June Is Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month

So you are thinking of getting a new cat? There are many considerations.

First, do you already have a cat? If so, you should consider what you cat(s) would like. Cats can and do get along with other cats. Cats are territorial so any new cat will most likely be preserved as a threat. Gradual introduction is probably going to be the best. Keep the new cat in his/her own space. We usually have people take a tissue and rub it on the cat’s ears. Do the same with the current cat. Then take the new cat’s tissue and give it to the current cat, and visa-versa. This way the cats get to meet each other without actually seeing each other.

First visual introduction may be done best with one cat in a carrier and the other one(s) allowed to roam around the carrier. Then do the opposite. This will allow for a safer introduction. Make sure that the cats have nice hiding places and perches. Cats love to be up high and look out upon their kingdom. Remember that cats spend at most 60% of their time with each other. Cats tend to like some alone time.

Dr Ilona Rodan has some wonderful insight on the dynamics if you would like to learn more.

So you do not have a cat currently. You may want to consider adopting an older cat. In my opinion, you will know the personality of the cat coming into your household. Older cats (non-kittens) do have a more challenging time finding a “furrever” home. Black cats sometimes have more challenges. If you would like a declawed cat, there are many at the shelters.

So you want a kitten. My best advice here is to get two kittens. What? Cats that are raised together at an early age usually get along very well. Keep in mind that kittens are children, and children have lots of energy. It is much better to have your kitten being interactive with another kitten instead of being bored waiting for you to get home. A solitary kitten will most likely play with you as if you were a cat. Human skin does not always fare well with kitten play.

We have wonderful shelters here in Northern Virginia and the Great Washington Area. They are here to help and offer advice to help you with your new furry friend. Here is a list of some of our local welfare leagues.

Animal Welfare League of Arlington Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Fairfax County Animal Shelter Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) Montgomery County Humane Society

Please feel free to call 703 525-1955 or email us if we can help answer any pre-adoption questions.

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