It
appears that June is "cat month" so, for all you cat lovers out
there, this blog is dedicated to our furry feline friends! But first, let me apologize for the absence
of Happy Tails the past couple of months.
There's been a lot going on here in NC and I just haven't had the time
or concentration to write anything worthwhile.
The important thing is that I'm still here, hopefully with plenty of
Happy Tails to come!
Each year
during “kitten season,” thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats
already in shelters across the country.
This means local animal shelters have tons of cute, cuddly newborns in
addition to the more mellow, senior cats and everything in between. If you're thinking about adopting a cat or
kitten, you should first check out this cat adoption check list of helpful tips
from the American Humane Society.
1. When thinking about adopting a cat, consider
taking home two. This may sound like a
pushy sales tactic but cats require exercise, mental
stimulation, and social interaction and two cats can provide this for each
other. They’ll also provide more
benefits to you. Cats’ purring has been
shown to soothe humans as well as the cats themselves, and they have the ability
to just make you smile.
2. Find a cat whose personality meshes with
yours. Just as we each
have our own personality, so do cats. In
general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easy-going
than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more
active. Adoption counselors can offer
advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.
3. Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and
schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption. You’ll want to take any and all medical
records you receive from the shelter to your first visit.
4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared
to have a cat before it comes home. Visiting the
shelter should be a family affair and many shelters require that the entire
household come in to meet the cats before adopting. When adopting a new cat with existing pets at
home, discuss with the adoption staff how to make a proper introduction.
5. Budget for the short-term and long-term costs
of a cat. Understand any
pet is a responsibility and there’s a cost associated with that. A cat adopted from a shelter is a bargain as they
are usually already spayed or neutered, up-to-date on initial vaccines, and have
a microchip for permanent identification.
6. Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives. Be prepared so your new cat can start
feeling at home right away. Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food
and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy
bed, a brush for grooming, etc.
7. Cat-proof your home. A new cat will quickly teach you not to
leave things lying out. Food left on the
kitchen counter will only teach your new friend to jump on counters for a yummy
snack. Get rid of loose items your cat
might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and
pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).
8. Go slowly when introducing your cat to new
friends and family. It can take
several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment. You may want to keep the new addition secluded
to a single room (with a litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier
left out and open with bedding inside) until the cat is used to the new
surroundings. This is particularly
important if you have other pets. If
you’ve adopted a kitten, socialization is very important but remember to take it slow.
9. Be sure to include your new pet in your
family’s emergency plan. You probably
have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency.
Adjust this plan to include your pets. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and
closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list.
10. If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift,
make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process. Once again, many shelter facilities actually
require this. Though well-meaning, the
surprise kitty gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period. Remember, adopting a cat isn’t like purchasing
a household appliance or a piece of jewelry...this is a real living, breathing,
and emotional being!
Not only is this the American Humane Society's Adopt-A-Cat Month
and the ASPCA's Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, but Sunday June 4th is
"International Hug Your Cat Day!
See, I told you June was "cat month"! Personally, I'm more of a dog lover, but even
I've been known to feed a certain stray cat that sometimes visits our doorstep
simply because I feel sorry for her. Please
help reduce the number of stray kitties like this one by adopting a cat (or
two) this month! If you already have
cats, be sure to give them a hug...not just on June 4th...each and every
day!
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
