Rescue Cats Need You
by
rescuecatsrule and
Elaine
Considering taking on a rescue cat?
For every cat or kitten that's rehomed, another cat gets a chance, free from what could be a life of hunger, misery or even abuse.
Before taking on any animal, please think about what best suits both yours and their needs. Contrary to popular belief, your lifestyle matters - cats like human company and many love nothing more than a nice lap to sit on. If you are away from home a lot them perhaps it's worth considering whether you will be able to provide an good life for the pet or not. Remember, on average cats can live for sixteen years, some can live to twenty years so you need to be sure you can commit to this length of time.
Basic needs for cats are:
•Fresh water daily.
•A good quality, nutritional diet.
•One or more scratching posts, invest in a good one as it will save you money in the long run as well as your furniture.
•Litter tray.
•A nice cozy bed
•A brush for grooming.
•A cat carrier and some toys.
•Register with a good vet and be guided by them with regards to vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, micro chipping and neutering (most rescues have usually neutered/spayed before rehoming)
Other costs to consider are unexpected vet bills, so it's always a good idea to think about having your cat insured, you never know when you might need it!
Before getting your cat
Every one in the household should be in agreement to getting a cat, many cats find themselves back in rescue because the idea hasn't been thought out as well as it may have or they discover that a family member has an allergic reaction to the cat. Make sure your rental/tenancy agreement allows you have a pet, too. Is your pet to be indoor or have access to outdoors?
NEVER leave a cat outdoors with no shelter, it is cruel.
There are thousands of cats in rescue, just waiting for the chance of a good loving home. There are breed specific rescues, as well as your good old fashioned moggy. If you are looking for a pedigree, please do your homework on which breed you would prefer as their needs may vary.
Cat personalities vary greatly, when visiting the rescue, don't jump at the first poor kitty you see there, take a little time, talk with the people at the rescue and let them guide you towards the cat which best suits you and your family's lifestyle.
Remember, cats scratch, hunt and moult. It is necessary for cats to scratch, not only to help keep their claws in good shape but also to scent their new surroundings. Cats have claws, it's a fact, if you can't cope with a little scratching on your new sofa then consider a goldfish instead of a cat.
Once you have decided that you are able to provide a good loving home for a rescue cat, somebody from the rescue will normally visit you at your home before signing the cat over to you. Don't panic, they are not there to make sure you have washed your dishes, they just want to make sure they are placing the right cat into the right environment, that way there is less risk of the cat being returned to them.
When you get your cat
When your new cat has arrived home, be patient and don't overwhelm him/her. Introduce them to one room where it has all it needs, allow the cat to settle there for a few days. When your cat seems comfortable with that then you can introduce it to the rest of the house - let it explore but be able to go back to it's comfort room as and when it wants to... slowly but surely it will start to feel comfortable around the house. Don't be surprised if your cat goes into hiding for the first day or so, just allow your cat to gain confidence in you and the new surroundings, in his or her own time
Well done for taking on a rescue cat, we hope you'll both be very happy together!
I just added in the odd new sentence here and there 
