| Supplies You May Need
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- Collar (w/ safety latch or break away capability)
- Cat or Kitten food (wet and/or dry)
- Id Tag and/or Micro chipping
- Food/Water Bowls
- Cat Bed
- Kitty Treats
- Scratching Post or Cat Tree
- Litter Pan
- Toys (balls, mice, cat nip, feathers...
- Kitty Litter
- Vet appointment for first check up
- Litter Scoop
- Carrier (not just for the ride home, but for vet
appointments for the next 15-18 years
- Lots of Love!
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| Adjusting to a New Home
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All animals can experience stress in the transition to a new home. For at
least the first few days, it's smart to confine your cat to one room where
he/she will feel safe and have their own space. (Although this may seem
cruel by human standards, it is actually a great kindness to allow your cat
to claim ownership of a small territory at his own pace and without
competition.) Prepare the room with your cat's bed, litter box, food and
water bowls, and toys. If there is a window in the room keep it closed even
if there is a window screen. Frightened cats that are determined can break
through a window screen and escape.
Give your cat attention, love, praise, and hand fed treats but also give
him/her their space so the transition is not too overwhelming.
Your new cat may want to hide for a few days (some for longer). Once he/she
decides to come out, if he runs and hides from you, a guest or children -
let him go. Do not chase after or try to pick up a frightened cat.
Be patient and understanding. With cats, think in terms of weeks, not days,
to settle in (and in extreme cases, months). Take things slowly and your new
friend will begin to feel safe and secure at her own pace.
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| Meeting Other Animals |
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Be cautious and patient when introducing your new cat to other animals in
the household. Animals are territorial and may feel jealous or threatened
when a new family member joins the household. Introductions should be slow
and gradual. It can be helpful to leave your new kitty in his carrier while
the other kitties smell the carrier so they can get used to each otheršs
scent. Once your new kitty is set up in her own space, she will continue to
get to know the other animals in the house by smelling them through the
closed doors. Cats may hiss and growl at each other for weeks after being
introduced and they might even have tussle now and then. In most cases, this
is acceptable behavior and they will work things out. Extra love, attention
and patience during this transition will help to reassure your animals that
they are still the center of the universe and therešs enough love to go
around.
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| Children and
Animals |
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Instruct all children in the household about the proper way to handle the
new cat. Very young animals can easily be injured or killed by the
affections of an overzealous youngster. When overwhelmed, a cat may respond
by hiding, urinating, growling, scratching or biting. It is helpful for
children to be sitting when introduced to a new cat. Let the cat approach
the child when he/she feels comfortable doing so. Do not let a child seek
out an animal that is hiding. Let the cat come out on his own.
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| Litter Box
Training |
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Keep your catšs litter box separate from their food/water area. Show your
new cat where the litter box is several times so they get used to it. Keep
the box clean by scooping daily and changing litter completely every several
days. NOTE: Any urinating or defecating outside the box could be a sign of a
serious health or behavioral problem. Contact your veterinarian if this
occurs.
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| Healthcare |
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Take your new cat to the vet right away for a checkup, fecal test and any
necessary vaccinations and to find out the future vaccine schedule. Talk
with your vet about micro chipping in case your cat becomes lost. An annual
visit to your veterinarian is a good idea for booster vaccines and an annul
check up.
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| Identification |
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It is a good idea for outdoor and indoor cats to wear a collar and name tag
at all times. Make sure the collar is not too loose or too tight and
remember to adjust the collar as the cat grows. Indoor cats are less likely
to get lost than outdoor cats, but if they do, an id tag can be helpful in
having them returned to you.
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| Transporting |
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Always transport your cat or kitten in a pet carrier for safety. Holding
your cat in your arms outside the home can lead to a lost cat. Your pet will
be much happier and safer in a padded, enclosed carrier.
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| Helpful Web
Sites about Cat Care |
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