Adopting a rescue cat is one of the most rewarding things that you can do, but it is not without its challenges. We all know that every feline is unique, but when you take on the responsibility of caring for an adopted animal, you need to remember that they may have come from incredibly difficult circumstances. They are probably feeling uprooted and scared. It is up to you to ensure that they have everything they need to adjust to their new loving home. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Do…Be Patient
We all read about people adopting pets during the last two years and then giving them up again. We must imagine that one of the biggest causes for this is people realizing that caring for an animal was not as easy as they thought it would be. With a rescue cat, being patient with them is particularly important. It can take months for them to settle and feel at home in their new surroundings. Don’t lose your temper if they act out, keep showing them love and affection.
Don’t…Buy Any Old Cat Food
Part of getting to know a cat is learning what they like to eat. When you adopt a rescue cat the agency will tell you what they have been feeding them to give you a guideline but going forward this is all your responsibility. There are a lot of pet food brands out there which pad out their ingredients with additives and grains, but research has shown that this can have an impact on your pet’s health. If you are looking for all-natural pet food, Reveal Pet Food has a range of food that is responsibly sourced and of the highest quality. It also contains essential amino acids, and it is completely grain free.
Do…Give Them Their Space
When you first bring a pet home, of course you want to make sure that it feels at home and loved as soon as possible. However, a rescue cat will be highly wary of both new surroundings and new people. Before you bring them home, make sure that you have a space set up where it can hide if it feels the need to. You should also make sure that the cat’s food bowls, not to mention their litter tray, are placed out of the way so they do not feel watched.
Don’t…Let Them Outside Right Away
If you have adopted an outdoor cat, then they will probably let you know that they want to be allowed outside early on. However, you need to remember that they will not know their way around and they will need some time to acclimatize. It is generally recommended that you give them between four to six weeks before letting them outside. When the time comes and you feel confident, let them out into the garden at first and go with them. After a few times in the garden, you can start thinking about letting them roam further away. Now, around 10 million pets go missing in the US every year. Remember to register them at your local vets and make sure that they are microchipped with your details.