By Tanya M. Ursual

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) L.A.W.S., P.O. Box 156, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 4T1:

How to introduce a new cat into your home:

Congratulations. You have just made the decision to rescue a shelter cat and provide it with a loving home for years to come. Your first step is to visit the shelter and allow the staff to help you find just the right friend for your lifestyle. Here is what to expect when you bring your new feline friend home. Chances are your new cat will be shy at first but eager to explore its new surroundings. Using a calm voice in a quiet room, encourage it to look around and come to you for a pet. When the cat seems relaxed carry it to its litter box to show it where it is located. If your cat is still small it might be a good idea to place the litter box in the main area of your home rather than expecting it to find it in a dark and scary basement. Also, show your new cat where its food and water bowls will be located. Your cat should have access to fresh water at all times and feed your feline a high-quality dry cat food. It is important that you not keep its food bowls next to the litter box as cats are sensitive to smells and will not enjoy this situation. Ideally food bowls should be kept in the kitchen and a litter box could be positioned in a laundry room or bathroom. Stainless steel bowls are easily washed and sanitized and are a good idea for use with your cat. Litter boxes should be scooped out daily and kept clean. Remember, would you want to use a toilet that someone hadn’t flushed? Ideally, litter boxes should be completely emptied and washed out once a month and replaced with fresh litter. Expect your new cat to be very energetic at first because chances are it has been cooped up in a cage for a long period. Playtime is an excellent way for your new cat to wear off some of that pent up energy and for the two of you to bond. Your cat might enjoy a good brushing to remove any excess hair that it might be shedding due to stress. Gain your new cats trust by offering it cat treats, a friendly voice and a gentle pet or cuddling. Never hit any animal if it is misbehaving, a water squirter or loud clapping noise should give your cat the message that its behaviour is not o.k. Your new cat will make itself right at home within a few days. Chances are, by the end of the week, if you want to enjoy the best spot in the house it will require you to move the cat J