March is Adopt A Rescue Cat Month! Every year, about 100,000 kitties are adopted from shelters. People also rescue cats directly: Fluffy has been saved from roadsides, sidewalks, and parking lots. She also sometimes just shows up on a porch. No matter how a rescue kitty comes into your life, being adopted is a big deal for her, and a huge change. Here, a Fayetteville, NC vet offers some advice on helping your feline friend get settled.
Kitty Comforts
Fluffy will warm up more quickly if she realizes she’s landed in a kitty luxury haven. Offer all of the things that cats enjoy, such as scratching posts, beds, toys, and catnip. Kitty furniture can also help, both by giving your furball some things of her own and providing spots for her to hide, nap, relax, do her nails, and/or ponder things.
Take It Slow
You should never force attention on a cat. That’s a huge faux pas! You’ll need to win your feline pal over slowly. Talking to your furry pal in a friendly tone of voice can go a long way here. Providing food, toys, and treats can also help. It’s very important to let Fluffy come to you when she wants to be petted. You can’t hurry love!
Let Fluffy Be Fluffy
Kitties all have their own distinct purrsonalities. Some will immediately sprawl out in the middle of the kitchen floor, acting as if they own the place. Others are more timid and scared, and may just want to hide for a while. Give Fluffy the time she needs. It’s a beautiful thing to watch rescue cats thrive with love and good care.
Veterinary Care
One of the first things on the agenda should be a trip to the vet. If Fluffy hasn’t been fixed yet, get that appointment on the books ASAP. Microchipping, vaccinations, exams, and parasite control are also in order.
Safety
Our feline buddies are all unique, and they all have their own quirks. For instance, your last cat may have paid no attention to any of your houseplants, but your new furball may be obsessed with them. Do some petproofing, and make sure anything that could be unsafe is kept out of paws’ reach. We also strongly recommend keeping Fluffy inside.
As your Fayetteville, NC animal clinic, we’re dedicated to providing great care. Call us anytime!
