Making a new cat feel at home
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
by Gloria Towle
Board member
We hope that everyone is enjoying the warmer weather that has finally arrived.
Lately we have had many stray and lost dogs come into the shelter. This is not only scary for the owners who are frantically looking for their lost pet, but also for the animal who is scared and running loose in the woods or busy roadways.
We have been fortunate to be able to post photos and information on our shelter Facebook page and many lost pets have been happily returned to their families. We truly appreciate all the Facebook friends who share our posts and help to spread the word very quickly. So keep following our page and keep sharing this important information!
Congratulations! You have just adopted a new cat and have begun a relationship that’s bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot, you can cut short that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through.
Go slowly at first. A new cat may need seven to 14 days to relax into her new environment. Save meet-and-greets with friends, neighbors and relatives until the cat is eating and using the litter box on a normal schedule.
Offer her a safe place to hide while she gets her bearings. She’ll appreciate the chance to observe her new family’s routine from a small, dark space or one high above the action.
Bring your new feline to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption.
Set up a litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area. Unsure of what litter to use? The majority of cats prefer fine grain clumping litter. Try that first unless the new adoptee is so young that she is in the litter-eating stage. Non-clumping litter is recommended for kittens under 10 weeks of age.
Cats must scratch, so make sure to provide yours with a sturdy, rough-textured scratching post to save wear and tear on furniture. Trimming your cat’s nails every 10-14 days also helps reduce damage.
Cat-proof your home early on. Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons. Relocate poisonous houseplants. And if the newcomer is a kitten, lock away any breakables and remember to keep the toilet lid down.
Once settled in, a young cat or kitten will be eager to play. Stock up on interactive toys such as feather wands and kitty fishing poles to engage attention and direct energies toward a positive pursuit. And it’s always fun to let your cat enjoy a new box when a delivery comes to your home.
It also helps to have a cat perch on a sunny windowsill – if it overlooks the birdfeeder, all the better! Observing live birds and squirrels will keep your kitty entertained for hours. Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Companion Animal Programs Adviser, has more advice on petfinders.com.
Please visit us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. It is a wonderful time to adopt that brand-new furry friend. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10-4, closing for lunch from 12-12:30.
Remember to be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria Towle is a board member of the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle.
