Each June, the American Humane Society and Complete Pet Care, pet clinic in Raleigh NC, celebrates Adopt-A-Cat-Month. June just so happens to mark the peak of “kitten season,” a time when millions of kittens are born, and many end up in a local shelter. Whether you’re looking at bringing home your first kitten, or adopting a cat into your fur-friendly home, it’s extremely important to prepare ahead of time.

Why You Should Adopt a Cat

Cats are smart, affectionate, and loyal companions. They are known to be independent, and low-maintenance pets, which makes them a great pet option for busy families who want a furry friend. Many cats are content to be solo pets, but if you travel often, or are frequently not home, adopting two cats not only removes two cats from the shelters but also gives your furry friends someone to play with and love on when you aren’t around. Cats can be a form of entertainment by watching them play or do silly things, and a cat’s purr is proven to have healing powers, which include lowering blood pressure and healing muscles. 

Bringing a New Cat Home

A new home with new sights, new sounds, and new smells can be a scary place for a young kitten, but there are things you can do to make the transition easier. 

• Prepare a “cat” room. A safe starter room or sanctuary for the new cat will provide the cat with the quiet and safety it needs while becoming familiar with the scents and sounds of your home. The starter room can be any size but must have a secure door and ceiling. Equip the space with a place to hide, a scratching post, small non-hazardous toys, and a few articles of clothing that contains your scent, such as a t-shirt or blanket. 
• Set up an eating and bathroom area. Place food and water on one side of the room and an open litter box on the other side. Remember that new surroundings can create a bit of stress for your feline, which could cause them to refrain from eating for the first few hours. If your cat has not eaten in 48 hours, try some extra tasty treats such as canned tuna or salmon. If this is not successful, you may want to consult Complete Pet Care, pet clinic in Raleigh NC for advice.
• Spend time with your new cat. In the beginning, visit frequently for short periods of time. Visiting can mean interacting directly with the new cat in the form of play or petting, or quietly reading a book, or chatting on the telephone in the same space as your new companion. Keep in mind that a nervous cat may growl, hiss, twitch its tails, or pull its ears back. The best response is to speak softly followed by giving the cat some time alone. 
• Transition out of the room. When your new cat has established a trusting relationship with you, they should be ready to begin exploring your house. Be sure to begin this process when you are home to supervise. Close most of the doors so the cat begins its orientation in stages. Too many new spaces at once can be stressful and frightening. Sit in the center of your area and allow for your cat to explore. If there are other animals in the house, make sure they are put away to not scare off the cat or kitten. Sometimes the integration process can begin in just two to four days; however, sometimes it is best to wait a couple of weeks. Shy cats in particular may need a longer integration period.
• Introduce your other pets to the newcomer (if applicable.) After your kitten or cat has become comfortable with your space, it is time to introduce it to the rest of its new furry family. Keep your cat or dog on a leash or have someone hold them when introducing the new kitten. Allow the pets to explore each other and intervene only if you detect signs of aggression. Usually, gently correcting inappropriate behavior on the part of the new or existing pet and reinforcing desired responses will diffuse the situation, but be prepared to use the leash and retreat quickly if tensions escalate.

 

A cat can quickly become a loving companion to any family. There are millions of cats out there that need your help. Even if this June isn’t the right time for you to adopt, there are still many ways you can offer your support and make a real difference in hundreds of cats’ lives this month. Take the time to say thanks by being active during Adopt-A-Cat-Month by: 

• Calling your local shelters to find out what resources they need and make a donation. 
• Promote Adopt a Cat Month on your social media pages with links to causes you support
• Become a foster pet parent. Many people don’t have the ability to be full-time pet owners; foster programs allow you to give love and nurturing to a cat who is waiting to find its forever home.

Complete Pet Care Pet Clinic in Raleigh NC

Whether you are fostering, adopting, or rehoming a kitten or elderly feline, Complete Pet Care, pet clinic in Raleigh NC, can be your trusted partner in ensuring your pets are healthy, happy, and part of your family for as many years as possible. We offer a complete range of pet services for the Raleigh, Wake Forest, and surrounding areas, and work together to determine the best pet care services for your pet by creating personalized plans for wellness, as well as treating and healing any injuries or illnesses. Our team understands that your priority is your pet’s health and well-being, and it’s our priority too. All pets, from your 15-year-old cat to the puppy you just adopted, will receive our attention and top-notch, compassionate care. We have become one of the top animal hospitals in the region by being continually committed to our purpose. Contact Complete Pet Care for your pet’s care whenever you need it — day or night.