The Complete Guide to Adopting a Cat

Book excerpt: Certified cat behavior consultant Laura Cassiday used her extensive experience working at the Maryland SPCA to help her write the definitive guide book for anyone who has recently adopted (or is considering adopting) a new cat. Using input and interviews from over 40 shelter and rescue organization experts, this book covers every topic and question a new cat owner will need to know to successfully integrate their new cat into their home and life. Topics covered include: Choosing the correct cat for your home and lifestyle What to do if you’ve found a stray cat or kittens Becoming a cat foster parent Bringing your new cat home: supplies, safe spaces, and introductions Cat nutrition Grooming and shedding Cat health care Troubleshooting problems Litter Boxes Issues Destructive Scratching Biting and Aggression Fear and Anxiety Nuisance Behaviors (Counter Surfing, Excessive Meowing, and More) Carrier Training Giving Medication Playtime and enrichment Senior Cat care So you’ve decided to adopt a cat. Easy, right? You just go to the closest shelter, pick out the cute, fluffy orange one, and live happily ever after. Although this is exactly what goes through the minds of many would-be cat adopters, picking out your new best friend can be a little more complicated. I mean, if you get a kitten, you’re looking at a 15-20 year commitment. I once had one of my cats live to be 27! And what happens if they don’t like your other pets? Or your kids? Even worse, what if they stop using their litter box? And how often do cats even need to go to the vet, anyway? Even for impulsive people like myself, you have to at least put a little bit of thought into it. That’s where this book comes in. It’s a comprehensive guide to all things cat adoption. If you don’t know where to start, this is a good place. If you’ve just brought your new kitty home and have questions, we’ll cover that too. Even if you’ve already had a cat for a while, you’re guaranteed to learn something new. So grab your catnip and feather wand, and let’s get started!