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 were carefully examined for adoptability and have usually been worked with to enhance sociability.
Unfortunately, many people think that only "bad" animals wind up in shelters. In fact, the opposite is true. People abandon their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes it is because the owner was not prepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a pet.
If there is no indication of "reason to discount the cage at the shelter ask - a cat that was abandoned because of bad behavior may not be the best choice - no matter how cute she is.
Often, however, owners of care taken with life changes or try to confront the family tragedy realize their pet would be better with someone else. They are safe because they know that the animal is well cared for and placed in a foster excellent.
The shelter staff carefully evaluate each animal for physical and behavioral. 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 cat shelter will probably be when she is in her cage. Do not be discouraged if you ignore it completely. Keep in mind that many new people spend every day of his cage, and she must cope with all the noise and stress that accompanies it. A worker in a shelter can arrange for you to meet the cat in a quiet room. Again, it may not pay much attention to you, but watch how she acts towards the person of the staff. That she is more comfortable. Even if you observe the cat, talk with staff and learn everything you want to chat and dislikes.
Take a cat carrier with you to the shelter - much easier than having your new cat run around the car you drive her home.
Bringing your new cat home is exciting for you, and a little overwhelming for her. Things were well prepared before coming to fetch her away. This requires having a little space to call his own. A bathroom or spare bedroom works well. The furnished with a bed, food and water bowls, scratching post, toys and bedding. Spend time with her in the room with the door closed. She may ignore you completely while she explores her new surroundings. Keep it confined to that room until she seems relaxed in your presence. Then you can enable it to browse the rest of your house.
Some cats take longer than others to adapt to new situations. Your cat has moved from a house in a noisy shelter to another new home. Change is stressful for cats. You can help them adjust more quickly by the establishment of fixed routines. Begin feeding, grooming and playing with her at the same time each day, and she feels at home much earlier.
If there is no indication of "reason to discount the cage at the shelter ask - a cat that was abandoned because of bad behavior may not be the best choice - no matter how cute she is.
Often, however, owners of care taken with life changes or try to confront the family tragedy realize their pet would be better with someone else. They are safe because they know that the animal is well cared for and placed in a foster excellent.
The shelter staff carefully evaluate each animal for physical and behavioral. 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 cat shelter will probably be when she is in her cage. Do not be discouraged if you ignore it completely. Keep in mind that many new people spend every day of his cage, and she must cope with all the noise and stress that accompanies it. A worker in a shelter can arrange for you to meet the cat in a quiet room. Again, it may not pay much attention to you, but watch how she acts towards the person of the staff. That she is more comfortable. Even if you observe the cat, talk with staff and learn everything you want to chat and dislikes.
Take a cat carrier with you to the shelter - much easier than having your new cat run around the car you drive her home.
Bringing your new cat home is exciting for you, and a little overwhelming for her. Things were well prepared before coming to fetch her away. This requires having a little space to call his own. A bathroom or spare bedroom works well. The furnished with a bed, food and water bowls, scratching post, toys and bedding. Spend time with her in the room with the door closed. She may ignore you completely while she explores her new surroundings. Keep it confined to that room until she seems relaxed in your presence. Then you can enable it to browse the rest of your house.
Some cats take longer than others to adapt to new situations. Your cat has moved from a house in a noisy shelter to another new home. Change is stressful for cats. You can help them adjust more quickly by the establishment of fixed routines. Begin feeding, grooming and playing with her at the same time each day, and she feels at home much earlier.
