Rescuing animals is a very noble thing to do. There are many cats out there that have been abandoned by their mothers or owners, leaving them without access to food and shelter. Rescuing and sheltering them will allow them to live a life they could never have lived otherwise. However, there are many things to remember if you’ve recently rescued a cat, including health concerns, physical and mental well-being, and general fulfillment. Keep reading to discover what you must do to give a rescue cat the best life possible.
1. Prioritize Health by Getting Regular Checkups
Rescued cats have previously been in an environment that you have never observed. There’s no way to tell what kind of parasites, ticks, and bacteria your cat may have, along with injuries resulting from fighting with other stray cats or even abuse. The only way to ensure your cat is safe and stable is to take it to the vet for a checkup. Here, the vet will be able to rule out any diseases or injuries and will be able to vaccinate, deworm, and even neuter or spay your cat, which will help prevent most other diseases. Without these preventative measures, your cat will always be susceptible to diseases.
2. Create a Safe Space
Creating a safe space is integral when you’ve first rescued a cat. It may be traumatized from previous bad experiences with humans and frightened by being in a new environment surrounded by fresh stimuli. If you have another cat, it could get aggressive and more distressed. This is why the first step you should take is to provide a safe, quiet space for your new friend that is clean and free of distractions. It should be behind furniture or in the corner of a room, where the cat can hide until it’s ready to come out. This way, it’ll be able to adjust on its own and build up the courage to approach you.
3. Be Patient With Them
It’s important to be patient with your rescue, especially in the early stages when your cat is still getting used to its new home. During this time, there may be some concerns and inconveniences, like not using the litter, scratching up, or damaging furniture. It might be aggressive with you and towards any other pets you have. Remember that your rescue may have led a tough life before you found it and could mistrust humans and feel out of place in your home. Be patient with it through the tough times because they never last.
4. Give Them a Nutritious Diet
Rescue cats are often cut off from proper nutrition, relying on scraps and food thrown out by people on the street. Other street cats are its competition, and if it’s a kitten without a mother, it could have lost an additional source of nutrition, which is the milk the mother provides. For these cats, a nutritious diet consisting of foods recommended by a vet is key to preventing stunted growth and health problems.
5. Get a Comfortable Litterbox
A high-quality litterbox is key to making your cat feel more comfortable. Cats prefer safe, clean places to do their business, and specially designed litterboxes, like those from Modkat, can be key in providing such an environment. Getting a large litter can be convenient for you too, since it’ll require cleaning less often, and your cat will be more likely to use it, creating fewer messes around the house.
Conclusion
Rescuing a cat is a complicated task. However, with cat overpopulation and the attitude toward stray animals in some states and countries, rescuing has become more important than ever. Cats are innocent creatures and have a right to a peaceful life, just like any other animal, and your efforts are playing a part in helping to make that happen. However, to balance your schedule and give everything else in your life the same attention you’re giving your new furry friend, you’ll have to know how to take care of them properly and efficiently. If you use the information included in this article, you’ll be able to find great ways to take care of your cat without taking up too much of your own time.
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