Below are some of the common questions asked by people adopting a cat. Just click on the question for the answer.
How do I introduce my new cat to my home and family?
It is important to give your new family member time to adjust to her new surroundings. First create a safe haven in her new environment (a cat bed, her carrier with the door removed or cardboard box) located in a quiet area. If you have other cats in your family your new cat will need to be kept seperate from them for 10-14 days while she has her checkup and any other needed care. This will allow the other cats time to get used to each other's scent and presence. Developing new friendships among multiple cats takes time, as long as a few months.
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What grooming will be needed?
Cats spend a great deal of time grooming themselves but additional brushing will keep their coat shiny and reduce the development of hairballs. The type of coat your cat has and the time of year will determine whether you brush her daily or weekly.
Providing a scratching post for will help keep your cat's nails in shape and away from furniture. You may need to show a your young cat how to use the post. Also trim her nails every 2-3 weeks to keep the nails blunt.
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What About Playtime?
Cats are frisky and playful so it is important to spend some playtime with them everyday.
They are easily entertained and an empty paper bag or crumpled scrap of paper will keep them happy for an hour. If you keep them supplied with safe toys they will be less likely to play with a unsafe household items. Try not to use your hands or fingers as play things, you don't want to encourage biting or scratching.
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What do I feed them?
Feed adult cats twice a day according to package labels. If you are feeding canned food do not leave uneaten canned food out more than 30 minutes. Dry food is safe to leave out all day.
Feed kittens up to 12 weeks of age 4 times a day, then 3 times a day until 6 months of age.
With all cats try not to overfeed or feed human food. Cow's milk is unnecessary and could cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Cats love fresh water and often are found drinking water from a faucet. Always have a bowl of fresh water available for them.
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What do cats love?
Being stroked gently, fresh water, catnip, playing, looking out windows, chasing bugs and sleeping. (The average adult cat sleeps 18 hours a day!)
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How do I make my home safe for my cat?
In catproofing your home make sure you block off nooks and crannies that are dangerous for cats to explore. Make it a habit to always secure sharp objects like nails and thumbtacks out of your cats reach. Rubber bands and string are also tempting to your cat but dangerous if swallowed. Place breakables and poisonous plants (ivy, philodendron, dracaenas, poinsettias, etc.) out of your cats reach. Have your cat wear a safety collar with a tag listing your name and phone number.
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When should my cat go to the vet?
Your new cat should see the vet within 24-48 hours after coming home - no matter where she was obtained. After the initial checkup, return to you vet at least once a year for an examination. If she is sick or injured promptly take her to your vet. Consult your vet if you notice anything unusual such as:
- persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- refusal to eat for a period longer than 24 hours
- abnormally aggresive behavior
- the presence of blood in the litter box
- above average usage of the litter box or straining while urinating
- regular eating of cat litter
- nose/eyedischarge or sneezing
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