Adopting A Kitty From A Shelter

Adopt A Shelter Cat Month takes place in June! For us, every month is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month. We’re glad to see any cat find a nice home, regardless of where they came from. However, many shelter cats have a difficult time getting adopted. If you’re thinking about getting a new cat, your local shelter is a terrific place to start looking! In this post, a local Oconomowoc, WI veterinarian shares some tips for finding Fluffy.

Finding Your Feline Friend

There are no right or wrong answers here. Some people have a list of items they are seeking for. You may prefer your next kitten to be of a specific age, breed, or color, which is acceptable. Shelters contain many kinds of cats, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find Fluffy. Just keep an open mind. There’s certainly a lot to be said about simply following your heart and choosing the kitty that speaks to you the most.

There are a couple of things to remember. If you have other pets, choose a feline who will get along with her furry housemates. A timid cat that has always resided independently may not feel at ease in a residence that includes three other cats, two canines, and a parrot. A feline that bonds well with other cats, on the other hand, may be lonely on her own. Most shelters are fairly good at evaluating the pets who come into their care, so you should be able to learn enough to get a good idea about Fluffy. 

Helping Your Shelter Kitty Adjust

Changing homes is big for cats. Fluffy may be moving to a wonderful home, but the transition will be difficult for her. Allow your pet time to adjust.

We recommend that you have everything ready in advance. You might want to go shopping before finding your pet. With dogs, you may need to wait a little longer to determine Fido’s size. That is not an issue with cats. Even if you have a kitten, your little one will be able to play with full-sized toys, beds, and furniture. You may need to buy a kitten litterbox for Fluffy, but these are relatively inexpensive.

Your grocery list should include the following:

• Scratching a post or board
• Dishes
• Toys 
• Beds 
• Treats
• Catnip 
• Carrier
• Litterbox
• Litter

When shopping for your cat, keep his or her age in mind. A kitten will appreciate a variety of toys and activity centers, but older pets may prefer comfortable beds.

Food choices will also be determined by your furry friend’s age and overall health. Consult your veterinarian for particular recommendations. Typically, we advise making adjustments gently. Nevertheless, shelters frequently have to serve whatever is donated or on sale, so Fluffy might not be eating any specific food regularly. Ask your vet for advice.

If you have other pets, store your kitty’s belongings in a separate room at first. This will provide Fluffy with a space to unwind and settle in. If Fluffy is going to be your lone pet, choose a peaceful corner.

Bringing your shelter cat home is a significant milestone for both you and Fluffy. When you come home, don’t rush anything. Place the carrier down and allow your cat to exit when she is ready.

This is when your feline companion’s personality comes into play. Some cats may start exploring their new homes right away. Others might stay put and only emerge very, very slowly, or just run for the first hiding place they come across.

Don’t draw attention to your furry friend. That may backfire and make her fearful of you.

If you have additional pets, introduce them gradually. This should ideally happen in stages over a few days. Fluffy values first impressions greatly! Please see your Oconomowoc, WI veterinarian for precise advice on this.

How Should I Keep My Shelter Cat Safe?

Our feline friends are quite self-sufficient. They’re also walking, meowing bundles of curiosity and mischief.

Petproofing is essential. That includes addressing anything you don’t want your furry friend to consume or play with. The items on the list include small or sharp objects, hazardous plants, poisons, and medication. Plastic bags, ties, ropes, and cords are all potentially harmful. Make sure your doors and windows close properly. Ask your Oconomowoc, WI vet for advice on this.

Taking Fluffy to the veterinarian is going to be one of the first things you will want to do. Your cat will require a complete nose-to-tail exam. Many shelter cats are already fixed, while some schedule this during the adoption process. If this hasn’t been done yet, you’ll want to see to it. Aside from that, you’ll need to keep your pet up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention.

Aside from that, we would advise you to keep your new pet safe and secure indoors. Kitties that are permitted to roam encounter a number of major hazards, including traffic, weather, chemicals, and predators. Furthermore, Fluffy will be unfamiliar with the area and may become disoriented.

What Are The Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Cat?

There are several compelling reasons why going to a shelter is the ideal option to get Fluffy! Here are a handful of the major ones:

Find Your Perfect Pet: Shelters house cats of all shapes, sizes, and colors. You’re sure to discover a fantastic fit.

Spend Time with Your New Buddy: Most of the time, you will be able to meet Fluffy before making your final decision. This can help guarantee that you’ve chosen the proper pet. (This is also when many individuals realize they’ve discovered their kitten.)

Save Money: Adopting from a shelter is far less expensive than buying from a breeder or a pet store.

Help Other Homeless Animals: This is one of the main reasons why going through a shelter is such an excellent alternative. You will also be assisting other homeless cats! For starters, the position your new cat leaves vacant will soon be filled by another sweet cat. Fluffy’s adoption fees will also assist the shelter care for its other furry wards.

Bonding With A Shelter Cat

While some cats will instantly think you’re the best thing in the world and want to snuggle you all day, others will take their time warming up. The most important thing is to maintain patience. You’ll need to earn her trust. That means she must be confident that you would not grasp or hold her against her will.

Talk to your kitty friend and give her toys, treats, and catnip. Making your home secure and enjoyable for your furry family member will go a long way toward starting the engine. For example, you can put out some pet-safe plants for Fluffy to eat. The ASPCA has a nice list on their website here. Your feline companion will definitely welcome some purrniture, such as a cat tower. Window seats are very popular among kittens.

The main thing is to just make your furry pal feel comfy, safe, and loved. Don’t be surprised if your heart melts the first time Fluffy purrs when you pet her or looks at you with that look of adoration cats do.

Visit Your Oconomowoc, Wi Animal Clinic

Does your kitty need to come in? Is Fluffy overdue for an examination? Contact us, your Oconomowoc, WI pet hospital, now!