People undertake over two million cats from shelters annually. Adopting a cat from a shelter or humane society means not solely giving a kitten a house but in addition doubtlessly saving their life.
In case you’ve determined to undertake a kitten, you could really feel like you’ve got lots to organize for. A new kitten requires time and a focus, and also you additionally need to ensure you’re assembly their wants.
On this article, we’ll cowl important suggestions you should use all through the adoption course of. From evaluating what sort of cat is correct in your way of life to bringing your cat to a secure residence and supporting their long-term well being, we have now you coated.
What To Take into account Earlier than Attempting To Undertake a New Kitten
Earlier than signing adoption papers, it’s essential to think about how a cat will match into your way of life. Past the monetary implications of adopting a cat, kitten care might be particularly time-consuming. Different issues to think about embrace what coloration of cat you’d like and whether or not you solely need one cat or for those who’re open to a bonded pair.
Assets, time, and setting:
- Is the monetary affect of getting a pet one thing you’ll be able to afford? You’ll must pay for meals, vet care, and ongoing provides.
- How a lot time do you spend at residence? Do you journey lots?
- What’s your area like? Is it massive sufficient to offer a cat devoted areas for relaxation, meals and water, and litter containers?
Coloration can matter:
- Grey cats have the highest scores for shyness, aloofness, and intolerance.
- Orange cats have the very best scores for trainability, friendliness, and tranquility.
- Tabby cats have the very best scores for boldness and activeness.
- Tricolor cats are usually cussed.
- Bicolor cats are usually extra tolerant.
Two could also be higher than one:
- One kitten can grow to be lonely and afraid.
- A cat can develop single-kitten syndrome, which happens when a cat comes from a multi-cat setting (like a shelter) right into a single-cat setting. Single-kitten syndrome could cause harmful behavioral points on account of stress and anxiousness.
Questions To Ask When Adopting a Kitten
It’s essential to ask questions when adopting a kitten to make sure you can meet their wants. A good shelter will welcome questions, as this reveals them you’re dedicated to being a very good pet father or mother.
That mentioned, here’s a checklist of inquiries to ask when adopting a kitten:
- What vaccinations, dewormings, and veterinary care has the kitten obtained, and what do they nonetheless want? What was the date of the care?
- What’s the kitten presently consuming? It’s ideally suited to feed the cat the identical meals they’re used to after you undertake them, then step by step transition them to a brand new meals if wanted.
- What’s the age of the kitten? Kittens usually must be 8–10 weeks previous earlier than adoption. Till this level, they’re nonetheless reliant on their mom’s milk for correct immunity and diet. Weaning them too early might be detrimental to their long-term well being.
- Has the kitten been spayed or neutered? Many shelters don’t undertake kittens out earlier than spaying or neutering. In the event that they haven’t achieved this, ask the shelter if it is a service they supply.
- Are there any sicknesses within the shelter or breeder setting? Rescue teams are set as much as deal with these points and work with native veterinarians to assist the kittens get wholesome. Examples embrace:
- Fleas
- Ear mites
- Higher respiratory infections
- Has the kitten been in poor health or exhibiting signs of sickness? Any present well being points want therapy earlier than adoption.
- Does the kitten have any behavioral points?
You’ll want to get a well being report with your entire kitten’s documented well being and conduct points to share together with your veterinarian.
Earlier than Adopting the Kitten
Along with assessing the well being of your future cat, listed here are some extra areas to suppose by earlier than adopting.
Perceive the Variations Between Caring for a Cat vs. a Kitten
Kittens are usually extra high-maintenance than grownup cats. They require extra meals and particular vitamins that will not be as essential for grownup cats, so getting kitten meals is a should. Kittens are additionally extraordinarily curious, rising the possibility of them biting or chewing inappropriate objects round your house.
On the flip aspect, kittens have much less life historical past, which means altering behaviors might be simpler than making an attempt to alter the conduct of an grownup or senior cat. So, if you’re up for a high-energy, curious kitten, it may be a very rewarding expertise to elevate a cat from kitten to grownup.
Put together Your House For a New Pet
Beneath is a guidelines for kitten-proofing your house and organising obligatory provides.
- Cowl electrical retailers.
- Safe electrical cords.
- Put smaller objects they may swallow out of attain, comparable to young children’s toys, beads, and many others.
- We advocate getting on the bottom from the identical perspective as your cat to discover what they can get into or get tangled in.
- Issues which can be in a string kind or could appear like a worm (rubber bands, string, stitching needles, and many others.) are an enormous hazard to cats due to their curiosity.
- Get scratchers in your cat — in any other case, they may be taught to scratch furnishings.
- Purchase litter containers (another field than your variety of cats) and litter forward of time and present the brand new kitten the place it’s as quickly as doable.
Purchase the Proper Merchandise
There are some important belongings you’ll want to purchase earlier than bringing your kitten residence. Some merchandise and provides are additionally good to have and never utterly obligatory, however you could discover them useful.
Necessities:
- Scratching posts, pads, or cat timber
- Litter containers and cat litter
- Kitten meals: Take a look at The Sincere Kitchen’s Minced moist cat meals and Smittens White Fish Cat Treats (each of that are wholesome for kittens).
- Cat provider for vet visits and journey
- Meals and water bowls
- Cat toys: Feathers, crinkle toys, and many others.
- Grooming instruments like brushes, nail clippers, and enamel care objects
- Collar, ID tag, and microchip: Even when your cat is an indoor cat, there may be nonetheless an opportunity they may get out of the home.
Good-to-Haves:
- Catnip
- Calming diffuser: Some diffusers emit cat pheromones to lower stress. Speak to your vet about the fitting possibility in your cat.
- Litter field furnishings: There are a ton of choices with regards to disguising your litter containers.
- Automated devices: Although not obligatory, an automatic litter field, automated meals dispenser, and water fountain might be an effective way to make sure your cat is on a schedule and make your life a bit simpler.
Take into account Adoption Choices
It’s additionally essential to think about the place you’re going to undertake your feline good friend from. Chances are you’ll already know of a neighborhood rescue group or humane society in your space, however we advocate researching your choices to make sure the adoption middle is aligned together with your values.
It might even be price visiting a couple of locations to be taught in regards to the amenities. Chances are you’ll understand that some are cleaner than others, have greater requirements, or simply present new pet dad and mom with extra help.
Throughout the Adoption Course of
When you’ve selected an adoption facility, you may need to put together your self for the adoption course of.
Come Ready
Although each facility is barely completely different, you’ll often begin the method by assembly the cats out there for adoption. The employees may additionally encourage you to spend slightly time observing and even enjoying with the kittens to see who you join with. This may even be a very good likelihood to see which cats are bonded.
You’ll possible obtain a number of info on what the adoption price contains, what the power’s insurance policies are, and what they want from you to make sure you’re an acceptable pet father or mother. Some shelters require potential adopters to fill out a survey to find out in the event that they’re a very good match for a pet.
Throughout the paperwork course of, you’ll be able to ask the entire questions we coated above and extra. Be prepared with any documentation the shelter could require, comparable to identification and proof of residence. In case you’re renting, you could want a letter out of your landlord confirming you’ll be able to have a pet in your condominium.
Meet the Kitten for the First Time
As talked about, every shelter does first conferences in another way, however typically, it’s finest to strategy a bunch of cats and kittens with a relaxed demeanor. Attempt to not make loud noises or quick actions, as this might scare a few of the cats and trigger defensive responses. If a cat backs away or hisses at you, allow them to be. Don’t power something.
In case you’re enthusiastic about a specific kitten, ask the shelter volunteer or foster for his or her favourite toy and see if they’re going to play with you. The fishing pole toys and balls that crinkle are sometimes favorites. Hold the play mushy and straightforward to start with as a result of, proper now, you are a stranger.
After some play, decide the kitten up and see in the event that they’ll calm down in your arms. In the event that they’re nonetheless fired up from lively play, they could not — but when they’re getting drained, they could be keen to snuggle with you.
Finalize the Adoption
Lastly, after you’ve gone over the paperwork, bonded with a cat or two, and determined you’re destined to be collectively, you’ll be able to finalize the adoption. This can possible embrace signing contracts, paying any charges, scheduling your first vet appointment (some shelters will do that for you), and arranging in your cat’s transport residence.
After Bringing the Kitten House
As soon as the adoption is finalized and the kitten is formally a part of your loved ones, the following tips may also help you get by these early days of cat parenthood.
Take Additional Care within the First Few Days
Taking time to introduce the kitten to their new house is essential. Set up security and luxury from the get-go, as it will assist your cat acclimate to their new environment and bond with you as you start to boost them.
Attempt to hold issues calm and quiet for a couple of days. Light petting and dealing with in a quiet room is essential for them to be taught to belief you. Steadily allow them to hear, scent, and see your regular residence and routine.
Make Positive the Kitten Goes to the Veterinarian
Relying on the age of the cat and the shelter’s involvement, your kitten could have already got a few of their photographs. (You’ll want to ask about medical documentation, so you already know what they’ve obtained earlier than adoption.)
No matter their well being care up till adoption, it’s a good suggestion to take your cat to the vet instantly after bringing them residence. A right away vet go to is much more essential in case your new cat is a stray.
That is to make sure they don’t have any sicknesses or well being points, a few of which might even be transmissible to people. For instance, Bartonella can result in cat scratch fever in people.
This primary vet go to can be a possibility to ascertain a relationship with the veterinarian and overview medical data from the shelter, if relevant. It’s also possible to talk about a schedule for future well being checkups.
Work on Coaching and Socialization
Coaching a cat isn’t so simple as coaching a canine, however with persistence and consistency, you are able to do it. An important coaching that you simply’ll must do straight away is litter field coaching. Some cats could also be litter field educated already whenever you undertake them, whereas others will not be.
Different coaching usually facilities round conduct, comparable to understanding the place they’re allowed to scratch, and socialization with different pets and folks. You possibly can help your coaching efforts with treats, clickers, and redirection.
Plan for Ongoing Care
Cat possession could be a long-term dedication, because the common lifespan for cats is 13–14 years, and a few cats dwell to be 25 and even 30. Fascinated by ongoing care of your cat is essential, from weight loss program and train to grooming and total way of life. The extra you get to know your cat’s character, the clearer these items will grow to be.
The opposite key right here is to be adaptable and keen to make modifications primarily based in your cat’s wants. For instance, in the event that they develop an allergy or incapacity sooner or later in life, you could want to alter your way of life to accommodate them.
Embrace the Journey With a New Kitten by Your Aspect
All in all, being a cat father or mother could be a fantastic journey, however additionally it is a severe one that you simply should not take calmly. From researching adoption organizations to getting ready for a cat’s present and future wants, there’s lots to think about.
And with regards to supporting your cat’s well being from kitten to senior cat, look no additional than human grade cat meals from The Sincere Kitchen. With scrumptious moist meals, dietary supplements, dry meals, and treats, The Sincere Kitchen has one thing for even the pickiest eaters.
