Secondhand Cat: Adopting the Older Cat or Kitten

Are you looking for that special new feline companion to share your life with? If so, please don't overlook the older kitten or cat! With proper initial introduction, feline knowledge and understanding, the older kitten or cat can be a most rewarding and loving forever pet. Older cats as former pets (or ferals and strays that find you) may be just what you need in your life!

Without the high stress risk factor you may experience with small kittens, you still reap the rewards of earning a special friendship, comradeship, kitty Mommy status with the older kitten or cat. They are often even more special because of their more developed, loving ways and purr-sonalities! While it may seem like a long wait till that tiny kitten understands what you want or don't want, training your new older cat or kitten usually requires a much shorter time period.

It is indeed sad and pitiful that many cats and kittens in shelters are put to sleep daily, simply because they are passed by when smaller, younger, irresistible kittens present themselves at the same time. (though small kittens and adult cats are both euthanized when there are no adoptions within a certain timeframe)

It is true that different cats and kittens often show a strong interest in certain people, therefore helping to weigh the decision in their favor. However, a better understanding of the story behind the cat's incarceration into a shelter may help shed life on it's behaviors. Often a cat may be dumped at the shelter by an irresponsible owner, or an owner that simply lost interest, moved, had a new baby, new boyfriend, or any of the many poor excuses given for disposing of a loving pet. The owner may be capable of walking away and forgetting, but the poor pet never forgets. These animals are scared, frightened and misplaced, always waiting for their person to come back. For these pets it may be very difficult to purr and show affection to strangers, though if cared for and introduced in the proper manner, may be even more special!

One must sympathize, most especially with the declawed cat. Chances are he or she lost their home due to misbehaviors often connected with the misunderstood, declawed feline. Things like urinating outside the litterbox, biting or other behaviors that develop in years following declaw. These animals, too, can become well behaved, good pets, in the proper loving, understanding, and "feline savvy" household.

When bringing the new cat home:

First, (especially important if there are other felines) it is best to have your vet give the new animal a checkup and testing for feline leukemia and feline aids, earmites and fleas, other parasites, as well as a routine deworming. If a male, make sure it is neutered. Unless you know the background of a female, it may be impossible to know if she has been spayed, but if she goes into a heat cycle, (becoming vocal and rolling around) you will know she needs spaying. There are many organizations that will help to pay for a spay or neuter for strays or low-income households. Humane Societies and Shelters usually include this in the adoption fee.

Prepare a sanctuary room beforehand, a room where there isn't a bed to get under, isn't high-traffic and preferably, but not necessary, has a window and a perch. Have an open litterbox with clay litter, and in a distance away from that, a box with bedding inside and two holes to enter and exit. This can be their hiding place. All frightened animals feel safer in a place with an "emergency exit" in case of a predator, feigned or real. Have toys, cat tree or scratching post as well. spray with catnip scent or place catnip nearby. Be sure there is non-tippable bowl of fresh water and food. When bringing kitty in, do so without other people or pets present. Just open the door and gently coax kitty out, then leave, if kitty does not want to come out, just leave it alone, let it come out on it's own.

If the cat has been declawed, it is also a good idea to purchase a feliway spray and plug in. This is a "good ferimone scent" that tells kitty's sense of smell that things are safe and friendly. Although all older cats and kittens are in fear of changes, the declawed cat must be given extra consideration, as it may become more excitable than expected. All too often, the declawed cats are returned to the shelter because they became "crazy" and unmanageable. All too often, this happens because the person was not informed of this possibility and wasn't prepared.

It is important to give them a chance, at least a week of gentle coaxing by one or two people, and not introduced to other pets or members of the household till things have settled down and kitty feels more at home. This can take up to two weeks, even longer, but be patient! During this period of time, interchange blankets, toys and other items to allow pets to become accustomed to the others' scent. Daily take at least 15 minutes out of your day to lay on the floor and talk gently, coaxing kitty with a small can of food that you open in it's presence, crinkle a treat bag and offer a treat close to you, or a small piece of boneless chicken or fish. Let kitty sniff your hand, and if they let you, gently pet and stroke.

Next, after they can come to you, without fear, let them explore the rest of the house at a quiet time when only one or two people are home and other pets are placed in another room and not given access to the main area. Let them explore and check out every nook and cranny, as cats like to do. When you feel it is time to introduce to other pets or other people, you can place them in the carrier and expose them to the household with TV, kids and other pets. When you no longer notice hissing, aggression, or other signs of fear, allow them to meet in person. In the case of the declawed cat especially, or very shy cats, the use of ferimones or feliway plug-ins, coupled with occasional catnip may be a very good if not necessary idea.

Once you have won this new cat's love, you will be rewarded with a most satisfying experience as well as many happy and fond memories to look forward to in your future. Your kitty may be second hand, but with your first hand patience and understanding, your new kitten will be second to none other!