Adopting A Rescue Cat

Are you looking for a new feline friend to join  your household? If so, you may very well be planning to go to a shelter to find your kitty. This is a great way to find your new feline friend! Of course, adopting a kitty is a huge change, so there are a lot of things to take care of and a lot to keep in mind. Read on as a local Springfield, UT vet offers some advice on finding Fluffy and helping her settle in.

Choose The Right Kitty

Choosing a cat can be really fun, but it’s also a bit daunting. After all, Fluffy will be with you for many years, perhaps even decades. It’s really important to find the purrfect fit.

Here are a few things to consider:

Breed: With cats, you don’t really have as many variables to consider as you do with dogs. There are over 200 dog breeds recognized by the AKC, and they are all very, very different as far as size, characteristics, energy levels, and grooming needs. There isn’t as much variation in kitty breeds, though that doesn’t mean breed is irrelevant. For instance, Siamese cats tend to be a bit extra: they are extremely playful and affectionate, but aren’t shy about voicing their opinions … sometimes loudly. A Ragdoll, on the other hand, is probably going to be a cute, quiet little love bug. 

Age: Your feline buddy’s age also factors in. Shelters have cats that are at all stages of their lives. There are pros and cons to each.

• Kittens: We know, kittens are hard to resist. They’re cute, lovable, cute, fun, cute, playful, and really, really cute. It’s also nice to raise your pet yourself, so she grows up accustomed to your voice and mannerisms. However, baby cats are like furry little toddlers: they’re tiny bundles of mischief, and are very, very frisky. 
• Grown Up: Adult cats are also charming. Fluffy may still be quite playful, but she’s probably outgrown the need (or ability) to crawl under your entertainment center or climb the shower curtains. 
• Senior Cats: Seniors are also very lovable. A senior cat may not be as playful as a baby, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s nice to have a calm pet that just wants to sleep and cuddle. It also can be very rewarding to give that sweet kitty a wonderful retirement. However, an older cat is more prone to various medical conditions. Plus, older cats just have a hard time getting adopted. Helping them out feels great!

Appearance: Many of our clients think their cats are the most adorable felines ever, and they aren’t wrong! You may just think Fluffy is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen. It’s not uncommon for people to have personal preferences about your kitty’s coat length, color, and/or pattern. That’s fine!

History: If you’re getting a kitten, this is probably going to be a moot point, but it’s something you may want to look into for an older cat. This is particularly relevant if you have other pets. Some kitties do just fine with dogs or other cats. Others are better off as only pets.

Personality: Kitties all have their own unique personalities. One cat may be a cuddly lapcat, while another may just quietly judge you from atop her cat tower. It’s important to connect to your potential pet on an emotional level.

Health: If you’re browsing through listings of adoptable pets, you may notice several kitties listed as having FeLV. That diagnosis doesn’t mean Fluffy can’t still live a full, happy life. However, if you have another cat, it wouldn’t be a good fit. If you want to get two kitties, you can consider getting two FeLV positive ones. 

Your Financial Situation: Cats aren’t the most expensive pets, but there are costs associated with adopting and caring for Fluffy. Make sure that you are able to cover the cost of your feline pal’s food, litter, and veterinary care. Fluffy will also need toys and catnip, but those costs should be minimal. 

Compatibility: There’s also that X factor. Fluffy may reach out and grab your sweater with her paw at the shelter. Or, you may just fall for that sweet shy cat in the corner. Leave room to follow your heart!

The X factor may need to work for the family. If you have children, it’s a good idea to bring them along. You want to see how they and your potential pets react. If the kitty you are interested in is terrified of your toddler, it may not be a great match. 

Getting Ready

Before bringing your feline pal home, you’ll need to pick up some supplies. Your kitty will need the following: 

• Food
• Toys
• Carrier
• Dishes
• Leash and Collar
• Beds
• Litterbox
• Litter

Some of these things should be chosen with Fluffy’s age in mind. If you have a kitten, avoid clay and clumping cat litters. A senior may need a box that is low to the ground and easy to get in and out of. 

Put your pet’s things in a quiet spot, so she has a comfy spot where she can go and unwind. 

Take Fluffy To The Vet

One of the first things on your agenda should be taking your feline pal to the vet. We love meeting new patients! Aside from purr checks, we’ll give Fluffy a full nose-to-tail exam. Your kitty will also need to be screened for diseases and parasites. The shelter environment can be quite crowded, so there is always a risk of some transmission. 

This is especially important if you have other pets. We would recommend keeping your feline friend isolated from other pets at first. Don’t let them interact until you get the all-clear from your vet. 

One reason this is important is the risk of parasites. Shelters generally try to keep things clean and disinfected, but with pets coming in and out daily, it’s impossible for them to maintain a sterile environment. Your kitty will need to be checked for fleas, ticks, and worms. Fluffy will need to get started on parasite control. Your vet will also discuss product options with you, and help you find the product that works best for you and your feline overlord.

Diseases: Unfortunately, many shelter cats have been exposed to dangerous diseases. It’s important to have your kitty screened. This will help you to know if your pet will have any additional care needs. Plus, if you have other pets, you’ll also need to protect them.

Some of the most common contagious diseases in kitties include the following:

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
• Feline Leukemia Virus
• Rabies
• Ringworm
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
• Cat-Scratch Disease

Your vet will talk to you about any recommended screenings or panels. This is also a great chance to ask questions about your kitty’s care needs. Get some custom advice on your pet’s diet, grooming, and general care. We’re always happy to help!

Make An Appointment At Our Springville, UT Veterinary Clinic

Are you looking for a great vet in the Springfield area? Do you need to bring your new pet in for an exam? Please do not hesitate to contact us. As your local Springville, UT pet hospital, we are here to help.