Sumter County Animal Shelter encourages cat adoptions

June is Adopt-A-Cat month, in part because it marks the peak of “kitten season,” when large litters of kittens are born and often end up in animal shelters. While many kittens at the Sumter County Animal Shelter are not yet adoptable due to their age and need for medical care and services, there are still plenty of cats who would love to have this perfect home. Sweet cats such as Tinkerbell, Tumble, Momma and Whiskers are looking for good homes.

Thinking of adopting a cat? Here are some helpful tips.

If you are considering adopting a cat, consider bringing home two. Cats need exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. In addition, they will provide you with advantages. The purring of cats has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves. However, if you already have a cat or just want one, adopting a cat is no problem.

Find a cat whose personality matches yours. Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats. In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are easier to live with than skinny cats with narrow heads and short hair, which are generally more active.

Choose a veterinarian in advance and schedule a visit for the first few days after the adoption. You’ll want to take any medical records provided by Animal Services on your first visit.

Make sure everyone in the house is ready to have a cat before they come home. It is always best to adopt a family pet. When adopting a new cat with existing pets in the home, discuss with your veterinarian or animal services how to do an appropriate introduction.

Budget for the short and long term costs of a cat. Understand that any pet is a liability and there is a cost associated with it. A cat adopted from a shelter is a godsend.

Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives. Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away. Your cat will need a litter box, kitty litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a soft bed, a brush to grooming, a toothbrush and a nail clipper.

Protect your home against cats. A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave anything lying around. The food left on the kitchen counter will be used to teach your new friend to jump on the counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose objects that your cat might chew on, watch to make sure the cat doesn’t chew on electrical cords, and pick up random items.

Take it easy when introducing your cat to new friends and family. A cat can take several weeks to relax in a new environment. It’s a good idea to keep the new addition isolated in one room (with a litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier left out and open with bedding inside). inside) until the cat is accustomed to the new environment; this is especially important if you have other pets. If you have adopted a kitten, socialization is very important. But, remember – take it easy.

Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan. You probably have a plan in place to get your family to safety in the event of an emergency. Adjust this plan to include your pets. Add the phone numbers of your veterinarian and the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital to your emergency call list.

It’s also best to keep your new cat indoors. New cats are often unfamiliar and uncomfortable in a new home and may wander off. While it’s always best to keep a cat indoors, this is especially true until your family and the cat have bonded, so the cat knows your home is theirs too. Plus, it’s also safer and healthier for your cat to be indoors.

If you are looking to adopt a cat or dog, visit https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/adopt. If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog, visit https://sumtercountyfl.gov/foster.

About Chuck Keeton

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