Well I'm Going to Adopt!

sweets1726 · Apr 22, 2014

Soooooo!!! I've decided that I'm going to adopt an older cat in August once my BF and I move into our new place!!

... But I need a lot of advice and recommendations.

One thing that I'm also really concerned about is, I know that the shelter I will be adopting from (Merced, SPCA) uses uncovered litter boxes and I would like to use a covered one in my home. Will this pose a problem with the transition? Has any one had any experience with this?

Also like mentioned previously i need advice as well as recommendations to bringing my new fur baby into a happy welcoming home

Thanks,

ONi

renstwin · Apr 22, 2014

Make sure you and your boyfriend have a plan in place for if things don't work out. No offense but all the time I see where people break up and the cat either ends up back at the shelter or ends up on craigslist. Maybe settle in first then decide if you both are ready for the responsibility.

Also think of the financial responsibility. I adopted a 75 dollar kitten that ended up costing me about 2k in vet bills after only three weeks. No, he didn't make it...but when you adopt a pet you are saying you will provide for the animal, and that includes medical care.

Best of luck to you. Just be aware of all the risks as well as the good.

loopycann · Apr 22, 2014

It's so refreshing to see someone willing to take in the harder to place kitties.Most of the time they are pets that are turned in when a new baby comes along,a mother goes into a assisted care home a couple breaks up and kitty Loses his family or students or a family moves or ends in jail leaving kitty to fend for himself.the last one was how I found my Bumper.As I write this she is dying and it absolutely is killing me to watch over her.She was abandoned in 2008 by a family I did not know.I was told the girl and her boyfriend were arrested and the landlord tossed out Bumper and another cat.When I gave someone a ride there,the cats came running to my car thinking I was their family.i could see the disappointment in their eyes when it dawned on them.what to do? Took em home is what.that was then this is now.Bumper has enriched my life as any cat has done.I doubt anyone would have done such a selfless thing as you are going to.Know how much this will mean to a unwanted older cat.god bless you.
But please,please please this older cat has probably lost his home already through broken home......just be sure he dosent go thru that again :vibes:

Sweets1726 said:
Soooooo!!! I've decided that I'm going to adopt an older cat in August once my BF and I move into our new place!! :9: ... But I need a lot of advice and recommendations.

One thing that I'm also really concerned about is, I know that the shelter I will be adopting from (Merced, SPCA) uses uncovered litter boxes and I would like to use a covered one in my home. Will this pose a problem with the transition? Has any one had any experience with this?

Also like mentioned previously i need advice as well as recommendations to bringing my new fur baby into a happy welcoming home

Thanks,

ONi

catmomma627 · Apr 22, 2014

I doubt the litter box will be an issue. Both of my girls were used to uncovered litter boxes before I adopted them (Zoey in a shelter and Luna in a foster). I would leave the top of at first, but place the box in its real location and get the cat used to going in it. Then put the top on and it should be okay. I did this with Zoey because she seemed really claustrophobic and it all worked out fine!

I would keep the cat in a safe room for the first couple days if possible, it depends on the cat though, my house is small enough that I didn't do that with Zoey. Get toys for it to play with and hopefully he or she will be part of your family in no time!

Good for you for adopting an older cat, they need homes too [emoji]128571[/emoji]

plan · Apr 23, 2014

Good luck with your adoption!

I'm curious, what kind of condition can rack up $2k in vet bills in the first three weeks? And at that point, can the cat be saved or is he/she dying?

jodiethierry64 · Apr 23, 2014

Sweets1726 said:
Soooooo!!! I've decided that I'm going to adopt an older cat in August once my BF and I move into our new place!! :9: ... But I need a lot of advice and recommendations.

One thing that I'm also really concerned about is, I know that the shelter I will be adopting from (Merced, SPCA) uses uncovered litter boxes and I would like to use a covered one in my home. Will this pose a problem with the transition? Has any one had any experience with this?

Also like mentioned previously i need advice as well as recommendations to bringing my new fur baby into a happy welcoming home

Thanks,

ONi

I think you are awesome for adopting an older feline. Like what was already said, everyone wants kittens. These older ones stand little chance when it's kitten season. I'm crying happy tears!!!!

Since they have already lost their home, they will be scared and confused. Please be patient. They will adjust and they will give you so much in return. You will be their hero in their eyes. I myself rescue the older ones. They know YOU saved them and they will appreciate you for it.

They do adjust to cover boxes. I use them and they have no problem!!

Please remember this is a life commitment. They are not to be disposed of when it's no longer convenient. Especially sn older one who has already been through more then we will ever know.

Thank you for giving this older feline a second chance for a furever home! God bless you dear!!!!

jodiethierry64 · Apr 23, 2014

Loopycann said:
It's so refreshing to see someone willing to take in the harder to place kitties.Most of the time they are pets that are turned in when a new baby comes along,a mother goes into a assisted care home a couple breaks up and kitty Loses his family or students or a family moves or ends in jail leaving kitty to fend for himself.the last one was how I found my Bumper.As I write this she is dying and it absolutely is killing me to watch over her.She was abandoned in 2008 by a family I did not know.I was told the girl and her boyfriend were arrested and the landlord tossed out Bumper and another cat.When I gave someone a ride there,the cats came running to my car thinking I was their family.i could see the disappointment in their eyes when it dawned on them.what to do? Took em home is what.that was then this is now.Bumper has enriched my life as any cat has done.I doubt anyone would have done such a selfless thing as you are going to.Know how much this will mean to a unwanted older cat.god bless you.
But please,please please this older cat has probably lost his home already through broken home......just be sure he dosent go thru that again

Loppycann, I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Bumper..My heart is breaking for you. Here's a hug for you!!!

lilin · Apr 23, 2014

Thank you for adopting an adult cat!

I second the suggestion to settle who will take the cat in the event of separation. Not a nice conversation, but a necessary one.

I also second the litter box idea: leave the lid off at first just so kitty has an easier time adjusting to it, then try putting it on. I've never had a problem with cats adjusting to closed-top litter boxes (although the one I use now is open top). I use a litter genie to make scooping easier and contain smell. It's basically a cat scooping trash can. Scooping every day will pretty much prevent smell.

First of all, it is best to give kitty a room to themselves for the first few days to a week, depending on how fast they adjust. Some older kitties are a bit more set in their ways and might need slightly longer to adjust to a new home. In this room should be access to food, a safe covered spot, and the litter box. I used my bedroom (yes, litter box in the bedroom, but just for a few days). My bedroom is pretty much just for sleeping and chilling out with a book (no desk in there or anything), so it was a low-traffic area where she could also be exposed me in a quiet and relaxed environment.

Along those lines, let kitty come to you. Cats are territorial and sometimes hide when they first get put in a new environment. Send "eye kisses" (the slow blink). Move slowly. Talk to them quietly. Offer treats. Cats don't really like to be fished out of hiding, so try to entice them to come to you and learn that you're safe.

For food, you should start with whatever they were eating in the shelter, but over the long haul, wet food is always preferable to dry food. If your kitty currently eats wet food at all, go straight to that. Cats have a low thirst drive and often won't drink water until they're dehydrated. They are built to get moisture from their food. So wet food keeps a kitty better hydrated, which helps prevent problems like urine crystals and kidney strain.

And for that matter, make sure kitty is eating! Cats can get sick very quickly without food. So if kitty isn't eating after the first day, consider food bowl placement. Have it in a place where kitty can get to it easily from where ever their "safe spot" is, and where they can see the room and not feel cornered.

Get a couple of interactive toys. Simpler is often better, at first. My kitty took to plain string. Wriggle it around and try to get them interacting, and thus more comfortable with you.

Best of luck to you and your new fuzz friend!

sweets1726 · Apr 23, 2014

Loopycann said:
It's so refreshing to see someone willing to take in the harder to place kitties.Most of the time they are pets that are turned in when a new baby comes along,a mother goes into a assisted care home a couple breaks up and kitty Loses his family or students or a family moves or ends in jail leaving kitty to fend for himself.the last one was how I found my Bumper.As I write this she is dying and it absolutely is killing me to watch over her.She was abandoned in 2008 by a family I did not know.I was told the girl and her boyfriend were arrested and the landlord tossed out Bumper and another cat.When I gave someone a ride there,the cats came running to my car thinking I was their family.i could see the disappointment in their eyes when it dawned on them.what to do? Took em home is what.that was then this is now.Bumper has enriched my life as any cat has done.I doubt anyone would have done such a selfless thing as you are going to.Know how much this will mean to a unwanted older cat.god bless you.
But please,please please this older cat has probably lost his home already through broken home......just be sure he dosent go thru that again

Im so sorry! I wish you well during this time Loopycann

As for the comments on the plan in case my BF and I split, I will NEVER return a cat that I purchased or rescued its cruel! I know that this cat will become my responsibility for the rest of its life and im willing to take on that challenge no matter what happens

THANKS for all the advice !! please keep it coming && Loopy you are in my prayers

sweets1726 · Apr 23, 2014

RensTwin said:
Make sure you and your boyfriend have a plan in place for if things don't work out. No offense but all the time I see where people break up and the cat either ends up back at the shelter or ends up on craigslist. Maybe settle in first then decide if you both are ready for the responsibility.

Also think of the financial responsibility. I adopted a 75 dollar kitten that ended up costing me about 2k in vet bills after only three weeks. No, he didn't make it...but when you adopt a pet you are saying you will provide for the animal, and that includes medical care.

Best of luck to you. Just be aware of all the risks as well as the good.

Yes we have been planning this for a year (: and are moving to a pet friendly place in august for this reason. Ill make you proud

I do know what I'm up against and wont let cat lovers everywhere and my new baby down in anyway

stephenq · Apr 23, 2014

Congrats on the pending adoption!

Here are some thoughts to consider.

- Personality - Think about the type of cat you like and respond to (affectionate vs playful, brave and confident, shy and needing TLC, etc) and talk to the shelter and ask them to show you cats that make sense for you, and that they know well enough to be able to confidently recommend.

- What comes with Kitty? Ask the shelter what is included in the adoption? Any medical care? Microchip? testing/deworming/vaccinating/spay-neuter

- Return Policy - Ask the shelter what their return policy is. Most have open returns but some don't, and as horrified as you may be at the thought of returning a cat, it does happen so never adopt from a place that has a time limit on returns.

- Food - Find out what they've been feeding their cats, and they should give you some to take home. If you want to change foods, do it slowly especially with the wet, over at least a week so that kitty doesn't get food related diarrhea. Wet food is an important part of a cat's nutrition so if this is unclear to you ask us about it.

- Litter - Find out what kind of litter they're using and bring that home with you. If you want to change do it slowly so you're cat doesn't go on strike against your litter box because they didn't get the email about this strange new litter. Put the new litter under the old and let kitty dig it up. Once she's done this start adding in more new until its time to change it all out and by then you should be good to go.

- The Covered Box - that should be fine but give kitty a chance to get used to it. Start with it uncovered. When you know she's using the box well, then introduce the cover and since covered boxes hold in odors (Yuck) keep it extra clean so she doesn't go out on strike again. And note that some cats are constitutionally against covered boxes. The theory is in nature a cat is vulnerable when they pee/poop and they like to scan for dangers. Covered boxes prevent this and some cats as a result get nervous.

- Introduction to the home - Many cats will benefit from a gentle introduction to the home. If you just turn the cat loose she may decide that hiding under your bed for 2-3 days is the best thing to do. Be a good friend to her by giving her a chance to gain confidence. Put her in a small room with no hiding places like a bathroom with food, water and litter when you get her home. If she wants to hide or runs from the door when you enter she isn't ready for the rest of the house and you can be very glad you put her here. Gently socialize with her in this room. When she's eating, drinking and using the litter box and approaches the door when you come in, she's ready to come out and start exploring the rest of the house! With soe cats this might only mean a hour or two, others might need a day or 2.

- Scratching Posts - Cats come with claws! Are you ok with this? You will want a tall and sturdy scratching post and if she turns out to be a horizontal scratcher then a scratching pad and/or corrugated scratching box. Play with her at the post. Reward her immediately with her favorite treat when she scratches the post. If you want more training tips for the post let us know ok.

Any other questions please ask!

sweets1726 · Apr 23, 2014

StephenQ said:
Congrats on the pending adoption!

Here are some thoughts to consider.

- Personality - Think about the type of cat you like and respond to (affectionate vs playful, brave and confident, shy and needing TLC, etc) and talk to the shelter and ask them to show you cats that make sense for you, and that they know well enough to be able to confidently recommend.

- What comes with Kitty? Ask the shelter what is included in the adoption? Any medical care? Microchip? testing/deworming/vaccinating/spay-neuter

- Return Policy - Ask the shelter what their return policy is. Most have open returns but some don't, and as horrified as you may be at the thought of returning a cat, it does happen so never adopt from a place that has a time limit on returns.

- Food - Find out what they've been feeding their cats, and they should give you some to take home. If you want to change foods, do it slowly especially with the wet, over at least a week so that kitty doesn't get food related diarrhea. Wet food is an important part of a cat's nutrition so if this is unclear to you ask us about it.

- Litter - Find out what kind of litter they're using and bring that home with you. If you want to change do it slowly so you're cat doesn't go on strike against your litter box because they didn't get the email about this strange new litter. Put the new litter under the old and let kitty dig it up. Once she's done this start adding in more new until its time to change it all out and by then you should be good to go.

- The Covered Box - that should be fine but give kitty a chance to get used to it. Start with it uncovered. When you know she's using the box well, then introduce the cover and since covered boxes hold in odors (Yuck) keep it extra clean so she doesn't go out on strike again. And note that some cats are constitutionally against covered boxes. The theory is in nature a cat is vulnerable when they pee/poop and they like to scan for dangers. Covered boxes prevent this and some cats as a result get nervous.

- Introduction to the home - Many cats will benefit from a gentle introduction to the home. If you just turn the cat loose she may decide that hiding under your bed for 2-3 days is the best thing to do. Be a good friend to her by giving her a chance to gain confidence. Put her in a small room with no hiding places like a bathroom with food, water and litter when you get her home. If she wants to hide or runs from the door when you enter she isn't ready for the rest of the house and you can be very glad you put her here. Gently socialize with her in this room. When she's eating, drinking and using the litter box and approaches the door when you come in, she's ready to come out and start exploring the rest of the house! With soe cats this might only mean a hour or two, others might need a day or 2.

- Scratching Posts - Cats come with claws! Are you ok with this? You will want a tall and sturdy scratching post and if she turns out to be a horizontal scratcher then a scratching pad and/or corrugated scratching box. Play with her at the post. Reward her immediately with her favorite treat when she scratches the post. If you want more training tips for the post let us know ok.

Any other questions please ask!

Thanks so much! I've done a lot of research and I feel very confident. Everything you've said I have seen and will definitely do them!

with every response I'm becoming more confident as well as excited for this new responsibility!!

stephenq · Apr 23, 2014

My pleasure!

renstwin · Apr 23, 2014

Plan said:
Good luck with your adoption!

I'm curious, what kind of condition can rack up $2k in vet bills in the first three weeks? And at that point, can the cat be saved or is he/she dying?

He had FIP. Expensive to diagnose.

sweets1726 · Apr 24, 2014

Do most shelter cats have a lot of medical issues that are not addressed before adoption???

I've been seeing a lot of stories like that lately!?

catmomma627 · Apr 24, 2014

I feel like it's really hit or miss. My Zoey had feline herpes. Which was easy to treat. It more or less depends on that cat's back story, which of course you cannot always know. Lots of good shelters would have checked out cats for potential health problems. The shelter I got Zoey from gives their animals absolutely no healthcare.

jodiethierry64 · Apr 24, 2014

CatMomma627 said:
I feel like it's really hit or miss. My Zoey had feline herpes. Which was easy to treat. It more or less depends on that cat's back story, which of course you cannot always know. Lots of good shelters would have checked out cats for potential health problems. The shelter I got Zoey from gives their animals absolutely no healthcare.

A shelter that gives no health care? That's horrible! Poor kitties and others!!

sweets1726 · Apr 24, 2014

Yea, I have heard of that as well as ring worm, tape worm, and a few other things. Even some horror health adoption stories. (the internet can be a scary place)

Hmm, well I'm willing to handle what ever happens

I just hope and pray I find an amazing and healthy cat to adopt.

It just concerned me a bit

catmomma627 · Apr 24, 2014

Just go through a shelter that takes care of the their animals. The one I got Zoey from is literally run down in my mom's rural town. They just hold them there until they are adopted or euthanized (3wk limit). While the cages are clean and everything. They never see a vet. I was in there a month or so ago, looking not necessarily to adopt and they tried to give me a cat that was brought in while I was there.... No checking it out or anything. This is not how most shelters work however. Most of the other shelters around here update them on shots, worm them and make sure they are spayed or neutered.

I will probably adopt from there as much as possible in the future, because I know those kitties need get out of there.

Don't let it stop you from adopting a shelter cat, there's really nothing better you can do.

sweets1726 · Apr 24, 2014

CatMomma627 said:
Just go through a shelter that takes care of the their animals. The one I got Zoey from is literally run down in my mom's rural town. They just hold them there until they are adopted or euthanized (3wk limit). While the cages are clean and everything. They never see a vet. I was in there a month or so ago, looking not necessarily to adopt and they tried to give me a cat that was brought in while I was there.... No checking it out or anything. This is not how most shelters work however. Most of the other shelters around here update them on shots, worm them and make sure they are spayed or neutered.

I will probably adopt from there as much as possible in the future, because I know those kitties need get out of there.

Don't let it stop you from adopting a shelter cat, there's really nothing better you can do.

Yea ur right. but I still plan on adopting from a shelter because just like you I know those kitties need a way out of there

Well I'm Going to Adopt!

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