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Pet Medication Home -> Adopting a Shelter Cat
HOW
TO ADOPT A SHELTER CAT - YOUR NEW CAT WILL THANK YOU FOR READING
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your family, consider
adopting a cat from your local animal shelter or humane society.
The animals have been carefully screened for adoptability and have
usually been worked with to enhance sociability.
Unfortunately, many people think that only "bad" animals
wind up in shelters. Actually, the opposite is true. People relinquish
their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for
them. Sometimes this is because the owner was unprepared for the
responsibility that comes with caring for a pet.
If there is no indicatuon of 'reason for surrender' on the cage
at the shelter ask - a cat that has been given up because of bad
behaviour may not be the best choice - no matter how cute she is.
Often, however, caring owners struggling with life-changes or trying
to cope with family tragedy realize their pet would be better off
with someone else. They bring them to the shelter because they know
the animal will be well-cared for and placed in an excellent home.
Shelter staff carefully evaluates each animal for physical and
behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists
to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption counselors
who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle
so they can make the perfect match.
Your first contact with a shelter cat will probably be when she
is in her cage. Don't be put off if she ignores you completely.
Keep in mind that many new people pass by her cage each day, and
she has to cope with all the noise and stress that accompanies that.
A shelter worker can arrange for you to meet the cat in a quiet
room. Again, she may not pay much attention to you, but watch how
she acts towards the staff person. This is who she is more comfortable
with. While you observe the cat, talk with the staff member and
learn all you can about the cat's likes and dislikes.
Take a cat carrier with you to the shelter - much easier than
having your new cat running around the car as you take her home.
Bringing your newly adopted cat home is exciting for you, and a
little overwhelming for her. Have things prepared before you pick
her up from the shelter. This includes having small area for her
to call her own. A bathroom or extra bedroom works well. Furnish
it with a bed, food and water bowls, scratching post, toys and a
litter box. Spend some time with her in the room with the door closed.
She may totally ignore you while she explores her new surroundings.
Keep her confined to this room until she seems relaxed in your presence.
Then you can allow her to roam the rest of your home.
Some cats take longer than others to adjust to new situations.
Your cat has gone from a home to a noisy shelter to another new
home. Change is stressful for cats. You can help her adjust more
quickly by establishing set routines. Begin feeding, grooming and
playing with her at the same times each day, and she'll feel at
home much sooner.
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