Adopting a cat can be an exciting time. But remember, some animals have been abandoned by their owners. They end up in animal shelters hoping that someone will come along and give them a good home. If you are thinking of adopting a cat, you better learn a thing or two about foster cat care.
Let’s dive right in and look at adopting a cat.
Adopting a Cat from a Foster Home
After adopting a cat and bringing them home, they should be left inside the cat carrier until they are ready to be isolated in a small room.
This will give them time to adjust to their new environment. One of the most ideal places in the house is the bathroom that must have a cat bed, litter pan, water and food.
Introduced with Supervision
If there are children in the house, they must be slowly introduced to the feline one at a time with adult supervision. They must be taught to treat it gently and speak to it softly. But if you have infants or toddlers, you should wait until they grow older.
If you are adopting a cat and there is already a cat in the house, you should plan a 2 week introductory period between them.
Be aware that there will be a lot of hissing and you should be present at all times so that if a fight breaks out, you will be able to wrap a blanket around them and have the two separated. Naturally, both should have a separate litter box and bowl.
Quality Cat Food
When adopting a cat you should always use good quality cat food and not the cheap kind if you want to extend their life. Feed them once daily and you have the option of giving them supplements like Omega 3 Fatty acids.
By law, cats are required to wear an identification tag. So if you don’t have one yet, you better get one after adopting a cat. Written on the tag should be the cat’s name, your name, address and contact number. So someone will be able to get in touch with you in the event they get out of the house.
Adopting a Cat and Microchips
Another option is for to install a microchip that is embedded under their skin.
When adopting a cat you should know that some cats have not been toilet trained. If this is one of your problems, you should teach them so they know that this is the place to go when nature is calling.
The best step is to carry them to the litter box when you see that they are about to do their business. If you see them going in the litter box, reinforce it by giving them food as a reward. Thus making this habit forming.
Scratch Pads
Aside from adopting a cat and providing them with food and shelter, you should also give them a scratch pad. This will curb the incidents of unwanted destruction of furniture. Ideally, they should measure 3 feet in height and installed near where they sleep or next to the furniture.
If they ever scratch the furniture, do not scold them. Just carry them away and direct their attention to the scratching pad or post.
Since their claws get sharp, you should trim them every two weeks after adopting a cat. If you have never done it before, just ask your vet to teach you so that it is done right and causes no harm to the cat.
A Challenge
Adopting a cat can be a challenge given that there are a lot of things to teach it. By giving your new friend constant love and attention, you will be able to enjoy each other’s company for a long time.
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