Adoptable Cats

Due to circumstances beyond their control,these amazing cats are in need of a "forever home". Do you have a "forever home" to offer a homeless animal?

If you do, please take a look at who is available for you at the Oromocto and Area SPCA today by.... clicking here.

Things to Consider When Taking your New Cat Home

Congratulations! You have a new cat. No doubt you’re looking forward to years of happy companionship. But what do you do now?

Be Prepared
Before bringing your new furball home, outfit your home with all the supplies you could possibly need.

Coming Home
The first thing you should know about your new pet is that most cats hate to travel. For the trip home, confine your pet in a sturdy cat carrier. Don't leave him loose in your car, where he might panic and cause an accident, or get out when you open the car door. He may yowl and cry and try mightily to get out of the carrier, but don't give in.

Upon Arrival
After the ride home, he will, most likely, not be in the mood for fun. To make his transition to your household as comfortable as possible, select a quiet, closed-in area, such as your bedroom or a small room away from the main foot traffic, and provide him with a litter box, food and water, toys, and a scratching post.

Let your new pet become acquainted with that limited area for the first few days. Be sure to spend plenty of time with him in that room, but if he’s hiding under the bed, don’t force him to come out. If necessary, sit on the floor to talk to him and offer treats. Let him sniff all your belongings and investigate all the hiding places.

Your new cat may be full of self-confidence and itching to get out and make himself at home. Or he may be more of a shrinking violet who needs more time to adjust.

The First Week
Over a few days, slowly introduce him to the rest of your house, including the other pets and household members. Make sure he always has access to "his" room so he can retreat to it if he feels nervous. It will take a little while, but he'll eventually start to feel comfortable at home.

Cats vary in terms of how demanding they are as pets, so let yours guide you to the level of attention he wants, whether it's your hand for petting, or your lap for sitting. Provide him with the necessary creature comforts, and give him the companionship he seeks, and he'll be content.

When adopting a cat, the new family shouldn’t overwhelm the animal. He/she may be stressed from the trip in the carrier and may be upset. The best way to proceed is to just open the door of the carrier and allow the cat to come out and look around at his own pace. The home should be quiet when the cat arrives, with no loud music or television noise to frighten him. The family should make an effort to speak quietly and soothingly also. Having food, water and a litterbox available from the start will help the cat realize he is home and safe.

The cat may be somewhat subdued for a couple of days, as he/she figures out their place and gets to know their new family. Their true personality will start to come through in a day or two, however. Family members should not be too upset if the cat doesn’t seem very affectionate at first, or if she hides or runs from her people. Chances are, she’s been through a lot and needs some space and time to adjust. Some cats will hardly let their people out of their sight at first, as though afraid of being abandoned again. Lots of love and lap time will help the cat over this anxiety.

The family should also purchase a few cat toys like balls or catnip mice that the cat can play with by themself at first. A couple of days after adopting a cat, the family can introduce interactive teaser-type toys. This will help the cat bond with the new family, after some initial trust has been established. The most important part of adopting a cat is to provide love and patience. Cats will give their families devotion and laughter when they receive it themselves. Adopting a cat is a process that will reap many wonderful rewards.