Caring for your new pet
So, you've found the perfect kitten and are ready to bring its joy into your home! But once the kitten has settled in, there are still some work to do. The amount of care varies from animal to animal, mostly based on its age, although someone from our Special Needs section will likely have more specialized care.
Food & Water
We feed our cats Iams cat (or kitten) food, and each adoption includes a small amount of this food. If you plan on switching their food to another brand, it is best to mix this food with your food for a few weeks (slowly increasing the amount of your food in the mix). This will help avoid the upset stomach and dietary problems that accompany a sudden change in diet.
You should follow the instructions on the bag of food for the amount of food to be given. We have found that feeding a small amount several times a day works the best for us, as opposed to having a full amount in a feeder available all day. Water should be available all day, especially during the hottest days.
Vaccines
All kittens should be vaccinated and we provide the first set, however it is critical that the rest of the kitten series be continued. One set of shots is not enough to protect your kitten! If you're adopting an adult, they still need regular shots as well. Cats should be given a yearly booster to keep them protected, even if they stay indoors all the time. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure... and with several of those viruses there is no cure.
Spay / Neuter
Every cat... and I repeat Every cat... needs to be spayed or neutered. Even the 12-year old who's scared of the outside and stays under the sofa all day. All it takes is once and you've got a problem on your hands.
If you're adopting from us you'll most likely not have to worry about it as we get our kittens fixed as soon as it is feasible. If you adopt a kitten before it has been fixed, there is a surcharge that is added to the adoption fee. This money will be returned to you upon proof of spay or neuter.
It is best to have kittens fixed as soon as possible, not only does it prevent the possibility of an accidental litter (they can and do get pregnant on their first heat - when they're still kittens) but it keeps them healthier and stops some behavioral problems before they start.