Protection from various places and with varying needs - from those that have been abandoned to those that are born in our care if their mother is a stray. For some cats they will come out in seconds, others minutes, others hours or even longer. Avoid forcing them to come out. This means that the pair will not be adopted out separately. Youll also want to use a metal or ceramic litter scoop. Cats are smart, and sometimes, they can put on a show. Still, if you take your time, you may find a specific cats cute personality overrides your gender and colour preferences. While there can be a lot to think about when adopting a cat, Cats Protection aims to take away some of your worries, providing plenty of advice along the way. Before you even think about letting your new pet out of their cat carrier, youll need to set up a safe space with everything they need. Starting with an adult cat whose temperament you already get along with can set you both up for a long life of happiness together. National Cat Centre, Lewes Road, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, RH17 7TT. Want to adopt with Cats Protection? Editors Pick: One of the best ways to form a bond with your new cat or kitten is through play! Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app. RH17 7TT, vaccinations against cat flu and enteritis , neutering, where appropriate (from four months old, or earlier if vet provision allows) , microchipped (from three months old, or earlier if vet provision allows) , the option of four weeks' free Petplan insurance, once youve found a cat, either using our Find-a-cat tool or by speaking to us on the phone, youll need to fill in a homing questionnaire, Well then complete the cat matching process with you. Contact us If your outdoor cat is ready to venture into the garden, you can encourage them outside for a supervised visit. For example, kittens are very energetic and demand a lot of attention. For example, as well as a comfortable bed, your cat will also need a snug hiding place for when they want to get away from the world - especially while they're settling in. Some cats might need longer so be prepared to go at your pets pace. Youll also need to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations and have been microchipped. Some shelters offer the option to take the cat in for a trial run. Make sure they have all their necessary supplieslitter box, food, water, cat bed, and toys. You can ask questions specific to your situation during the interview. There are a few extra things you can do to help your cat settle: It takes time for cats to settle in a new environment, so its not unusual for cats to seem a little fearful and potentially stressed at first. This is a great way for you to get to know the cats. Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, they can still pick up parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms, so regular checks and vaccinations are necessary to keep diseases at bay. Provide daily enrichment and mental stimulation for a happy cat. And my ebook, PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ADOPTING A SHELTER CAT, is upcoming is now live on Kindle! Please click OK below and a new tab will open where you can sponsor a pet's care. (Photo: Albina Tiplyashina/shutterstock.com). They are not easier to take care of. We have many many cats and kittens waiting to be rehomed in the UK. Cats are territorial, and new environments stress them out easily. The stalk/chase, grab/bite, pounce/bite, and kill bite are the motor pattern sequences your kitten will need to practice over and over again. Our centres will be offering visits by appointment giving you a chance to meet (and get to know) the cat youve been matched with. You may think youre looking specifically for a male orange tabby or a female gray cat. Yes, kittens are cute, adorable, and entertaining. Once your cat has been introduced to your family and pets and seems settled and content in your home, only then can you allow them to explore outdoors. Take the following into account when deciding if a cat is the right pet for you: We strive to make adopting a cat from a shelter a joyful experience for you and your pet. I understand that all cats deserve a good home, including those at facilities that euthanize.