June is Adopt a Cat Month. Here's 10 purr-fect tips from the Potter League

Hi friends, Tuki here on my perch at the Potter League. Did you know that June is Adopt a Cat Month? I didn’t either until I heard some of the staff here talking about it. (Hmm… I wonder if they have an Adopt a Bird Month? I’ll have to look into that!)

If you are thinking about adopting a cat, let me introduce you to some wonderful cats we have here at the Potter League.

First, we have Moon. Moon has the cutest face – white with a little brown goatee. He is 6 years old and loves his treats and naps. There’s also Allie. She is a beautiful brown tiger cat who is 9 years old, which is middle-aged for a cat. She’s incredibly cuddly and sweet, making her the perfect companion for someone who appreciates a gentle, loving feline friend. We also have Odie, who is an 11-year-old orange tiger cat. He is very curious and has lived with children and other cats before, making him the perfect choice if you have children.

If you are looking for a younger cat, come meet Rusty, a beautiful orange and white, just 7 months old. You can also visit Finan. He is just 3 years old and is on the shy side and would love to find a quiet home. While you’re here, go and see Grace, who loves to be pet, especially behind her ears.

Maybe one cat is not enough! Cats are social creatures and require stimulation and exercise. If you adopt more than one, they can provide entertainment and company for each other. We especially encourage adopting two kittens, as they can grow up together and keep each other engaged.

Now that you’ve met some of the wonderful cats looking for homes, here are some other things to consider when adopting a cat:

1. Find a cat whose personality fits with yours. A younger cat is likely to be more active and playful, while an older cat will enjoy their quiet and downtime. Spend some time with different cats at the shelter to see which one you connect with best.

2. Make sure everyone is ready for the new cat. Visit the shelter with the whole family – this ensures that everyone is invested in making the adoption a success. Discuss the responsibilities and care requirements of a cat beforehand to ensure everyone is on the same page.

3. Find a veterinarian. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as you can after the adoption and bring any medical records that were provided by the shelter. Establishing a relationship with a vet early on ensures you have support for any health concerns that arise.

4. Cat-proof your house. This is especially important if you are adopting a kitten (or two!). Be sure you get into the habit of putting food away and not leaving used dishes out where a cat can lick something that might make them sick. Hide electrical cords, secure heavy items that could fall, and put away small, loose items that a cat might be tempted to think are toys (or a snack!).

5. Budget for your new cat. A pet comes with financial responsibilities like food, veterinarian visits, including vaccinations, and toys. Your cat should also be spayed or neutered and have a microchip implanted just in case. If you adopt a cat from a shelter, most will provide these, plus initial vaccinations, before you take your cat home. You could also consider pet insurance to help cover unexpected medical expenses and routine care. Research different pet insurance plans to find one that suits your needs and budget.

6. Stock up on supplies before bringing your new cat home. You will need food and water, plus food and water bowls, a litter box and cat litter, a soft bed, a scratching post, and some toys. We sell these right in our little retail area to help prepare you. Consider getting a variety of toys to see what your cat prefers.

7. Allow your cat to adjust to their new home. Cats can sometimes take a few weeks to get comfortable with their new home, so go slowly with introductions to anyone who doesn’t live in the house. If you can, consider keeping your new cat in one room with their food, water, litter box, and bed until they’re comfortable. Gradually let them explore more of your home as they become more confident. Create a safe and quiet space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

8. Introduce your new cat to other pets. If you already have other pets, it is important to go VERY slowly when introducing the new cat to them. Talk to the staff at the shelter when you adopt your cat or your veterinarian for suggestions about the best way and time to make the introductions. We provide you with an adoption guide that gives lots of advice and tips when doing introductions. Supervise all interactions initially and provide separate spaces for each pet to ensure a smooth transition.

9. Include your new cat in your family’s emergency plan. Chances are that you have an emergency plan for your family and pets. Add information about your new cat to the plan, including phone numbers for your veterinarian and the closest 24-hour emergency veterinarian. Also, make a note of your pet’s microchip number and be sure to register your contact information with a pet recovery site or with the chip’s manufacturer. Ensure you have a pet carrier and supplies ready in case of an emergency evacuation.

10. Spend quality time with your cat. Building a strong bond with your new cat involves spending time together. Let your cat tell you what they need—some may need time to decompress, while others may want to play or be groomed. This will help them feel secure and loved in their new environment.

I hope this encourages you to celebrate Adopt a Cat Month by giving a home to a new furry friend.

‘Till next time, your friend, Tuki.

Mail questions to Tuki, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI, 02842, or send email to [email protected]. The Potter League for Animals can be found at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown and online at potterleague.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Potter League offers 10 tips for Adopt a Cat Month