"We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how
they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words."
- Anna Sewell, Black Beauty, 1877
Helpful Hints For Helping Your New Kitty Feel at Home
Before we get to the big day there is one thing to think about before you leave to pick up your
new cat up from the shelter. They are going to insist that you have a cat carrier with you or
get one at the shelter. This is for the cat's protection and there are NO exceptions made.
Cardboard boxes, laundry baskets, garbage cans and anything else you might think of will
not do. The cat/kitten will NOT leave the shelter in anything other than a secure cat carrier.
It takes awhile for kitty to adapt to it's new environment. It is not unusual for him/her to
"hide out" for a few days.
*Be careful about "forcing" kitty to do something. This is when most scratches and
bites occur. Try coaxing and rewarding.
*If the cat is not declawed, it is advisable to have a scratching post. You may either
make one or purchase one. Whenever the cat starts to scratch in an inappropriate
place, put it at the scrarching post and show it how to scratch there. In the case of adult
cats some catnip...either dried or a spry....will make the scratch post very attractive.
Kittens don't seem to respond to like the adult cats.
*It is advised to have a litter box on each level of the home. Litter box should always be
in a quiet, private, warm place. You should have as many litter boxes as there are
kitties in your household. It's advisable to scoop dirty litter daily. If you use a
"clumping" type litter, be sure you still completely dump the box and rinse it with warm
bleach water weekly. If you don't use a "clumping" litter it is advised that you dump and
disinfect the box every other day. Place newspaper under box and extending about a
foot from all sides to catch scattered litter.
*The cat's food should be a high quality hard type food. A small amount of moist food
daily is O.K. Hard food may be left out for your cat to eat at will. Cats usually eat many
small meals per day. If there is a weight problem, seek the advice of your vet.
*If kitty develops a really bad habit, nip it in the bud with a "remote" correction. Kitty
should not associate correction with you. It "just happens" when an inappropriate
action occurs. Example: Kitty walks on kitchen counter. You have a small spritz bottle
filled with water handy. When kitty goes on counter you do not yell, you just spritz with
the water each time. This should correct unacceptable behavior.
*It is strongly advised that kitty be a house pet. There are many dangers in the
environment, especially in the Northwoods. (i.e. poisonous plants, roving dogs,
porcupines, eagles, hawks, owls,fishers. And of course there are cars, roaming dogs
and malicious humans. A declawed cat should NEVER be allowed outside unless in a
screened in area. Declawed kitties are defenseless against enemies.
*Kitties should ALWAYS be attended when there are small children around. This is for
the protection of both the child and the kitty!runningwhitecat.gif (9101 bytes)
If there is a problem with your new kitty, please seek advice before the problem
becomes a habit. The Northwoods Humane Society is here to help you with your new
kitty's adjustment. Just call us at 715-634-5394
Bringing Your New Kitty Home
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Cat (Cats)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Dog (Dogs)
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Dog (Dogs)
Annie Introducing a New Dog to Resident Cat (Cats)
Cat Housebreaking Troubles
Dog Housebreaking Problems
Facts About Declawing Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Dog
Lead Training Abby
Small Children and Puppies
Outdoor Dogs
Hot Weather Care For Pets
You Can't Find Good Homes For All of Them
Have You Walked Your Dog Today?
Dogs and the 4th of July
Does Your Dog Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck?
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Tandoori