Adoption Instructions

Remember when adopting, while some kitties are instantly loves, time, patience, and love is still needed for them to feel completely safe and comfortable in your home.

Remember every pet is unique and will adjust differently, but time and care make everything better. Please have patience and allow your new pet time to settle in”.

Kittens and Cats

Remember to give time for the transition

When introducing the kitten to resident cats, know that instinctively an adult cat will see a kitten and think there is a protective mom around so may hiss, swat, or growl to get the kitten to go away.

Once they realize the kitten is alone, they are more likely to take the kitten in.

Kittens and Dogs

When introducing to a dog for the first time, put dogs on a leash (or in a down if well trained and just allow the cat to walk by if he/she wants to. Evaluate both the dog and the cat. Is the cat fearful or curious? Is the dog happy/playful or chomping at the bit?

After introductions have occurred, keep in mind the following tips:

• Never leave a cat and dog unsupervised, even if it looks like they get along great. A playful dog can still unintentionally harm a cat.

• Make sure the cat has places to jump up to in each room or hide where a dog cannot get to him/her. Cats need this not only to protect their self, but to feel safe.

• Playful chasing is normal, but always remind a dog to play nice/slow down/not run.

• Do not allow a dog or another cat to stare down your new cat. A dog or cat should know that he/she is not allowed to obsess on the new cat.

The new cat may swipe at a dog or cat or hiss, in order to correct. This is usually a great help in ensuring another animal knows his/her place. But, keep an eye on interactions to ensure the cat does not injure another animal as well. A cat will also growl if scared and is an indication that more time is needed and the growling cat is scared.

Kittens and Kids

Cats and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly; they are great playmates and confidants. But, children must learn proper handling and discipline, and cats must learn self-control so that they do not play too rough. (Some cats like to use their claws, especially kittens and they are razor sharp)

Children should be supervised and taught that cats are beings, not dolls or toys to dress-up or handled constantly. Teach children not to tease or rile up the cat unnecessarily. This includes chasing around the house, which can scare a cat, who may bite if cornered or frightened.

Make sure your children know that it is not the cat’s fault if the cat chews up toys that are left out. Keeping doors shut and toys in toy boxes can help minimize damage. Make sure the cat has his/her own toys, and keep them in the same place all the time, like in a basket.

Children like the idea of caring for a cat, but the daily work of feeding, brushing, and cleaning up after the cat is not really suited for them. Recognize that the initial enthusiasm will wane quickly, and the true responsibility of caring for the cat will fall to the adults in the household.

Children should not play unsupervised with new kitties. For kittens, teach proper handling (pick up by the body, not the limbs), and limit interaction. Children need to be taught that a kitten’s mouthing is not biting, and that the kitten is not trying to hurt them. Perhaps most importantly, children must learn to properly discipline the cat/kitten, a sharp “no”. Children often react to a cats’ bad behavior by hitting the cat, this is unacceptable.