Alright, so I admit, this is a my way of taking a break from studying for midterms, but I can't be the only one who is thinking about adopting a new cat from the shelter. I was thinking (hoping) I could start a guide and maybe you guys could help out. If we get everyone to add in things to look for and whatnot, we could get a good guide going that other people can use, while learning new things ourself. If this is the wrong place, please mods, move it. It might be a silly idea, but I'm going to try it.
Health Check
In this area I thought we could give little bits of advice and things to look out for.
1. Check the area around the eyes. There isn't be any leaking eye ducks, and eyes should be clear and bright.
2. Run your fingers though the fur. Check skin for fleas or bites and scratches. Is the fur clean? Is it Is it soft to the touch?
3. Check the mouth. Are the teeth healthy? Are the gums healthy? Teeth are a good sign of the cat's age.
4. How is the cat acting? Sometimes a sign of a sick cat is a simply a cat who doesn't care what is done to him. Is the cat chewing on any body part? Check to see if that area is unharmed. If the cat is scratching it's ears more then seems right, maybe there is something wrong with them, check how much wax is around the inside (carefully)
"it is normal for a cat, especially an adult, to hide when it is first taken to a new home even if it was friendly and outgoing at the shelter. A change in surroundings is stressful. Leave food and water where the cat can get to them easily, and a litter tray in sight, and let them come out in their own time." ~Epona~
Personality
I figured this area we could put in any signs to look for as a sign about the cat's personality.
1. How is the cat acting toward the other cats? If in a cage, is it hissing any any other cats? If out, will it play with them?
2. Does the cat come up to greet people? If in a cage, come up to the bars, or if out, do they rub against your leg?
3. Where is the cat most comfortable? Does he curl up in the far corner? Does he get as high as he can? Does he try to be as near to the other cats as he can?
Buying guide
This area would be for things that a person should get before, or just after, getting a cat. Please put the best items, prices if you know them, and other ideas that will work for it that cost less. Try to put in some idea as to how important it is to have.
1. Many people need a scratching post. There are many nice ones sold in pet stores for between $15 to as much as $70 or beyond. You can always make one for much less. If money is tight, just having something as simple as a thick branch of a tree with the bark still on it will work nicely. Just make sure its base (a thick piece of a wood works best) is big enough to hold it up.
"The flat cardboard ones work pretty good for most cats. Scratching post should be tall and be able to support the cat when its an adult. Keeping that in mind - look for a post/treehouse that is a minimum of 4 feet high. Anything smaller will probably not be used by the cat or if it does, will not last long." ~GoldenKitty45~
2. Cat Carrier. While most shelters will give a cardboard box that will work when taking home the new cat, you might find having a cat carrier is a better way to go. Try to find one the right size for the cat you are getting. Put in a blanket for comfort. These are also sold at stores for $10 and beyond.
"Two kinds of carriers - hard sided and soft sided. If you think your kitten will be over 10 lbs when grown, get a medium or larger carrier."~GoldenKitty45~
"A sturdy and secure carrier is an essential item, not optional." ~Epona~
3. A litter box. This is a must have, and there are many different types to choose from. The cheapest is a simple box and a cat scooper. They go all the way up the price line to ones that will clean out the box for you, or rewash the litter for reuse. Many cat owners find their cats prefer a little box with a top so others can't see them.
4. Litter. This is another one of those must haves. There are different types of litter to choose from, most common being clay. Different cats tend to prefer different type of little. Pricing ranging from $6 and beyond.
5. Food/water bowls. Each cat you own should have their own. There are fancy ones, ones with timers, and even some with lids for the cat that tries to eat more then they should. However just a simple bowl that you would eat out of will do. The important thing to watch for is that it can be washed.
"Avoid plastic dishes - they cannot be cleaned properly and many cats will get acne using them. Also avoid the "connecting" dishes - have a separate one for food and water."~GoldenKitty45~
6. Food. Yeah you'll be hard pressed to do without this. Food usually comes under two different types, dry and wet. However if your cat has bad teeth, wet is usually the way to go, since it is easier to eat. It's always a good idea to keep one or two packs of wet food for the cat. Often the cats will view this as a treat, and its much easier to mix meds into. Cat food prices can range for as low as $.35 for one pack to much more, depending on the brand, how much you get and what is in it. Be careful giving your cat milk, often this can cause tummy trouble.
"a diet of both dry and canned is more beneficial."~GoldenKitty45~
7. Cat bed/blanket. Many owners find it useful to have a bed or blanket set aside for the cat. This becomes the cat's "room" and a place for they retreat to when they become stess. The price can be as long as $2 for a simple blanket to over $100 for a high price bed.
Kitty's first weeks.
This area would be for getting people started. little things to make sure they do, and common fixes for the problems every new cat own seems to run into.
1. Number one rule is to keep your vet's number handy. Often new cat owns don't know their cat is sick until they have been home for a bit. It is always better safe them sorry and that is what the vet is there for.
2. Find a quiet place for the cat box and the food dishes (you will probably prefer a different place for these two) Would you want to eat or use the restroom in front of others? usually not.
3. Give your new cat time to get used to the house. It's not a bad idea to keep them in one room for the first day or two.
"I would confine the cat to one room for at least 2 weeks. If kittens are under the age of 5 months, its better to only allow them free run of the house when supervised. If not, then confine the kitten to one room."~GoldenKitty45~
4. Don't expect your new cat to act like a dog. Most cats need you to earn their trust and friendship. This can take time.
Clearly, I'm not expert. These are just a few things I've found with my own cats, and from reading. If something is wrong, please fix it. Anything you can add would be nice, I know I, if no one else, will be using this when it comes that time.
Health Check
In this area I thought we could give little bits of advice and things to look out for.
1. Check the area around the eyes. There isn't be any leaking eye ducks, and eyes should be clear and bright.
2. Run your fingers though the fur. Check skin for fleas or bites and scratches. Is the fur clean? Is it Is it soft to the touch?
3. Check the mouth. Are the teeth healthy? Are the gums healthy? Teeth are a good sign of the cat's age.
4. How is the cat acting? Sometimes a sign of a sick cat is a simply a cat who doesn't care what is done to him. Is the cat chewing on any body part? Check to see if that area is unharmed. If the cat is scratching it's ears more then seems right, maybe there is something wrong with them, check how much wax is around the inside (carefully)
"it is normal for a cat, especially an adult, to hide when it is first taken to a new home even if it was friendly and outgoing at the shelter. A change in surroundings is stressful. Leave food and water where the cat can get to them easily, and a litter tray in sight, and let them come out in their own time." ~Epona~
Personality
I figured this area we could put in any signs to look for as a sign about the cat's personality.
1. How is the cat acting toward the other cats? If in a cage, is it hissing any any other cats? If out, will it play with them?
2. Does the cat come up to greet people? If in a cage, come up to the bars, or if out, do they rub against your leg?
3. Where is the cat most comfortable? Does he curl up in the far corner? Does he get as high as he can? Does he try to be as near to the other cats as he can?
Buying guide
This area would be for things that a person should get before, or just after, getting a cat. Please put the best items, prices if you know them, and other ideas that will work for it that cost less. Try to put in some idea as to how important it is to have.
1. Many people need a scratching post. There are many nice ones sold in pet stores for between $15 to as much as $70 or beyond. You can always make one for much less. If money is tight, just having something as simple as a thick branch of a tree with the bark still on it will work nicely. Just make sure its base (a thick piece of a wood works best) is big enough to hold it up.
"The flat cardboard ones work pretty good for most cats. Scratching post should be tall and be able to support the cat when its an adult. Keeping that in mind - look for a post/treehouse that is a minimum of 4 feet high. Anything smaller will probably not be used by the cat or if it does, will not last long." ~GoldenKitty45~
2. Cat Carrier. While most shelters will give a cardboard box that will work when taking home the new cat, you might find having a cat carrier is a better way to go. Try to find one the right size for the cat you are getting. Put in a blanket for comfort. These are also sold at stores for $10 and beyond.
"Two kinds of carriers - hard sided and soft sided. If you think your kitten will be over 10 lbs when grown, get a medium or larger carrier."~GoldenKitty45~
"A sturdy and secure carrier is an essential item, not optional." ~Epona~
3. A litter box. This is a must have, and there are many different types to choose from. The cheapest is a simple box and a cat scooper. They go all the way up the price line to ones that will clean out the box for you, or rewash the litter for reuse. Many cat owners find their cats prefer a little box with a top so others can't see them.
4. Litter. This is another one of those must haves. There are different types of litter to choose from, most common being clay. Different cats tend to prefer different type of little. Pricing ranging from $6 and beyond.
5. Food/water bowls. Each cat you own should have their own. There are fancy ones, ones with timers, and even some with lids for the cat that tries to eat more then they should. However just a simple bowl that you would eat out of will do. The important thing to watch for is that it can be washed.
"Avoid plastic dishes - they cannot be cleaned properly and many cats will get acne using them. Also avoid the "connecting" dishes - have a separate one for food and water."~GoldenKitty45~
6. Food. Yeah you'll be hard pressed to do without this. Food usually comes under two different types, dry and wet. However if your cat has bad teeth, wet is usually the way to go, since it is easier to eat. It's always a good idea to keep one or two packs of wet food for the cat. Often the cats will view this as a treat, and its much easier to mix meds into. Cat food prices can range for as low as $.35 for one pack to much more, depending on the brand, how much you get and what is in it. Be careful giving your cat milk, often this can cause tummy trouble.
"a diet of both dry and canned is more beneficial."~GoldenKitty45~
7. Cat bed/blanket. Many owners find it useful to have a bed or blanket set aside for the cat. This becomes the cat's "room" and a place for they retreat to when they become stess. The price can be as long as $2 for a simple blanket to over $100 for a high price bed.
Kitty's first weeks.
This area would be for getting people started. little things to make sure they do, and common fixes for the problems every new cat own seems to run into.
1. Number one rule is to keep your vet's number handy. Often new cat owns don't know their cat is sick until they have been home for a bit. It is always better safe them sorry and that is what the vet is there for.
2. Find a quiet place for the cat box and the food dishes (you will probably prefer a different place for these two) Would you want to eat or use the restroom in front of others? usually not.
3. Give your new cat time to get used to the house. It's not a bad idea to keep them in one room for the first day or two.
"I would confine the cat to one room for at least 2 weeks. If kittens are under the age of 5 months, its better to only allow them free run of the house when supervised. If not, then confine the kitten to one room."~GoldenKitty45~
4. Don't expect your new cat to act like a dog. Most cats need you to earn their trust and friendship. This can take time.
Clearly, I'm not expert. These are just a few things I've found with my own cats, and from reading. If something is wrong, please fix it. Anything you can add would be nice, I know I, if no one else, will be using this when it comes that time.
