Thursday, March 28, 2024

How Old To Adopt A Cat

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Dont Forget To Kitten

Adopting A Kitten!

If youre bringing home a kitten, you have some extra work to do.

You dont want to forget kitten-proofing, says Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinary consultant for Dog Lab. Kittens are very active and can be very destructive.

While kittens tend to be the most curious, the following tips are also helpful for adult cats. Dr. Ochoa recommends considering the following when kitten-proofing your home:

  • Move fragile items off surfaces that your kitten may explore.

  • To reduce drowning risks, close all toilets, and never leave a full tub or sink unattended.

  • Keep string, yarn and thread out of reach. Cats love to play with these items, but they can be extremely dangerous if swallowed.

  • Make sure window screens and balcony doors are secure.

  • Keep washers and dryers closed at all times, and check before starting laundry.

  • Avoid candles and fires.

Tips For The First 30 Days Of Cat Adoption

Sara Kent

Be prepared should be your mantra when bringing a new pet into your home. Cats are particularly sensitive to new surroundings and some may hide under a bed or in a closet for days or even weeks.

You can avoid pitfalls with your new critter and help him or her adapt more easily by following these guidelines:

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Before You Bring Your Cat Home:

First Day:

Now, you are ready for your cats homecoming. Preferably, bring her home in a cat carrier. It will feel safer to her. She has seen a lot of excitement, so take her directly to her new room. Ideally, you would restrict her exposure to the whole family, but naturally, everyone is going to want to see her. Remind them of the ground rules youve set up.

  • Sit on the floor and let her come to you. Dont force her. Just let her get acquainted on her own time. If she doesnt approach, leave her alone and try again later. Some cats are particularly frightened, and she may retreat to her hidey hole and not come out when youre around at all. She may only come out at night when the house is quiet. Give her time.
  • Your newly adopted cat may not eat much or at all at first. Its best to give your cat the same food she had at the shelter or in her foster home, at least at first. Keeping some things familiar will make her feel more secure. Be sure to change her water frequently and make sure that she is drinking. If your cat hasnt eaten for a few days, call your vet to ask for advice.

Following Weeks:

Can You Adopt A Pet From Another State

As long as you meet the age requirement, you can adopt a cat from any state. You just have to coordinate with the shelter/rescue to fulfill the screening process.

However, adopting from another state isnt easy. This is why most adopters opt to get a cat from a local shelter. It will save them time, effort, and money than going interstate.

The good thing is that most shelters that allow interstate adoption have a system for transporting the animals. They usually partner with a pet courier to ensure the cats safety. However, for long-distance transport, you will be asked to fly and pick up the cat. Learn here how to get an aggressive cat into a carrier

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Adoption Cost And Processing

The first question that you might have is how much does it cost to adopt a cat? An adoption fee covers a lot of services done at the shelter which may include: a veterinary wellness visit and exam , neutering fee , distemper vaccination , rabies vaccination , feline leukemia test , flea/tick treatment , microchip , deworming , and collar and an identification tag . A shelter can also cover part of the adoption fee and you will end up paying between $25 and $300. Bring money with you to the shelter and secure enough time to fill in all the paperwork.

What Should I Bring With Me To The Shelter

9 Tips You Need to Know for the First 30 Days After ...

You will need a valid photo ID and proof of current address. Adopters must be 18 or older to adopt. If you hope to leave with a new pet, all cats must be in a carrier and dogs must be on a leash. You can purchase these items at the shelter in our retail store where 100% of the proceeds go back to helping animals in need, or you can bring your own!

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What Not To Do When You Adopt A Cat

Reviewed for accuracy on December 20, 2019, by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

Are you planning on adding a new kitty to the family? Adopting a cat is fun, but its also a serious decision, and you want to start off on the right foot with your new companion.

Fortunately, with a little research and preparation, youll be ready to warmly welcome a new furry friend.

Here are six common mistakes to avoid, along with expert recommendations for a smooth transition when adopting a cat.

Explore The Older Cat’s Litter Box Needs

Since I was told that Prince Albert had been known to pee in the house, I was careful to let him in from the screened porch too much. Out there, he could pee in the litter box, out in the dog/cat covered run, or even on the concrete. So, once he moved over to my house, during the warm months, he spent a lot of his time out there, with infrequent or short indoor visits.

With the onset of cold weather, I brought in the old guy to stay in the bathroom overnight. As I had caught him urinating on throw rugs inside , I started to experiment with different types of litter areas for him. He immediately took to pee pads for dogs. As these are expensive, I also tried an as seen on TV potty patch for dogs, and he took to that, too! Now, over time, he has even found the traditional litter box, so he has several options. I guess you can teach an old cat new tricks!

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Dont Make Behavior Assumptions

Its a common misconception that cats are simply little dogs. If you decide to adopt a cat, its critical to learn about the unique behaviors and needs of your new pet, from training to socialization to enrichment.

The biggest mistake we see is people treating cats like dogs, says Dr. Fulcher. They are cats, and learning about cat behavior helps cater to their needs.

The more you understand about common cat behavior quirks, the better prepared youll be to enjoy your new companion.

How Much Does It Cost To Adopt A Cat

What Is the Best Age to Adopt a Kitten?

Most of the time, adopting a cat is cheaper than buying one from a pet shop. It could be as cheap as $15 to $400 and thats already pushing it. On average, shelters or rescue centers will have adoption fees of around $200. This is to cover the vet costs, food, and other expenses they shelled out to care for the kitty. Take note that adoption isnt, or rarely, a business for rescue centers or shelters.

However, if you intend to adopt from a different state, you will have to spend more. You will shoulder the cost of transporting the cat, which gets more expensive as the distance increases. please read here what is the most expensive cat

If you want to save money, its best to go local. The adoption process for the cat will also be easier and the kitty wont have to go through the stress of long travels.

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Dont Put Off Shopping For Supplies

To set your cat up for success, its important to have some essential supplies ready before bringing your new kitty home.

One commonly overlooked item is a carrier to safely transport your cat home.

A proper cat carrier should be big enough for your cat to comfortably stand up and turn around in, and be easy to get the cat in and out of, says Dr. Nicole Fulcher, assistant director of the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. Choose a durable carrier thats easy to clean.

In addition to the basicsfood and water bowls, litter supplies and a bedits important to consider enrichment items, says Dr. Fulcher. Engaging cat toys, scratching posts and places to perch will help your cat feel right at home.

While gathering supplies, you should also be sure to grab an extra litter box. While some cats will tolerate one box, many prefer a second option.

The golden rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household, says Dr. Fulcher. So one cat gets two bathrooms.

To Adopt A Pet From Paws Chicago You Must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have a U.S. government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID
  • Verify that you are allowed to have a pet of the breed and size where you currently live
  • Be able to spend the time and resources necessary to provide the training, medical treatment and proper care for your pet
  • Bring along all family members to meet your new cat or dog. Be sure to bring any resident dogs if you are adopting a dog.
  • Be able to take the pet home on the day of adoption
  • Be available to spend up to an hour with an Adoption Counselor to discuss the responsibility of owning a pet and making a lifetime commitment
  • Spay or neuter any resident pets before you adopt. This is the most important thing you can do to help stop pet overpopulation, and also gives your pet many health and behavioral benefits!*

*We understand there are some responsible reasons why you might choose to not spay or neuter your pet. If that is the case in your home, please bring along the related veterinary records and ask to speak to a manager who will help determine whether we are able to approve your application to adopt.

  • Microchip
  • Starter bag of Merrick-brand pet food
  • VCA Healthy Start Certificate, giving you a free visit with a veterinarian within 14 days of adoption and covering the cost of illness in the first two weeks of adoption
  • Support throughout your pet’s lifetime
  • The PAWS Chicago Lifetime Guarantee, if something happens to you or you can no longer care for your pet

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Adopting An Older Cat Can Be Rewarding

While the majority of people wanting to adopt a cat will choose a kitten, there are unexpected joys to adopting an olderor even elderlycat. I do love kittens . . . their curiosity, their playfulness, and their darn cuteness! A couple of years ago, though, I was put in the position to take in an old cat: a skinny, gray, half-blind, outdoor cat whose owner had died.

Having fed Prince Albert for several months next door while his human mama was ill in the hospital, I had developed a bond with him. Still, I had no plans for him to end up with me, and I had no idea what his addition to my little furry family would bring to my life.

My dog, Gizmo, with Prince Albert. “Okay, Mom, he can stay . . .”

Victoria Lynn

How To Choose The Best Cat Name For Your New Cat

8 Reasons To Adopt an Older Cat for Adopt a Senior Pet ...

Are you looking for just the right name for your new cat? Weve got all the inspiration you need to pick a pawsitively pawesome cat name. So you have a new cat, but you want to find a name that suits her to the nines. Youve come to the right place! Cat names can convey a cats personality, behavior, or

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Benefits Of Adopting An Adult Cat

Cats are considered adults from around one-years old, when they enter the “prime” stage of life that lasts until they are about seven.

One of the many advantages of adopting an older cat is that you won’t have to spend much time training her. Litter-training, for example, can be daunting for new pet parents, but adult cats already know what to do you’ll just have to show them where.

Another benefit, notes the ASPCA , is that “adult animals require less supervision than puppies or kittens who sometimes can’t distinguish between safe situations and dangerous ones and may not know or care what ‘no’ means.” Less time training your cat what not to do means more time spent doing the fun stuff, like snuggling and chilling out on the couch.

Grown-up cats also have established personalities, which facilitates the adoption process. “Adult cats show you their genuine personalities,” explains PAWS Chicago, “making it easier to choose one who fits your lifestyle and family.” Unlike kittens that are still developing their traits, adult cats know what they want, when they want it and how.

Give The Older Cat Extra Time To Get Used To The Other Cats

This goes both ways. The cats in the home also need time to get used to the idea of a new cat in the home. As a cat lover, I have been adopting cats for many years. Each time the newcomer comes in, I keep him or her in the bathroom with food, water, and litter for about a week or two, bringing the newbie out for a short time in the evenings for the other cats to see. During the day when I work, the cats get used to knowing that there is a newcomer on the other side of the door, as they sniff and swat their paws under the door.

With the older cat, I gave it even more time, as it seemed there was more resistance from the other cats. And old Prince Albert isnt as resilient as a kitten that keeps coming back for more. Protect your older cat from unwanted advances until he or she is ready, both day and night.

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Do You Have To Be 18 Years Old To Buy A Cat

Most pet shops will allow you to buy a cat as long as you can prove that youre at least 18 years old. This applies to all pets as well.

If youre below 18, an adult should be the one to get a pet for you. Most of the time, the pet shop will look for your guardian or parents to sign the purchase for you.

Remember that a cat is a big commitment. Its not just a stuffed toy that you can leave in the corner when youre no longer having fun. This is why pet shops, shelters, and rescue centers are strict in age requirements.

If youre bent to get a cat but not at the right age to adopt or buy, you can unofficially adopt a stray. However, youll need to register the kitty, especially if your neighborhood requires a license for every pet.

Hand Feed Your Cat For The First Several Weeks

ADOPTING A KITTEN | What you should know BEFORE adopting

Feeding your cat is one of the best bonding exercises you can do. Your senior feline will learn to trust you and associate you with security. You can also create a special signal that will let her know that food is coming such as tapping her plate, whistling, calling her name or opening a specific cupboard.

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Best Cat & Cute Kitten Names

Are you looking for just the right name for your new cat? Weve got all the inspiration you need to pick a pawsitively pawesome cat name. So you have a new cat, but you want to find a name that suits her to the nines. Youve come to the right place! Cat names can convey a cats personality, behavior,

When Is A Cat An Adult

A cat is considered mature when she reaches 1 year of age, but this doesnt mean that the cat stops growing. By the age of 9-12 months, kittens have reached a length and weight close to their full-grown size. After that, most cats continue to grow at a much slower rate until they are around 18 months old. The time it takes for your cat to become a fully-grown adult also depends on her breed. Some large breeds such as Maine Coon may take up to 2-4 years to fully grow.

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Can I Place A Hold On An Animal I See On The Website

While we work extremely hard to make our animals as comfortable as possible, studies show that the longer an animal is in a shelter environment, the higher their risk of increased stress and illness. For that reason, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are not able to accept phone holds. If you see someone who interests you on our website, please stop on in at your earliest convenience!

Puss Pension Schemes & Long Term Fostering

Adopt An Older Cat

Some shelters offer some kind of ‘Puss Pension Scheme’ whereby if you adopt a cat over 10 years old, they will pay for any unforseen future vet bills. Others, such as the Cinnamon Trust, operate a system of ‘long term fostering’ whereby the cat is still technically owned by the rescue, but you become their long term fosterer.

Some rescue organisations may even pay for both food and vet bills if you take on a senior cat as a ‘permanent fostering’ basis. Ask at your about their Older Cat schemes.

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