If you find yourself recently with a cat-shaped hole in your heart, you are far from alone. Adoption rates skyrocketed in many animal shelters in March and April, as people across the country were preparing to shelter locally and wanted a furry face to snuggle up in uncertainty. On Petfinder.com, for example, adoption requests jumped 122% between March 15 and April 15, compared to the previous four weeks. Homestay apps are also on the rise as people suddenly find themselves with a lot more time at home and a lot of anxious hugs to give.
Depending on where you live, this may mean that your own adoption journey may take a little longer. Small shelters in particular can be overwhelmed as they process more requests than usual, while exercising due diligence to screen potential pet owners and present them safely to new family members. But it's also good news, because it gives you time to prepare your home for its most recent arrival. Here's what you need to check off your list before hosting a pet in your home.
Compile a list of agencies
If you are like many pet lovers, you may already have some of your local adoption agencies bookmarked for the midnight scroll. Otherwise, compile a list of a few nearby handles. Look for reputable organizations registered as 501 (c) (3) nonprofits and do a little basic research on their website, social media, and all local media to make sure you're working with someone who deals well its animals and its sources. ethically. Websites like PetFinder and Adopt-a-Pet can help you find pets in shelters and rescue organizations near you.
Keep an open mind
Before going to see potential cat mates, sit down with everyone in your household to talk about the decision. Even if you live with a roommate or plan to take care of it entirely yourself, everyone must be on board to bring an animal home. Setting expectations early - including feeding, cleaning and recreation schedules - can help prevent conflicts later. Next, prepare for a barrage of adorable faces as you begin your prowl.
"There is a cat that fits every lifestyle - so ask yourself what type of lifestyle you can offer the cat, then find the cat that is best for him," advises the cat advocate. Hannah Shaw, The Kitten Lady. Active kittens need equally committed owners, who can give them the stimulation they need, not to mention good training for feline citizens. Older cats, on the other hand, do best in a calm environment with lots of quiet hugs. Older pets may also have more medical needs, so take a hard look at your budget before adopting one. But Shaw also suggests letting fate play a role in finding your feline soul mate. "Go ahead with an open mind and let your heart match you with your future best friend," she says.
Get the goods you need
Before bringing a cat home, prepare your place for its arrival. In addition to food and bedding (more on that later), you will need to create a happy and safe environment for your new furry friend. Put precarious tchotchkes aside - cats love to knock things over the edges. Look for exposed wires, poisonous plants, or unsecured furniture that could hurt a curious cat if they knock it over. Equip your space with at least one claw pole and a cat tree for climbing, especially if you don't want to find a kitten on top of your kitchen cabinets. You will also want to provide them with cat toys to keep them occupied, or tinker with them for a fun weekend project.
Also be sure to have a veterinarian line up. The accommodation or rescue organization may already have a relationship with one of them or be able to make a recommendation.
Choose the right power and power configuration
Look for large, shallow bowls that won't disturb their very sensitive whiskers at mealtimes, advises Lambert Wang, co-founder of No one to chat. And because cats are forced carnivores, meat is the name of the game. "Give your new friend a high-quality diet that contains high amounts of animal protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a limited amount of carbohydrates, "says Wang. While dry food may be more convenient, wet food helps your cat get enough water, as cats often prefer to play with water rather than drinking it. A mixture of flavors and protein formats will give their food a little variety, while cultivating a more varied palate in kittens in particular. Plus, you wouldn't want to eat the same thing every day. They won't either.
Get used to picking up litter
Cats can be picky about their style and location, so it can take a bit of trial and error to find one they like. Place it in a quiet, low-traffic location in your home so they can safely potty. You can also choose a covered or partially covered style so you don't end up with litter everywhere when they bury their mess. Wang advises picking it up at least daily to keep your pet's toilet clean and to reduce this odor. Cats sometimes do their business outside of their box if they don't like their litter box, its style or location, or if they feel stressed or unhappy. Picking it up regularly will eliminate at least one of these factors, so set a schedule and stick to it.
Prepare them for success
When you bring your cat home for the first time, give it time and space to get used to its new searches. "Particularly true for shy kittens and adult cats, it is important to help them make the transition to a new environment by giving them a dedicated space to relax and adapt to their new environment," says Wang. This doubles if you have other cats or dogs at home. Set up a spare bedroom or a corner of the bathroom with their litter, food and water, and some of these toys, then let them come to you. Most cats become curious after a few days, but it may take some time for them to warm up.
And even if cats have a reputation for being out of the way, don't forget the daily play time, says Wang. A squeaky afternoon chase will help them maintain a healthy weight, stay mentally sharp, and most importantly, build the bond with which children's films are made.
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