Bringing Home Kitty, Part 3: Little by Little for Aine

I’m not going to lie: We didn’t do any of this when we brought the Three Irish Cats home from the shelter. And now that I know Aine a little better, I wish we would have.

You see, Aine is shy and a bit skittish, even now. She spent most of her time hiding the first few weeks that she lived with us. She came out to eat, and she would sleep with me at night. But if you moved too quickly or company came over, she was gone.

Fast forward to today. Aine is still shy around most company except the most familiar faces, and if you move too fast toward her, she darts away. But given nearly two years in her forever home – not to mention a break from foster cats – and she has come out of her shell and really started to own the place.

But, these tips shared with us by Petco are going to be invaluable when we move with Aine, Emmett, and Seamus a couple of times over the next few months. Our first move is next week, and we’re already planning how we’re going to set up a “safe room” for them to hang out in when we first get to the new rental house.

Ease Your Cat Into Their New Environment

(originally published here)

Cats are typically wary of new environments. It’s important to introduce them to your home gradually, so they feel comfortable and confident in their new surroundings.

While humans typically love to explore every inch of our new homes, cats are the opposite. The more room they have to explore, the more scared and overwhelmed they may become. Designating one room where your cat can stay for the first few days is a great way to start things off on the right paw. Keep the door of the “safe room” shut and make sure there is a litter box, food and water in the room, as well as a few toys. Your cat may hide for the first few days and that’s totally natural. Let them come out of a hiding place on their own time. Make sure to visit your cat throughout the day so they get used to you, your smell and sounds. After a few days, let your cat explore the house or apartment at their leisure. Make sure to leave the “safe” room accessible so they can return whenever they want.

Introduce New Pets Slowly

Bringing a new pet into the home can be extremely stressful for the new pet as well as any resident animals. First off, make sure new pets visit the veterinarian and are up-to-date with vaccinations before exposing them to other family pets. Then give them time to get used to each other before allowing full access to one another. (This is another reason why giving your new cat a room of their own for a few days is important.)

For homes with other pets, put a baby or pet gate at the entrance of the safe room and open the door periodically so pets can see and smell each other at a safe distance before they are allowed full access.

Experts like Pam Johnson-Bennett, behaviorist and author of Catwise, helps clients introduce cats by exchanging the pheromones using her Sock Exchange method. For an easy transition, pet parents can rub each cat’s scent on a sock and introduce the sock to the other cat, helping both pets grow accustomed to each other’s scents.

Regardless of the method used, it’s important to take cues from your pets to determine how quickly you will let them interact with other pets. If you notice any problems, you may need to take some time before everyone can roam freely throughout the house together.

Conclusion

Cats make wonderful pets. But while they may have a reputation for being relatively low maintenance, it’s important to set yourselves up for success. Shop for the right supplies, give your pet time to transition to their new home and take your time introducing other pets. Soon, it will seem like your cat has been part of the family forever.

Want more cat stories and pictures? Follow Three Irish Cats on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr!

Adult Cats for Adoption!

Another photo post this week, guys — this time all cats!

Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland, the organization I volunteer with, has lots of awesome adult cats up for adoption! I know it’s kitten season, but I wanted to shine a light on these deserving older kitties. Some are just a year ot two old! And, thanks to a partnership between Rescue Angels and Best Friends Animal Society, the adoption fee on adult cats in the rescue – those over age 1 – has been reduced to $25!

So here are the adult cats that Rescue Angels currently has for adoption. They’re all in foster care, and you can contact Rescue Angels at rescueangelssomd@gmail.com to learn more about each kitty.

See all the Rescue Angels animals for adoption on RescueMe.

Anna

Karlton

Cinderella

Anona

Athena

Dusty

Ginger

Jack

Mina

Glitter

And, of course, my adorable fosters, Dickens and Poe!

Dickens

Poe

The Benefits of Adopting Bonded Cats

My current foster cats, Dickens and Poe, have seen a lot in their short lives. They were rescued from a busy parking lot where drug were being sold, and their siblings and other cats were being killed by cars.

These brothers have relied on each other to survive for their whole lives, through multiple foster homes and even a couple of attempts at permanent homes. Each time, they had each other to count on for comfort and play.

Dickens and Poe are a bonded pair, which means they need to be adopted together. They’re likely to be depressed and scared if separated.

Shelters and rescue organizations have a hard time placing bonded pairs into permanent homes. Most adopters want one cat at a time – unless they’re adopting kittens. Putting two adult cats into a home together is daunting for some people.

Why Adopt Bonded Cats

But there are many good reasons to adopt a bonded pair of adult cats like Dickens and Poe.

They already get along. No careful introductions, no wondering whether your current cat will like your new cat. A bonded pair already loves each other.

Instant playmate! Young cats like Dickens and Poe – they’re a year old – are still playful and need a lot of exercise every day. Bonded pairs keep each other busy, and they’re great fun to play with together.

Easy transition. Poe and Dickens comfort each other when they are scared, which they are likely to be when they arrive at their forever home. But as they get more comfortable, they help each other know that the new situation and its people are OK and trustworthy. In our case, Poe is the more outgoing of the two. He came out of his shell first; Dickens has slowly followed.

Save two lives. Bonded pairs are harder to place, and by adopting a pair of cats, you’ll be saving two lives.

Meet My Bonded Fosters, Poe and Dickens

Poe and Dickens turned a year old in May. Poe is a chatty solid black cat. He has lots to say, and he’s not afraid to tell you about it. Dickens is a buff orange tiger with striking amber-colored eyes.

Poe is the more gregarious of the two, but when he wants to wrestle and play, he nearly always starts something with Dickens. They spend a lot of time playing and rolling around with each other. Playful Poe is also a serious lap cat, seeking out a place to relax and be pet when all that playtime is done.

Poe got into a fight with a paper bag … and lost.

Dickens is shy and skittish, and when he gets scared, he snuggles up to Poe. In fact, when both are scared, they huddle together and help each other through it. But don’t let Dickens’ shyness fool you; when he wants a wrestling match, he looks for Poe.

Sweet Dickens has the most beautiful eyes!

A patient owner will be rewarded with a pair of affectionate, playful cats who will love you forever. Poe shows affection with his whole body, pressing his weight into you when he rubs. Dickens is quieter, rolling over for belly rubs when you pet his ears and back.

Dickens and Poe are available for adoption through Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland. They’re currently in foster care in my home, and I would love to introduce you to them. Want to meet them? Contact Rescue Angels to set up a meeting.

Meet the Cast: Poe — Updated!

Status: Adopted 12/10/16!

Birthday: Summer 2015

Coloring: Solid black

Our foster cat Poe is sweet, affectionate, talkative … and a bit mischievous. He’s the cat who will look at you ask he knocks your pen off the table. He’s also the cat who will rub his head against your face to let you know he loves you. He’s a lap cat, and the protector of his brother, Dickens. Poe started out as very shy and scared; since he’s been with us, he’s settled into routine and gotten more comfortable. Sudden moves and loud noises still freak him out, but he doesn’t run away when you walk by him. He and Dickens are bonded; they need to be adopted together.