June is Adopt-A-Cat Month and, according to the ASPCA, approximately 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a cat, now is the perfect time to act! But, before you do, keep these four tips in mind:
Preparation is Key
It’s easy to become so excited about adopting your first furry friend that you may forget some crucial preparation to prevent a severe meowtrage! Make sure you have the following items on hand before you take your cat or kitten meowt of its shelter:
- Food and water bowls
- Food/Treats
- Cat bed
- Cat toys
- Cat brush
- Cat litter box and litter
- Scratching post or strips
As long as you have the basics, you’ll be sure to prevent a cat-astrophe of sorts. Do proper research beforehand and reach out to those you know who have kittens or cats themselves.
Indoors vs. Outdoors
One of the biggest decisions new cat owners must make is whether or not to allow their cat(s) outside. There are many risks that can shorten your cat’s lifespan if let outdoors. From being attacked or hit by a car to becoming infected with a virus, the possibilities can be daunting. Since many cats really enjoy being outdoors, there are several different ways you can allow your cat to enjoy the sunshine without the risk. Start by installing perches on windowsills around the house so that your cat can sit at the window, watch the outdoors, and enjoy the sunlight. It’s ultimately your decision, but you should weigh the risks and do a bit of research beforehand.
Follow Your Cat’s Pace
If you have other animals at home, it’s especially important to let your new cat become acclimated to the environment. To make their transition as comfortable as possible, select a quiet, closed-in area, such as your bedroom or a small room away from the main foot traffic, where they can relax. Make sure they have access to a litter box, food and water, toys, and a scratching post. Be sure to spend plenty of time with them in that room so that they become used to you, but if they’re hiding don’t force them to come out! Let them sniff all your belongings and investigate all the hiding places before introducing them to other areas of the house. Soon enough, they’ll feel at home!
Visit the Vet
A healthy pet is key and one of the first things you should do is bring your kitten or cat to the vet for a check-up. Even if the shelter you adopt from ensures your feline friend has a clean bill of health, it’s always a safe bet to double check. You can also use your vet as a resource for any questions or advice you may need. Ask about pet health insurance and best practice on making sure your cat acclimates to his or her new environment in the healthiest way possible.
Local shelters all across the country have plenty of cute, cuddly newborn kittens, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between. Take this time to research, purchase any supplies you may need and find your new best friend!