Pet Care: New Cat

What's next for you and your new cat?

1. Choosing a Veterinarian
Most cats adopted will require at least one visit to your veterinarian within the next three weeks to update vaccines as we do not vaccinate for rabies. Some cats may need multiple visits (kittens for instance). You will receive a complete medical history for your adopted cat to give to your veterinarian. We recommend that all pets adopted visit a vet within three weeks of adoption. The following are procedures that may be needed or could be recommended by your veterinarian:

1. Booster vaccinations including rabies
2. Flea prevention
3. Fecal analysis, dewormng
4. Wellness testing (blood work)
5. Urinalysis

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF THERE IS A MEDICAL PROBLEM WITHIN THE FIRST 48 HOURS OF GOING HOME ****CALL US IMMEDIATELY**** AND WE WILL ADVISE YOU WHAT TO DO FROM THERE (519.966.5751).

2. Adjustment

1. We recommend when first arriving home placing the cat (while still in its carrier) in the room where the litter box will be kept.
2. Allow the cat to exit its carrier on its own. They are likely frightened, especially adult cats. Leave the cat to explore this room and become accustomed to the location of its litter box. **It is not recommended to keep litter boxes close to laundry facilities or in noisy areas of the home; this may deter the cat/kitten from using it.
3. Remember most of our cat/kittens have been in cages for at least one week and may have "sensory overload" when in a new home, it is best to slowly open up areas of the home for the cat/kitten to explore.
4. It is important to let the new cat/kitten adjust to its new environment slowly and it may take days (even weeks) for them to feel completely comfortable.
5. Declawing cats should not be done without careful deliberation and after all other options to deal with inappropriate scratching have been exhausted. For information on effective and humane alternatives to declawing, click here.

ONTARIO SPCA PET INSURANCE
We have provided you with Ontario SPCA Pet Insurance for select medical issues that may arise after the first 48 hours. If you experience a medical problem after the first 48 hours you are to attend a veterinarian of choice to assess the issue. You will be responsible for any payment. If the issue is covered by Ontario SPCA Pet Insurance you can submit a claim to them with your receipt and they will assess the claim.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A $75 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ALL CLAIMS
ALSO THE HUMANE SOCIETY HAS NO PART IN ACCEPTING OR DENYING CLAIMS.

NOTE: EVEN THOUGH OUR ANIMALS ARE EXAMINED BY A VETERINARIAN WE CAN, UNFORTUNATELY, NEVER GUARANTEE THEIR HEALTH. MOST DISEASES ARE UNDETECABLE UNTIL CLINICAL SIGNS ARE NOTICED.