|
|
|
|
Adopting a Shelter Cat
Fortunate
Buy this print from Art.com
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your family, consider adopting a
cat from your local animal shelter or humane society. The animals have been
carefully screened for adoptability and have usually been worked with to
enhance sociability.
Unfortunately, many people think that only "bad" animals wind up in shelters.
Actually, the opposite is true. People relinquish their pets to shelters when
they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes this is because the owner
was unprepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a pet.
Often, however, caring owners struggling with life-changes or trying to cope
with family tragedy realize their pet would be better off with someone else.
They bring them to the shelter because they know the animal will be
well-cared for and placed in an excellent home.
Shelter staff carefully evaluates each animal for physical and behavioral
soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate
negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption counselors who interview
potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle so they can make
the perfect match.
Your first contact with a shelter cat will probably be when she is in her
cage. Don't be put off if she ignores you completely. Keep in mind that many
new people pass by her cage each day, and she has to cope with all the noise
and stress that accompanies that. A shelter worker can arrange for you to
meet the cat in a quiet room. Again, she may not pay much attention to you,
but watch how she acts towards the staff person. This is who she is more
comfortable with. While you observe the cat, talk with the staff member and
learn all you can about the cat's likes and dislikes.
Bringing your newly adopted cat home is exciting for you, and a little
overwhelming for her. Have things prepared before you pick her up from the
shelter. This includes having small area for her to call her own. A bathroom
or extra bedroom works well. Furnish it with a bed, food and water bowls,
scratching post, toys and a litter box. Spend some time with her in the room
with the door closed. She may totally ignore you while she explores her new
surroundings. Keep her confined to this room until she seems relaxed in your
presence. Then you can allow her to roam the rest of your home.
Some cats take longer than others to adjust to new situations. Your cat has
gone from a home to a noisy shelter to another new home. Change is stressful
for cats. You can help her adjust more quickly by establishing set routines.
Begin feeding, grooming and playing with her at the same times each day, and
she'll feel at home much sooner.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
|
|
|
|