Adopting a rescue animal is a noble and loving choice when it comes to bringing a new pet into your home. Across the world, countless shelters and rescues are overflowing with cats who need a loving family, and it’s a wonderful idea to provide one for a lonely cat or kitten.
However, this isn’t a decision that should be made impulsively. Adopting a rescue cat can be even more complicated than picking up a kitten from a breeder, and there are a lot of factors to consider.
The Importance of Research
Before jumping to any decisions, make sure to do your due diligence and spend some time researching shelters. If you haven’t owned a cat before, it’s also a good idea to make sure you know what to expect and what cat supplies you need.
Get a clear idea of what the adoption process entails, and look around at the different shelters in your area. If you visit their websites, you might even be able to see what cats they currently have in need of a home and see what your options are ahead of time. Having this knowledge can help make the process a lot smoother for both you and the cat!
Consider Your Lifestyle
When adopting a pet of any sort, it’s crucial that you think about if and how they will fit into your current lifestyle and whether you’re willing to make any changes. A new kitten or cat can be a big time commitment, and they can cost a lot of money, too!
A rescue cat, especially, will require extra love and attention from you to help them settle down into their new home. Often, animals in shelters have gone through a difficult life, and it will be your job to make them feel safe and secure, which can take some time.
You’ll also need to consider how much space you have in your home for an inside cat, and whether any existing pets will be tolerant of a newcomer.
Patience is Key
Rescue cats and kittens will need extra time to adjust, and it might be a while before they feel safe and trust you enough to come sit on your lap. If your new pet is aloof or frightened, do what you can to make them feel safe, but offer them space and patience as well.
It’s common for cats to find a hiding spot when they’re in unfamiliar territory, and you may find that they disappear for a day or two after bringing them home.
If this happens, stay calm and leave some food nearby for them for when they’re ready to come out and explore a little. It might take a few days for a cat to feel at ease, but some felines will happily start sniffing around the moment you let them in the door. You’ll only need to worry if your cat gets out of the house and runs away.
Health Check and Veterinary Care
Because of the nature of a shelter, it’s extra important that you have a thorough health check upon adoption. Cats and kittens are often brought in from abusive homes or even from the streets, where they might have gotten injured or picked up illnesses.
Rescue cats will need to be thoroughly checked and closely monitored after being chosen to go to a new home. You should also ensure that they have all their required shots, get dewormed, and have their eyes and ears checked.
A good shelter will ensure that all its animals are looked after and treated for any issues as soon as they arrive. After adoption, it’s also advised that you schedule regular vet visits for check-ups and preventative care.
Behavioral Issues and Training
Rescue cats might struggle with anxiety and trust issues caused by their past experiences on the streets or in another home. Rebuilding their sense of trust and training these cats is essential for both them and you as their owner.
Offering them a safe, stress-free environment is an important first step. However, you can also implement a daily routine for them (such as feeding times and grooming) to help them feel secure and comfortable. You could also invest in a pheromone spray or a cat-safe room diffuser to make the environment more relaxing for them. These tips, alongside simply being gentle and patient with your cat, can make a huge difference.
Consider crate training your cat and offering stimulating toys for them to play with, too.
Nutrition and Diet
As with any pet, you’ll want to make sure that your rescue cat is well-nourished. When brought into a shelter, animals can often be underweight and need some bulking up.
Check in with your vet to determine whether your new cat has any special dietary requirements and ask for recommendations for a good brand of healthy, balanced cat food that will meet all their needs. Some pet owners choose to feed their cats raw food, while others rely on pellets and wet food. Decide with your vet which will be best for you and your cat.
You should also consider a healthy feeding schedule for your new pet. Kittens and even older cats might overeat if given the opportunity, which can be detrimental to their health. In these cases, it’s best to fill up their bowls at specific times rather than leaving them always full.
The Joy of Rescue Adoption
Despite some extra effort and consideration, adopting a rescue cat is an extremely rewarding thing to do. Shelter animals are typically loving and grateful companions who will forever love you for saving their lives.
Not only will you feel warm and fuzzy inside, knowing that you’re giving a cat or kitten a second chance at life, but you’ll also gain an affectionate new best friend. Earning their trust will feel like winning a trophy, and you’ll quickly notice your new furry friend acting like they own your home (which they do). All in all, adopting a rescue cat might just be the best choice you could possibly make.
