Adopting A Shelter Cat

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month! As far as we are concerned, every month is Adopt A Shelter Cat month. We’re happy to see any kitty get a good home, regardless of where they come from. However, many shelter cats really have a hard time getting adopted. If you are considering bringing a new kitty into your life, your local shelter is a great spot to look! A local Salem, VA vet offers some advice on finding Fluffy in this article.

How Do I Choose A Shelter Cat?

There’s really no right or wrong answer here. Some people have a list of things they are looking for. You may want your next kitty to be of a specific age, breed, or color, and that’s fine. Shelters have cats of all kinds, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find Fluffy eventually.

Of course, you may walk into a shelter with a mental list of what you want, only to find yourself falling for a cat that seems like the exact opposite. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s important to keep an open mind. It’s always a bit magical when people just know they’ve found their pet. There’s also a lot to be said for just following your heart and picking the kitty who tugs your heartstrings the most.

There are a few things to keep in mind. If you have other pets, you’ll want to be sure to pick a kitty that will integrate well with her furry roommates. A shy cat who has always lived alone may not be comfortable in a house with three other cats, two dogs, and a parrot. On the other hand, a feline who bonds well with other kitties may be lonely by herself. Most shelters are pretty good about assessing the pets that come into their care, so you’ll likely be able to find out some of these things.

What Are The Advantages Of Adopting A Shelter Cat?

There are some great reasons why going to a shelter is the perfect way to get Fluffy! Here are just a few of the main ones:

Find Your Purrfect Pet: Shelters have kitties of all shapes, sizes, and colors. You’re bound to find a great fit.

Spend Time With Your New Buddy: Most of the time, you’ll be able to meet Fluffy before making a final decision. This can help ensure that you have picked the right pet. (This is also the stage where many people just know they’ve found their kitty.)

Save Money: Adopting from a shelter is definitely a lot cheaper than going through a breeder or pet store.

Help Other Animals: This really is one of the key reasons that going through a shelter is such a great option. You’ll also be helping other homeless kitties! For one thing, the spot your new cat leaves empty will soon be occupied by another sweet cat. Plus, Fluffy’s adoption fees will help the shelter care for its other furry wards.

How Do I Help A Shelter Cat Settle In?

Going to a new home is a pretty big deal for a cat. Fluffy may be going to a great home, but the change is still going to be hard on her. You’ll want to give your furry pal time to adjust.

One thing we recommend is to have everything ready in advance. You may want to do your shopping before you find your kitty. With dogs, you sometimes need to wait a bit to find out what size Fido is. That really isn’t an issue with cats. Even if you’re getting a kitten, your tiny pal will be able to use full-sized toys, beds, and furniture. You may need to get little Fluffy a kitten litterbox, but those are fairly inexpensive.

Your shopping list should include the following:

• Litterbox
• Litter (Note: avoid clay and clumping brands for kittens)
• Scratching post or board
• Dishes
• Toys
• Beds
• Treats
• Catnip
• Carrier

Keep your kitty’s age in mind when shopping.  A kitten will enjoy tons of fun toys and activity centers, while a senior may be more interested in comfy beds. 

As for food, that will also depend on your pet’s age, as well as her overall health. Ask your vet for specific advice. 

Normally, we recommend making changes slowly. However,  shelters often just have to feed whatever is on sale or donated, so Fluffy may not be on a regular menu.

If you have other pets, put all of your kitty’s things in a separate room at first. This will give Fluffy a space where she can just relax and get settled.  If Fluffy is going to be an only pet, just opt for a quiet corner. 

Bringing  Your Shelter Cat Home 

That Gotcha Day is a big deal for both you and Fluffy. Don’t rush things when you get home. Put the carrier down and let your kitty come out when she’s ready.

This is where your feline pal’s purrsonality will come in. Some kitties may immediately take to exploring their new kingdoms. Others may hightail it (literally) for the first hiding spot they see, or stay put and only come out very, very slowly.

Don’t force attention on your furball. That may just backfire, and make her afraid of you.

If you have other pets, take your time with introductions. This should ideally happen in stages, over the course of several days. First impressions are a very big deal to Fluffy! Ask your Salem, VA veterinarians for specific advice on this.

How Do I Keep My Shelter Cat Safe?

Our feline pals are pretty self-reliant. However, they are also walking, meowing bundles of curiosity and mischief.

Petproofing is very important. That means addressing anything you don’t want your furball to eat or play with. The list includes things like small or sharp items; toxic plants; chemicals; and medication. Plastic bags and ties are also dangerous, as are ropes and cords. Make sure your doors and windows close securely. Ask your vet for tips on this.

Aside from that, we would just caution you to keep your new pet safe and sound indoors. Kitties that are allowed to wander face several serious threats, such as traffic, weather, chemicals, and predators. Plus, Fluffy won’t know her way around, and could easily get lost.

How Do I Bond With A Shelter Cat?

While some kitties may immediately decide that you’re the best thing under the sun and want to cuddle you 24/7, others will warm up slowly. The main thing is to be patient. Don’t force attention on Fluffy. You’ll need to win her trust. That means she needs to feel confident in knowing that you won’t grab her or hold her against her will.

Talk to your feline buddy, and offer toys, treats, and catnip. Making your home safe and fun for your pet will go a long way towards getting that engine going. For instance, you can set out some pet-safe plants for Fluffy to nibble on. The ASPCA has a great list on their site here. Your feline buddy will probably also appreciate some purrniture, such as a cat tower. Window seats are also very popular with kitties.

How Do I Keep A Shelter Cat Healthy?

One of the first things you‘ll want to do is take Fluffy to your Salem, VA animal hospital. Your kitty will need a full nose-to-tail exam. Many shelter cats are already fixed, though some places schedule this during the adoption process. Aside from that, you’ll also need to get your furry pal up to date on vaccines and parasite control.

This is also a great time to get some specific information about caring for your feline pal.

Conclusion: With millions of cats admitted to shelters each year, adopting a kitty from a shelter is a wonderful way to give one lucky feeling a second chance.

Make An Appointment at Your Salem, VA Animal Clinic

Do you need to bring your feline pal in? Is Fluffy overdue for an exam? Contact us, your local Salem, VA pet hospital, today!