Thinking about getting cats for company? It’s smart to plan in advance, since cats usually have specific likes regarding their environment.
For you to avoid the downsides of having a feline in your household, here’s everything you need to know about cat adoption.
Which Type Of Cat Should You Adopt?
Deciding whether to adopt cats or not is the ultimate question to ask yourself. However, deciding whether to adopt an adult cat or a kitten should also be taken into account.
Kittens
- Caring for kittens is like caring for babies. It requires a lot of effort and care. Hence, a kitten is not suitable for young children who still need supervision.
- Kittens are still fragile and may accidentally hurt or be hurt by young kids. For example, when a kitten is having fun and overstimulated, there is a tendency for the kitten to bite or use its claws unconsciously to protect itself.
- Kittens are very energetic, and if you don’t watch over them, they may put themselves at risk by initiating to explore the entire household and may cause trouble when climbing the curtains, eating plants, chewing your belongings, and bite wirings. At this very young age, a kitten may play until exhausted.
- Kittens have unpredictable personalities as they grow up, unlike older cats, who have already developed their personalities. So if personality is what you are looking for, try having a teenage kitten or an adult cat.
Adult Cats
- Adult cats, on the other hand, are more laid back compared to kittens which makes them a great companion for senior owners[1].
- Adult cats in shelters are sometimes declawed so if you prefer a declawed cat, you may ask the attending person to assist you with the choices.
Older Cats
- Older cats have a stronger immune system, unlike kittens that have body systems that are not fully developed yet.
Regardless of your choices, whether you choose a stray kitten or a stray adult cat, the fact that you would like to adopt from many shelters instead of buying (like most people do) is a huge help for deprived stray cats to look for loving homes instead of being one of the hundreds of thousands of adult stray cats that are euthanized every year.
How To Find Your Cat?
You can look for non-profit animal rescue organizations and visit them to look for kittens available for adoption. Although these are non-profit organizations, the shelter may ask for adoption fees just enough to continue operations.
You can also spend time browsing through the internet and visit some of the reputable adoption websites like Petfinder and Adopt A Pet and check what are the adoption options of a shelter in your area. Chances are not slim and you might be lucky to find an adult cat that fits your own age and personality.
Preparing Your Home For Your New Cat Checklist
Before bringing your new feline friend to your house, you need to have these important checklists to provide a smooth transition for your cat from the shelter, to your home. Having these items in your house would let your cat find his sense of stability and belongingness to the new environment that you’ll give to your furry animal.
Additionally, the act of making your home cat-proof would be very helpful for you to avoid scratch marks elsewhere and destroyed furniture as this would likely happen if there is a new cat adopted.
- Have a litter deodorizer, litter box, and a litter box scooper for your cat’s waste.
- A cat carrier appropriate for the size of your new pet.
- Food and water bowls for the new feline friend. It is advised not to but plastic bowls as it produces an odor that many cats do not like. Have a glass or ceramic bowl instead.
- Cat foods that are scientifically formulated for your cat’s needs. Although it’s already part of an owner’s common sense, you still need to remember that adult cats need adult cat foods while kittens need foods specially made for kittens. Ask the local shelter regarding the cat food that they are feeding prior to cat adoption. From there, you may start feeding your furry animals the same food and transition to the cat food you wish to give them. Additionally, wet food is highly recommended for most cats. Though, it is important to give them dry foods to keep their dental health at its best.
- Provide a scratching post for your adopted kitty to scratch on. Cats will use everything and every time they have just to wear their nails down. That’s why having a scratching post is necessary. Do not forget to give him a treat, every time he uses it instead of your furniture.
- Give your kitty friend a comfy bed to sleep on. Make sure that the bed suits your cat’s size and has ample space to sleep on.
- Give your pet something he can play with. A wand toy can be absolutely a good choice. Give your cat the toy as it may give your pet entertainment and exercise.
- For you to provide the best cat care for your kitten, have some soothing spray that contains artificial cat pheromones used for marking their territory. Spray a generous amount of it in doorways, or their carrier door (for training), and other places where your pets play or sit for long periods. This will prevent your newly adopted pet from scratching the sofa and gives him the assurance that he is safe in his new cat home. This may be available in your local pet supply stores.
- Before bringing home a pet, always make sure that everyone in the residence knows about the new addition to the family. Discuss with the cat adoption facility about the proper introduction. If you have existing pets like a dog, make sure that they are acquainted properly. You should not force an interaction between the new kitten and the other pets, especially a dog, as this may cause chaos. Moreover, constant supervision is encouraged to expect the most pleasant result of socialization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a cat to adjust to a new home?
It may take several weeks for a cat to adjust to new surroundings. Therefore, it would be nice if you keep the kitten secluded in another room with all his basic needs like food, water, toys, bed, and litter box until the cat is unhesitant to get to know the family members. You may also introduce the kitten to other pets in the house. Social interaction, especially with other animals, is important to have a harmonious relationship inside your home.
What is the best age to adopt a cat?
A cat can be adopted as soon as 12 weeks. If you have the time and energy to look after a kitten for several hours, you can definitely have a 12-week old kitten. However, if you have other things to do, you might consider an adult cat that is more laid back and requires little to no supervision at all.
What should I do when I first adopt a cat?
You must be prepared and patient when you first adopt a cat. Moving your cat from the shelter to your home may be stressful for him. You can ease it by giving food or toys that he can play with.
What should you not do when adopting a cat?
These are the following things that you should not do adopting a cat:
- Don’t make quick decisions. You should spend weeks thinking about the consequences of your decision. You may ask a veterinarian for insights.
- Don’t take for granted all the supplies needed for your newly fostered cat ( e.g. a litter box, pet foods, etc.)
- Don’t rush introductions. Isolate your new cat in a room before introducing it gradually to other adult cats or dogs in the family for the first few days.
- Don’t forget to cat-proof your room for your kitten not to put himself in danger.
- Don’t skip a wellness check. It is important for our feline friends to have a regular appointment with the vet to prevent them from being sick in the first few days she’s at your home.
Conclusion
Deciding on adopting a cat could be a lot of hard work but with the right people helping you in every way like your veterinarian, you will finally become one step closer to achieving the best environment for both of you and your feline companion.
