Adopt A Shelter Cat Month is in June! Adopt A Shelter Cat Month is observed on the first of every month in our household. Regardless of origin, we’re glad to see any cat find a loving home. Still, adopting a cat can be quite difficult for many cats in shelters. A wonderful place to start looking for a new cat is your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting one! In this post, a local Cherry Hill, NJ veterinarian provides some tips on finding and adopting Fluffy.
How Should I Choose My Shelter Cat?
Here, there truly isn’t a right or wrong response. Some individuals have a list of items they want to find. It’s acceptable if you have specific preferences about the age, breed, or color of your next cat. There are different kinds of cats in shelters, so chances are you’ll find Fluffy there.
It is possible, of course, to enter a shelter with a mental list of what you want and then fall in love with a cat that appears to be the complete opposite. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s important to maintain an open mind. There’s something magical about knowing you’ve found your pet. There’s certainly a lot of merit in just going with your gut and choosing the cat that best appeals to you.
It is important to remember a few things. Make sure the cat you choose will get along with her furry housemates if you have other pets. A timid cat used to living alone could find it awkward to share a home with two dogs, three other cats, and a parrot. However, a cat that forms strong attachments with other cats could feel lonely by itself. You should be able to find out some of these details because most shelters do a pretty excellent job of evaluating the animals who enter their care.
What Benefits Come With Taking In A Shelter Cat?
There are several excellent reasons why adopting Fluffy from a shelter is the best option! Among the more prominent ones are these few:
Locate the Ideal Pet: Cats of different sizes, shapes, and colors can be found at shelters.
Make Time for Your New Companion: You will typically have the opportunity to meet Fluffy before deciding on anything. This helps confirm that you have chosen the ideal pet. (At this point, a lot of folks also just know they’ve found their cat.)
Conserve Cash: Adopting from a shelter is undoubtedly far less expensive than adopting from a breeder or pet shop.
Assist Animals: This is actually one of the main explanations for why using a shelter is such a fantastic choice. Additionally, you’ll be supporting other homeless pets! One reason is that another adorable cat may soon take up residence in the space your new cat leaves empty. Additionally, Fluffy’s adoption fees will support the care of the shelter’s other animal residents.
How Can I Help Fluffy Adjust?
For a cat, moving to a new house is a significant event. Even though Fluffy is heading to a wonderful home, she will still find the transition difficult. Give your pet some time to get used to the new situation.
We recommend having everything ready in advance. You might want to go shopping first before you look for your cat. When it comes to dogs, you occasionally have to wait a little while to find out Fido’s size. With cats, that really isn’t a problem. Your feline companion will be able to use full-sized beds, furnishings, and toys, even if you are getting a kitten. (Little Fluffy might need a kitten litterbox, but these are quite cheap.)
The following items ought to be on your shopping list:
- Litterbox
- Litter (Kittens should not use clumping or clay types).
- Scratching board or post
- Plates
- Dishes
- Beds
- Toys
- Treats
- Catnip
- Carrier
When you go shopping, consider your cat’s age. A senior may be more interested in comfortable mattresses, while a kitten will love entertaining toys and activity centers.
Food is also crucial, of course. Your pet’s age and general health will also determine what to feed her. Get detailed advice from your Cherry Hill, NJ veterinarian.
Generally, we advise implementing changes gradually. Shelters frequently have to serve whatever is donated or on sale, so Fluffy might not always be on a regular menu.
If you have other pets, put all of your cat’s belongings in a different room. This will give Fluffy a place to unwind and settle in. If Fluffy will be your sole pet, then choose a peaceful area.
Bringing Your Shelter Cat Home: The Big Day
Fluffy and you both take great pride in that “gotcha day.” When you come home, take your time. When your cat is ready, let her come out of the carrier and set it down.
This is when your cat’s personality comes into play. Some furballs might start exploring their new realms right away. Others might stay put and only emerge very, very slowly, or they can actually run for the first hiding place they come across.
When introducing your other pets, take your time. Ideally, this should take place gradually over a few days. Get particular advice on this from your Cherry Hill, NJ veterinarian.
How Can I Make My Cat Safe in the Shelter?
Our feline friends are quite independent. But they’re also meowing, walking bundles of mischief and curiosity.
Pet proofing is critical. This entails taking care of everything your furball shouldn’t eat or play with. Toxic plants, small or sharp objects, chemicals, and medications are all on the list, along with plastic bags, ties, ropes, and wires. Verify that your windows and doors close firmly.
Apart from that, we just advise you to keep your new pet secure inside. When permitted to roam, cats run the risk of being attacked by predators, chemicals, weather, and vehicles. Moreover, Fluffy won’t be familiar with her surroundings and could easily become lost.
How Can I Establish A Connection With A Shelter Cat?
It varies from furball to furball. Some cats will warm up to you gradually, while others may decide right away that you’re the cutest thing ever and want to cuddle with you all the time. The key is to exercise patience. Give Fluffy no attention demands. You’ll have to gain her confidence. Therefore, she must feel safe that you won’t seize or hold her against her will.
As you chat with your kitty friend, give him toys, treats, and catnip. Creating a secure and enjoyable environment for your pet in your home can significantly boost their motivation. For example, you may lay out some safe plants for Fluffy to nibble on. This is a fantastic list maintained by the ASPCA. Your feline friend will likely also enjoy some furniture, such as a cat tower. Cats also have a strong affinity for window seats and beds. Lots of beds.
What Happens After I Get Fluffy Home?
You should take Fluffy to the veterinarian ASAP. Your kitty needs a thorough examination from nose to tail. She may also need to be fixed and or microchipped, and caught up on any recommended vaccinations and parasite prevention.
This is a terrific opportunity to learn more specifics about taking care of your feline friend. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Schedule a Consultation at Your Cherry Hill, NJ Veterinary Clinic
Does your kitty friend need to come in with you? Is Fluffy’s exam due soon? Reach out to your Cherry Hill, NJ vet clinic right now!
