Preventative Care@3x

June: Adopt a Cat Month

Jun 1, 2015 | Cat, New Pet

shutterstock_174331724We are always hearing about cute little kittens, but the reality is that there are a lot of cats in shelters that are looking for loving homes.  In June we celebrate adopt a cat month and bring awareness to these sweet felines looking for a family to love them.  The Humane Society has provided some great information on this topic and some tips to set you up for success as your expand your furry family.

Some tips they have shared include…

Think about adopting two, rather than one:  This will give them a companion to play and socialize with when you have to leave during the day. This will be especially helpful during those first few weeks of adjustment.

Try to find one that has a personality that connects well with yours: If you are an energetic person looking for a cat to socialize with, be sure you “test” out their personalities.  Just like humans, some cats prefer to keep to themselves, while others love being pet and surrounded by people.  Be sure to find one that will complement your personality, lifestyle, and home environment.

Make sure everyone in the house is on board with bringing home a new cat: You are bringing a new life into your home, so make sure everyone is on board and this is a good decision for everyone in your home.  There will be times that you cannot take care of the cat yourself and will need to rely on your family and/or friends to help.  Be sure that support is there.

Budget for the new addition: Pets can be costly in the short term and the long run.  Be sure you have taken into consideration their care from a veterinarian, as well as the cost of food and treats, toys, crates, scratching posts, and other supplies you might need.  While we all hope our pets stay healthy, there are probably going to be times that an illness will require care and possibly medication.  These medications can be expensive, as well as the vet bill that is associated with the illness.  Be sure you are prepared financially for this.

Purchase supplies before you bring home the new kitten or cat: Being prepared before you bring home your kitten or cat will make you and your new addition feel better.  You will already have the necessities to make them feel at home and not have to worry about running out to get things you need right away.

Cat-proof your home:  Remember, especially with kittens, they can be quite mischievous so be sure to prepare your home.  Keep an eye out for electrical cords, food laying out on counters, and small toys lying on the carpet that a kitten could choke on.

Introduce your new family member to friends and guests slowly:  Some cats and kittens need an adjustment period in your home before they introduced to a lot of people.

Anytime you are preparing for a new family member is an exciting time.  These tips and pointers serve as a great reminder of things to keep in mind when adopting.  Check out local adoption events in your area.  Being as it is Adopt a Cat month, there will a lot of great events happening!

(Source: American Humane Association, http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/special-initiatives/adopt-a-cat-month/)

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.