| Animals make lots of people happy. They give love, | | | | home. Don't force it to play with you or sit on your |
| comfort, companionship, and company to their | | | | lap. Though you're familiar with your home, your new |
| owners. Anyone who has any kind of pet knows | | | | pet isn't, and it needs to check things out and make |
| how important they are to the family. You should | | | | sure it's safe before it feels comfortable enough to |
| spend time deciding on the right pet for you and | | | | play. |
| your family, and when you decide to adopt a cat or | | | | Some cats or kittens may hide under the furniture |
| kitten, remember that how you bring it home is just | | | | for a while, and that's okay. Just be patient, and your |
| as important as the food and litter you choose to | | | | new kitty will get used to you and your home, and |
| take care of it. | | | | will soon come out for attention. It's important to |
| Adopted cats and kittens often need extra care. | | | | keep in mind your pet's background, if you know it. If |
| Because many of them were abandoned or abused | | | | your cat or kitten was abused, it may be afraid of |
| (and sometimes both), they're afraid of anything | | | | people, so you need to be extra gentle when |
| outside their kennels, and anyone outside the shelter | | | | handling it, and use a soft voice when speaking to it, |
| workers they know and trust. So when you bring | | | | so as not to startle your cat or kitten. Try not to |
| home an adopted cat or kitten, special care has to | | | | make any sudden movements, and let your pet |
| be taken to make sure they're made comfortable | | | | adjust to you in its own time. If you don't know the |
| and eased into a new environment. Before you bring | | | | background of your cat or kitten, you should err on |
| your cat or kitten home, make sure you've already | | | | the side of caution. |
| set up the litter pan and food and water dishes. That | | | | Every cat is different, so you shouldn't rush your pet |
| way, when your little one is brought into your home, | | | | into cuddling with you or playing with you. Let it |
| it can find its food and litter right away, instead of | | | | adjust to being in a new place at its own pace, and |
| waiting until you've set it up. | | | | before you know it, your pet will be following you |
| It's also a good idea to have a few toys out and | | | | around your home, begging for attention! Bringing |
| available for the cat or kitten before it's brought | | | | home an adopted cat or kitten is an exciting |
| home. This will give the pet options for play right | | | | experience, and as long as you know what to do to |
| away, discouraging it from getting into something | | | | help make the transition smooth for you and your |
| that may cause trouble, such as electric cords. When | | | | new pet, it can be a great memory! |
| you bring home the cat or kitten, let it explore your | | | | |