Bringing home an adopted cat! UPDATE..pic pg 3 #36!!

[LJC1861]

We finally got permission from our landlord to have a cat, and have been looking for a Manx ( our favorite!) for quite awhile. Yesterday we found one available for adoption at the local humane society. She is 3 years old, spayed, microchipped, up to date on all her shots and has a clean bill of health.

We do a lot of pet sitting but have never had our own cat before.

Is there any recommended procedure for bringing a new cat home and how does one go about making sure she knows where the litter box is? (Pardon me if this is a stupid question.....)

I guess you could call me a somewhat nervous new mom! We are really excited about this potential new addition to our family.

Linda

 

[jx3smom]

I would keep it confined to a small area for a week or so, just to get used to the parents and surroundings. You usually only have to show a cat the litter box once and they can find it after that. I usually just put them in it and that's it. Don't be surprised if the cat hides for a while. Most will do that. Just be patient and show it attention but let it get used to you.

 

[SC Minnie]

Typically if you show the cat where the litter box is they are fine. We have alway kept our litter box in the upstairs bathroon and kept the new cat in the bathroom/bedroom at night for a couple of nights and when we weren't home until they get used to the house.

We just adopted a new kitty 2 weeks ago and did this with him. He now has free run of the house just like the other kitty.

 

[Philagoofy]

Congratulations on you new family member & good for you for adopting.
From my short experience - 2 years & 2 cats, they seem to find the kitty litter box very well. I've had to move their's around once in a while when we had workers come & they always seem to find it no problem.

I'm sure others here will give you good advice though. Sometimes it's recommended that you place them in a closed room that is rarely used so they can get used to the place slowly - for about a week. Then let them out to roam around and get to know you and their new home.

Enjoy your new little one!

 

[Robinrs]

Hugs to you for adopting a fully grown cat. So few people do that and they need love like everyone else.

I adopted a 2 year old 8 years ago. Everyday he "thanks" me for saving him. Everyday he gives me the loving head butt that reminds me that he LOVES me!

As a PP said, keep him in a confined area for about a week. Cats are extremely territorial and they want a place for everything. A 3 year will seek his litter box and is probably very trained already.

Again, congrats! I lost a cat in November and just adopted two rambunctious beautiful kittens!! It's been a trial but we love them!

 

[LJC1861]

I don't think we could handle raising a kitten, but a full grown cat is right up our alley.

Our friends have a Manx and we have fallen in love with her. Manx cats are very "doglike" and social that is one of the reasons why we love both the one we cat sit for and the breed in general.

We are heading to the humane society to meet her this evening, and if she likes us she will be ours! If not, we will keep looking.

Linda

 

[MEK]

Congratulations on your new cat! I have three adopted cats. Each was about 1 year old when I brought them home. I agree with everything that has been said so far. Cats definately need time to adjust to their new surroundings.

I am curious as to how long the cat was at the humane society. I think no kill shelters are great, but I have often wondered what happens when cats that live in that environment finally get into a home. Two of my cats were from the spca. I am certain the second was lined up euthanasia because she didn't always use her litter box. Fortunately, she has resolved that issue. My third cat was a stray. She had an appointment with the humane society for adoption, but by the time the appointment came around we decided we could make room for one more cat.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have a large master bathroom and keep the (covered) litter box behind the door. Whenever I have brought a "new" cat into the house, I will first uncover the box, carry the cat into the bathroom, and gently deposit him (or her) in the box. Afterwards I will put the cover back on.

I keep both food and water under a desk in the kitchen so noboidy will trip on them but they are accessible to the cats at all times.

And my two current cats were adopted as adults at the same time from a rescue shelter; they were a bonded pair. Here is a picture of them

 

[Mrs. Charming]

My mom has a Manx (he was mine, but I moved out/got married, now he's my mom's boyfriend ) and he's awesome. What a good cat.

She's a lucky kitty and you'll love her.

 

[LJC1861]

Oh Well......some things are not meant to be.

We got to the shelter to meet "Bonnie", the cat we saw on Petfinder and she is just as sweet as could be. The problem is that someone else beat us to it!

Someone came in about an hour before we did and put a 24 hour hold on her. We will know at 4 tomorrow if she is adopted or released back....if she is released back she will be ours. So, hope is not gone for this particular kitty yet, just on hold.

We will keep looking for the right match and hopefully will find the right Manx for us soon!!!

Linda

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have gotten my last three cats from siameserescue.org with very good results.

You might want to do a Google search on Manx Cat Rescue.

 

[s&k'smom]

I'm sorry it didn't work out but I'm of the belief that the right cat will find you, we have three and they all found us. A rescue cat will love you so much it will be worth the extra effort. Congrats and keep us posted.

 

[mlittig]

Hoping things will still work out for you and Bonnie

 

[Sparx]

Oh Well......some things are not meant to be.

We got to the shelter to meet "Bonnie", the cat we saw on Petfinder and she is just as sweet as could be. The problem is that someone else beat us to it!

Someone came in about an hour before we did and put a 24 hour hold on her. We will know at 4 tomorrow if she is adopted or released back....if she is released back she will be ours. So, hope is not gone for this particular kitty yet, just on hold.

We will keep looking for the right match and hopefully will find the right Manx for us soon!!!

Linda

good luck and keep looking!

some tips for when you do get your cat:

don't overwhelm her with toys, she'll get overstimulated and not want to play with any of them.

have her litter box and food/water ready.

Set her down, and she'll let you know what she wants to do. I've had cats who run and hide, and i've had cats plop down in the floor and roll around. If she hides, let her hide. don't try to pull her out. she'll probably explore her home at night, when she's not afraid. Let her explore on her own terms and she'll eventually warm up to you, if she doesn't right away.

and most of all, have fun! thank you for adopting a shelter cat!

 

[Fionasmommy]

Someone came in about an hour before we did and put a 24 hour hold on her. We will know at 4 tomorrow if she is adopted or released back....if she is released back she will be ours.

Oh no! I'm sorry that happened, but maybe luck will prevail and she'll be released back. Let us know! And if not, then I agree that it wasn't meant to be. In the long run, if Bonnie is adopted and you have to find another Manx to adopt, at least two rescue cats will be getting good home!

 

[LJC1861]

We just got the call from the shelter.....Bonnie (soon to be renamed) is OURS!!! The other family decided to pass on her. We will be picking her up later this afternoon and I will post pictures as soon as we can.


I am so happy!!!!!


Linda

 

[MomofKatie]

I have gotten my last three cats from siameserescue.org with very good results.

You might want to do a Google search on Manx Cat Rescue.

We got our GiGi from Siamese Rescue!! It is a great organization.

CONGRATS on getting Bonnie!!

 

[mlittig]

Yippee Then she was meant to be yours As I type this I have one of our eight cats on my lap so I can so relate to your excitement It would be a good idea as previous posters have said, to keep her isolated in a small room for several days to allow her to get acclimated to your home Visit her often but don't worry if she hides for a while. Just sit on the floor and talk to her quietly Ask what kind of food they were feeding her at the shelter so you can use the same kind for a while. She should adjust to using the litter box very easily on her own Just give her lots of patience and love and she will come around nicely Congratulations and enjoy

 

[jackemail]

Yay!! Congrats on the new addition to the family....update us on how it is going as she gets adjusted to new surroundings.

 

[bballmom56]

Awww, that's wonderful! See, it was meant to be . Congratulations!