Adopting A Rescue Cat 

March is Adopt A Rescue Cat Month! We’re always happy to help support rescue cats, and do anything we can to help them find loving homes. In fact, many of our most pampered patients are rescues! A Rockwall, TX vet offers some advice on adopting Fluffy below. 

Ease In 

Cats are very much creatures of habit, and need time to adjust to major changes, such as going to a new home. You may want to put your furry friend in a quiet spot for the first few days. This may be a laundry room, spare bathroom, or extra bedroom. Offer all the kitty luxuries Fluffy could want, and visit her regularly, but otherwise just let her regroup. 

Meet The Doctor 

One of the first things—if not the first thing—on your agenda should be taking your new feline friend to meet (and charm) her new doctor. A thorough exam is definitely in order. Your kitty will also need to get caught up on her vaccines and parasite control. If Fluffy hasn’t been fixed yet, you’ll want to get that operation scheduled as well. Last but not least, have your furball microchipped as soon as possible. 

Don’t Force Things 

Our feline pals are quite opinionated little furballs. Fluffy may need a little time to figure out what she thinks of her new home. If you have other pets, make introductions slowly and carefully, over the course of several days. You also will need to win your cat’s trust. Call her to you, but don’t force attention on her, and leave her be if she doesn’t approach. Toys, treats, catnip, and other kitty luxuries will help her feel safe. 

Keep Kitty In 

We recommend keeping all cats inside. This is particularly important for former strays and newly-adopted kitties, as they may just walk out the door and never come back. Fluffy is also just safer staying inside, where she isn’t exposed to hazards such as cars, weather, and wild animals. 

Bonding

Kitties get very attached to their humans. However, that relationship tends to unfold on their terms. Some of our feline pals are immediately affectionate, while others need time to warm up. Talk to Fluffy, play with her, and offer toys, treats, and lap space. You’ll have that motor going in no time! 

Do you have questions about caring for rescue cats? Contact us, your Rockwall, TX animal hospital!