| If you are thinking of adding a feline to your family, | | | | people pass by her cage each day, and she has to |
| consider adopting a cat from your local animal shelter | | | | cope with all the noise and stress that accompanies |
| or humane society. The animals have been carefully | | | | that. A shelter worker can arrange for you to meet |
| screened for adoptability and have usually been | | | | the cat in a quiet room. Again, she may not pay |
| worked with to enhance sociability. | | | | much attention to you, but watch how she acts |
| Unfortunately, many people think that only "bad" | | | | towards the staff person. This is who she is more |
| animals wind up in shelters. Actually, the opposite is | | | | comfortable with. While you observe the cat, talk |
| true. People relinquish their pets to shelters when | | | | with the staff member and learn all you can about |
| they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes | | | | the cat's likes and dislikes. |
| this is because the owner was unprepared for the | | | | Take a cat carrier with you to the shelter - much |
| responsibility that comes with caring for a pet. | | | | easier than having your new cat running around the |
| If there is no indication of 'reason for surrender' on | | | | car as you take her home. |
| the cage at the shelter ask - a cat that has been | | | | Bringing your newly adopted cat home is exciting for |
| given up because of bad behaviour may not be the | | | | you, and a little overwhelming for her. Have things |
| best choice - no matter how cute she is. | | | | prepared before you pick her up from the shelter. |
| Often, however, caring owners struggling with | | | | This includes having small area for her to call her own. |
| life-changes or trying to cope with family tragedy | | | | A bathroom or extra bedroom works well. Furnish it |
| realize their pet would be better off with someone | | | | with a bed, food and water bowls, scratching post, |
| else. They bring them to the shelter because they | | | | toys and a litter box. Spend some time with her in |
| know the animal will be well-cared for and placed in | | | | the room with the door closed. She may totally |
| an excellent home. | | | | ignore you while she explores her new surroundings. |
| Shelter staff carefully evaluates each animal for | | | | Keep her confined to this room until she seems |
| physical and behavioral soundness. They make note | | | | relaxed in your presence. Then you can allow her to |
| of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate | | | | roam the rest of your home. |
| negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption | | | | Some cats take longer than others to adjust to new |
| counselors who interview potential adopters to | | | | situations. Your cat has gone from a home to a noisy |
| understand their needs and lifestyle so they can | | | | shelter to another new home. Change is stressful for |
| make the perfect match. | | | | cats. You can help her adjust more quickly by |
| Your first contact with a shelter cat will probably be | | | | establishing set routines. Begin feeding, grooming and |
| when she is in her cage. Don't be put off if she | | | | playing with her at the same times each day, and |
| ignores you completely. Keep in mind that many new | | | | she'll feel at home much sooner. |