CONGRATULATIONS on adopting a cat or kitten from Animal Protection Association (APA). We are providing this document to help you and your new family member adjust together.
COMING HOME:
The first thing you should know about your new pet is that most cats hate to travel. For the trip home, confine your pet in the cat carrier. Letting him loose in your car, he might panic and cause an accident. To make his transition to your household as comfortable as possible, provide him with a litter box in a quiet, closed-in area away from the main foot traffic. Let your new pet become acquainted with that limited area for the first few days, sniffing your belongings and investigating all the hiding places. Slowly introduce him to the rest of your house, including other pets and family members. It will take a little while, but he will eventually begin to feel at home.
FEEDING STATION:
APA will provide a sample bag of the dry food your adopted cat has been eating. We also highly recommend you feed your new cat wet food daily. In addition to water you provide, this ensures they get the appropriate moisture needed in their diet. If your cat seems disinterested in water, try a fountain. The movement will attract your cat to the water he needs to prevent urinary tract problems.
CAT TO CAT INTRODUCTIONS:
Cats rarely become instant friends when introduced to a new feline. Allow them to meet gradually sniffing each other under doors. Be prepared for hissing and swatting as they learn to live together, eventually tolerating each other if not becoming pals. Contact us if you need additional information about introducing cats.
CLEANLINESS:
Most cats will instinctively use a litter box and prefer a clean one. Many prefer an open box to an enclosed one. Be prepared to scoop the box at least daily if not more often. Multi-cat households should consider that to avoid litter box issues, provide one more litter box than the number of cats living in the home. Cats also value privacy, so place the litter box in a convenient but secluded spot.
GROOMING:
Most cats will spend hours grooming themselves, but even the most avid groomer can use a little help from time to time. Nail clipping, ear and teeth cleaning, and brushing are tasks you can do to keep your cat well- groomed and healthy. Wiping daily with a damp rag or fabric softener sheet can reduce the dander that causes allergic reactions to cats.
SECURITY:
Always use a cat carrier when transporting your pet. Make certain that all windows are securely screened, the washer and dryer are kept closed and inspected before each use. Ensure that drawers, closets, and cupboards are uninhabited before you close them. Put a collar and tag on your feline, as he may slip outside by mistake. Keep your cat’s microchip registration information current so he can always be returned to you!
HEALTH CARE:
APA takes in cats with widely varying backgrounds, Cats are tested for FIV and Leukemia and receive appropriate vaccinations before adoption. Inevitably, despite our best efforts, viruses can occasionally appear in adopted animals. Cats are stressed very easily, leaving
them particularly susceptible to upper respiratory viruses. Some people prefer to have their newly adopted cats checked by their own vet. If you do, take his medical record with you so they can see what vaccinations have been administered. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up to date on their shots and in good general health before introducing your new pet. Also, don’t bring a stray in your home with your other cats until it has been tested by a veterinarian.
HOUSE RULES:
Your cat may need some “basic training” to help him get along in your home. Providing a scratching post should distract him away from furniture. And a cat tree will provide a resting area up away from the flow of traffic and hopefully encourage him to rest there instead of kitchen counters. Some plants and flowers are toxic to cats, so check this out before bringing plants into the house.
ENTERTAINMENT:
Cats love to play with inexpensive toys. Ping-Pong balls, paper bags, small cat springs, toy mice and a laser light will provide hours of entertainment for your cat and for you. They also love a perch by a window where they can watch the birds.
THANK YOU: Thank you for adopting your new fur friend from Animal Protection Association (APA). We are here to help you on your journey as your new pet settles into his new home. Please feel free to contact the volunteer who assisted in your adoption or by calling our
main number 812-283-6555.