Adopting a Shelter Cat

By Tanya M. Petrokov

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS):

Last week’s article covered some of the important things to consider when adding a dog to your life. This week’s article wishes to focus on what you need to know when adopting a cat. It has been said that the beauty of dogs is that they see themselves as part of the family yet the charm of cats is that they see their owners as staff! Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to share their life with a cat understands its unique and autonomous nature. A cat will require a 15 to 20 year commitment with daily attention and affection. Shelter cats, although a little bit older, can be wonderful animals fully deserving of a chance to be a part of a family. Chances are, the shelter staff will be able to give you an idea of the cat’s temperament helping you to select the perfect fit for your family. Cats are very clean animals and will use their litter box willingly. Be sure to keep it clean and always provide your cat with fresh food and water. Cats enjoy stretching when sharpening their nails so a three to four foot scratching post should be made available.

Your new cat will need some time to feel comfortable with its new surroundings so offer it a quiet and calm place to retreat. Handle the cat gently and provide it with as much affection as possible without making it feel uncomfortable. Given time, your cat will trust you completely and will shower you with unconditional love for years. Soon enough your new feline will make itself a comfortable bed somewhere and in all likelihood, if you want to enjoy the best spot in the house, it will require you to move the cat! With some food, water, a litter box and affection your cat will start to trust you completely and the day will come when it curls up in your lap and begins to purr. In the words of English writer Monica Edwards, when referring to her cat, “Purring would seem to be …an automatic safety-valve device for dealing with happiness overflow.” At that moment, you will know you have won over the heart of a very special new friend.