| If you bring home an older cat, he may be afraid | | | | necessary vaccinations before his arrival or |
| of his new surroundings and confused about | | | | shortly thereafter. This is especially important if |
| where he is. Give him quiet time to explore and | | | | you have other pets in the house. While your cat |
| get comfortable. Do not invite friends and | | | | is getting his physical, you can stock up on any |
| neighbors over to look at him, because this may | | | | additional supplies that the vet may recommend. |
| make him nervous. Show the cat where the litter | | | | The first item that you must purchase is a cat |
| box, food and water dishes, and scratching post | | | | carrier. You will need one in which to bring the cat |
| are, and then let him settle in at his own pace. | | | | home and take him to and from his veterinary |
| Talk to him in a soothing voice and give him | | | | checkup. Cardboard carriers or metal cages are |
| something to eat. If he seems interested, play | | | | not recommended for cats. A determined feline |
| with him for a while so that he begins to bond | | | | easily can claw his way through the sides of a |
| with you. | | | | cardboard enclosure; and they are not very |
| An older cat has a history that you may not | | | | sturdy. Also, most cats dislike them because they |
| know about. He may have left a loving family or | | | | are dark and do not provide enough ventilation. |
| a long time companion animal behind before he | | | | Wire cages are not comfortable for cats to sit in, |
| came to live with you, or he could have been | | | | and they are big and bulky for owners to move. |
| mistreated or abandoned. If you happen to know | | | | The ideal cat carrier should be made of sturdy |
| the previous owners, or if you learned about his | | | | plastic and have a locking, grill type front door. |
| past when you adopted him, you can make | | | | This will enable the animal to see where he is |
| settling in easier. If you know his name, use it | | | | going, plus it ensures that the enclosure has good |
| often and it will give him a sense of comfort. If | | | | airflow. Buy one that has a secure handle and a |
| you do not, give your cat a chance to get used | | | | solid base; it also should be well designed so that it |
| to his new one. | | | | is easy to maneuver and so that it allows the cat |
| Before you bring a cat or kitten home, you need | | | | to be places inside without difficulty. You can put |
| to make preparations for his arrival. Stop at your | | | | an old towel or sweatshirt on the floor of the |
| local pet supply store and purchase all the | | | | enclosure so that your pet has a soft place to sit |
| necessities your kitty will require to settle in | | | | while traveling. |
| comfortably. By planning ahead, you can have | | | | Some older cats will adapt to a new home right |
| everything set up and ready for your new family | | | | away, while others may hide under the bed for a |
| member so that this transition into an unfamiliar | | | | day or two. Be patient, and give your feline |
| place is a safe and stress free experience for | | | | companion plenty on love, praise, and |
| him. | | | | encouragement while he makes the adjustment |
| Make sure that your cat or kitten has had a | | | | to living with you. |
| veterinary checkup and has received all the | | | | |