Adopting Your Kitty From A Shelter

 If you’re thinking about getting a new cat, check out your local shelter!  We’re pleased to see any cat find a nice home, no matter where they come from. However, many shelter cats have significant difficulties in finding new homes. A local Plano, IL vet offers some tips on adopting Fluffy in this article. 

How Do I Choose a Shelter Cat?

There is truly no right or wrong answer here. Some folks have a list of what they’re looking for. You might want your next kitten to be of a specific age, breed, or color, and that is fine. Shelters have many kinds of cats, so whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find Fluffy eventually.

Of course, you could walk into a shelter with a mental list of what you’re looking for only to fall in love with a cat who appears to be the complete opposite. There is nothing wrong with that. Keeping an open mind is crucial. It’s always a magical moment when people realize they’ve found their pet.

There are several things to keep in mind. If you have other pets, make sure you choose a feline who can get along with furry housemates. A shy cat who has always lived alone may feel uncomfortable in a home with three other cats, two dogs, and a parrot. On the other paw, a feline who bonds well with other cats may feel lonely on her own. Most shelters are fairly good at analyzing the pets who come into their care, so you should be able to find out some of these details.

What Are the Advantages of Adopting a Shelter Cat?

There are several excellent reasons why going to a shelter is the best method to get Fluffy! Here are some of the main ones:

• Find Your Purrfect Pet Shelters house kittens of all forms, sizes, and colors. You’re sure to find a good fit!
• Spend Time With Your New Buddy Most of the time, you can meet Fluffy before making a final decision. This might help confirm that you have chosen the correct pet. (This is also the point at which many individuals realize they’ve discovered their kitty.)
• Save Money. Adopting from a shelter is definitely less expensive than going through a breeder or pet store! You may also save on veterinary care costs.
• Help Other Animals: This is one of the main reasons why going through a shelter is such a good idea. You will also be aiding other homeless animals! For starters, the spot your new cat leaves vacant will soon be occupied by another adorable cat. The money Fluffy’s adoption fee brings in will also help the shelter take care of its other furry guests.

How Can I Help a Shelter Cat Feel at Home?

Moving to a new home is a big deal for cats. The transition will be difficult for her. You’ll want to allow your pet time to adjust.

We recommend having everything ready in advance. You might want to go shopping before you choose your cat. When it comes to dogs, you may need to wait to determine Fido’s size. That isn’t an issue for cats. Even if you adopt a kitten, your little one will be able to use full-sized toys, beds, and furniture. You might have to spring for a kitten litterbox for little Fluffy, but they’re not too costly.

Your shopping list should include the following items:

• Litterbox
• Litter (For kittens, avoid using clay or clumping litter.)
• Scratching post or board
• Dishes
• Toys 
• Beds 
• Treats
• Catnip 
• Carrier

Consider your kitty’s age when shopping. A kitten will enjoy a variety of interesting toys and activity centers, whilst a senior may prefer comfy beds.

Food choices will depend on how old your cat is and how healthy she is in general. Ask your Plano, IL veterinarian for particular guidance.

Normally, we advocate making adjustments gradually. However, shelters frequently have to feed whatever is on sale or donated, so Fluffy may already be used to menu fluctuations.

Helping Your Pet Settle In

If you have other pets, keep your cat’s belongings in a separate area at first. This will give Fluffy a space to unwind and settle. If Fluffy is going to be the lone pet, choose a peaceful corner.

Adoption day is a significant milestone for both you and Fluffy. Don’t rush things! When you arrive home,  just put the carrier down and let your cat come out to explore when she’s ready.

Some kitties will immediately begin exploring their new territories. Others may run (literally) for the first hiding place they see, and only emerge slowly. Let Fluffy decide and come out at her own pace.

If you have other pets, take your time making introductions. This should ideally be done in phases,over the course of several days. First impressions are extremely important to pets, so be sure to proceed carefully. Consult your Oswego, IL veterinarian for detailed advice on this.

How Can I Keep My Shelter Cat Safe?

Our feline friends are pretty independent. They are also cute, meowing bundles of curiosity and mischief. That can be a dangerous mix!

Petproofing is crucial. That involves addressing anything you don’t want your pet to eat or play with. The list includes small or sharp items, hazardous plants, poisons, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Plastic bags, ties, ropes, and cords are also deadly. You’ll also need to make sure that your doors and windows close securely. Ask your Sandwich, IL veterinarian for advice on this.

Aside from that, we just want to remind you to keep your new pet safe and sound indoors. Kitties who are permitted to roam face numerous serious dangers including traffic, weather, chemicals, and predators. Furthermore, Fluffy will be unfamiliar with her surroundings and may become disoriented. That puts her at great risk of being lost.

Bonding With A Shelter Kitty

Some cats will warm up slowly, while others will think you’re the greatest thing ever and want to cuddle with you all the time. The important thing is to be patient. Don’t force attention on your kitty. You will need to earn her trust. That means she needs to be confident that you will not grab or hold her against her will.

Talk to your kitty companion and offer toys, snacks, and catnip. Making your home secure and enjoyable for your pet will go a long way toward starting that engine. For example, you may put out some pet-safe plants for Fluffy to nibble on. The ASPCA has a fantastic list on their website here. Your feline companion will likely welcome some purrniture, such as a cat tower. Window seats are also quite popular among cats. 

Ask your vet for more information. 

How Can I Keep My Shelter Cat Healthy?

One of the first things you should do is bring Fluffy to your Plano, IL veterinarian. Your cat will need a thorough nose-to-tail examination. Most shelter cats have already been fixed, but other places schedule this during the adoption process. Aside from that, you’ll need to get your pet up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention. This is also an excellent time to obtain specialized information about caring for your feline companion.

Schedule an Appointment at Your Plano, IL Animal Clinic

Do you need to bring your cat in? Is Fluffy overdue for her exam? Contact your Plano, IL pet hospital today!