June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month! We’re happy to see any cat find a good home, but we have a soft spot for shelter kitties. Many of them have a very hard time finding new homes. If you’re thinking about getting a new cat, visit your local shelter! A local Vinton, VA vet offers tips on finding and adopting Fluffy below.

How Do I Pick a Shelter Kitty?

There is really no correct or incorrect response here. Some people have a list of things they’re looking for. You might like your next cat to be of a specific age, breed, or color, and that is of course purrfectly fine. Of course, you may walk into a shelter with a mental list of what you’re looking for and then fall in love with an adorable kitten who appears to be the polar opposite of what you thought you wanted. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s always a wonderful moment when people realize they’ve found their pet. There’s a lot to be said for simply following your heart and selecting the kitty that makes you feel the most.

That said, there are some things to think about. If you have additional pets, choose a feline who will get along with her furry companions. A shy cat who has always lived alone may feel uneasy in an environment with three dogs, two other kitties, and a bird. On the flip side, a cat who develops deep bonds with her feline friends could get lonely when left alone. Most shelters are fairly good at analyzing the pets that come into their care, so you should be able to find out what sort of home Fluffy is best suited for.

What Are The Advantages Of Adopting Shelter Cats?

There are several compelling reasons why going to a shelter is the best way to get Fluffy!

For starters, you’ll be able to find the perfect pet. Shelters keep cats of various shapes, sizes, and colors. No doubt that you will find a suitable match. Furthermore, you can meet your potential kitty companion before making a final decision. This may help you make sure that you’ve found your ideal pet. (This is also the point at which many people realize they’ve finally found their cat.)

Saving money is another benefit. Adopting from a shelter is significantly less expensive than buying from a breeder or a pet store.

Finally, you will be assisting other animals. This is one of the primary reasons why visiting a shelter is such a fantastic decision! For starters, the space your new kitty vacated will soon be filled by another adorable feline. Plus, Fluffy’s adoption fees will help the shelter care for its other furry wards, so you’ll be helping other animals as well.

Getting Ready for Fluffy

Moving to a new home is a big deal for cats. Fluffy’s new home may be great, but the adjustment will be challenging 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 kitty. With dogs, you may need to wait a while to assess Fido’s size. This is not an issue for cats. Even if you adopt a kitten, your little furball can play with full-sized toys, beds, and furniture. You may need to buy Fluffy a kitten-sized litterbox, but they are usually inexpensive. Avoid using clay or clumping litter with kittens.

Scratching posts, dishes, toys, beds, snacks, catnip, and carriers should be on your list, along with a litterbox and litter.

When shopping for your cat, keep his or her age in mind. A kitten will appreciate a wide range of exciting toys and play centers, whilst senior cats may prefer cozy beds.

Food selection will be influenced by your furry friend’s age and overall health. Ask your veterinarian for specific advice.

Normally, we recommend making dietary changes gradually. However, shelters usually have to feed whatever is available on sale or given via  donation, so Fluffy may not be eating any specific meals on a regular basis.

If you have other pets, keep your new cat’s stuff in a separate location at first. This will give Fluffy some space to relax and settle in. If Fluffy is going to be the only pet, find a quiet spot.

Bringing Fluffy Home 

Gotcha Day marks a big milestone for you and Fluffy. Don’t rush anything! When you get home, set the carrier down and let your pet companion out when she’s ready.

While some cats may immediately begin investigating their new surroundings, others may flee (literally) to the first hiding spot they encounter. Fluffy may also stay put and emerge gradually.

If you have other pets, be patient when establishing introductions. This ought to be completed in stages over several days. Fluffy values initial impressions extremely much! Consult your veterinarian for more information on this.

How Do I Keep My Shelter Cat Safe?

Our feline pals are quite independent. They are also curious, playful, and a bit reckless. That’s a dangerous (if adorable) combination. 

Petproofing is vital. That includes addressing anything you don’t want your pet to eat or play with. Small or sharp things, hazardous plants, poisons, and medications are all on the list. Plastic bags, ties, ropes, and cords are all hazardous as well. Make sure your doors and windows close securely. Ask your veterinarian for advice on this.

Bring Fluffy to the veterinarian as soon as possible. This is one of the first things you should do. Your feline companion will require a thorough nose-to-tail checkup. Many shelter cats have already been fixed, while other facilities schedule this during the adoption process. If this hasn’t been done yet, get that scheduled. Your furball will also need a microchip. Aside from that, you’ll need to update your pet’s immunizations and parasite prevention.

This is also a great opportunity to get specific information on taking care of your feline friend.

Aside from that, we’d want to remind you to keep the new addition to your family safe and sound inside. Kitties that are let to wander face various serious threats, including traffic, weather, chemicals, and predators. Fluffy may also feel disoriented as a result of her unfamiliar environment.

Bonding With A Shelter Cat

While some cats will immediately think you’re the best thing ever and want to snuggle with you all day, others will take their time warming up. The crucial thing is to remain patient. You will have to earn her trust. This means she must be confident that you would not grasp or hold her against her will. Avoid giving too much attention to your pet. We understand that this may be difficult. However, pressing it may backfire, making her fearful of you.

Talk to your feline friend and offer her toys, treats, and catnip. You may kickstart that engine by making your pet’s house safe and exciting for them. For example, you could put out some pet-friendly plants for Fluffy to chew on. The ASPCA has an excellent list here on their website. Your feline companion will probably appreciate some purrniture, such as a cat tower. Window seats are very popular with cats. Do not worry! With time, love, and proper care, you’ll get that motor running in no time.

Conclusion: With millions of cats admitted to shelters each year, adopting a shelter cat is a great way to offer one lucky feline a second chance.

Schedule an Appointment at Your Vinton, VA Animal Clinic

Does your feline need to come in? Is Fluffy overdue for her exam? Please contact us at your pet Vinton, VA hospital now!