ALLEY CAT RESCUE
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    • Misconceptions About Spay/Neuter
    • State Low Cost Spay/Neuter
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    • Find a Stray Cat?
    • What is a Feral Cat? >
      • Feral vs. Stray Cats
      • Benefits of Feral Cats
    • TNR-- What does this mean? >
      • TNR Statistics
      • TNR Step-by-Step
      • Targeted Trapping
      • TNR Tips
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      • Where to Buy TNR Equipment
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      • Common Complaints
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    • Feral Kittens >
      • What to do if you find kittens
      • Stages of Kitten Development
      • Orphaned Kittens
      • Socializing Feral Kittens
      • Fostering Kittens
    • How Rescuers Can Effectively Adopt Out Cats >
      • Adopting Adult Feral Cats
    • Winter Tips for Protecting Cats
    • Summer Tips for Cats
    • Feral Cats and the Law
    • Cats and Wildlife >
      • Cats and Predation
      • Where have all the birds gone?
      • Debunking the Myths and Misinformation: Cat Predation
      • Why Eradication Methods Fail
    • Handbook Download
  • Cat Health & Supplies
    • Health Care for Your Cat >
      • Vaccines
      • Wellness Vet Checkups
      • Microchiping
      • Nail Trimmings
      • Effects of aging
      • Hospice Care and Euthanasia Decisions
      • Financial Assistance
      • How to Prepare for an Emergency
    • FIP, FeLV, FIV >
      • Testing for FeLV/FIV
    • Common Cat Health Issues >
      • Feline Panleukopenia
      • Fleas
      • Zoonotic Diseases
      • Rabies
      • Toxoplasmosis
      • Ringworm - Symptoms and Treatment
      • Ringworm Myths Debunked
      • Obesity in Cats
      • Diabetes
      • Indoor/Outdoor Cats
    • Cats & Claws
    • Animal Cruelty Against Cats
    • Hazardous Poisons
    • Poisonous Plants
    • Cats and COVID-19
    • Cat Supplies
    • Pet Food Banks
    • Pet Disaster Preparedness
  • Cat Behavior
    • Solutions to Prevent Surrendering your cat >
      • Rehoming
    • Common Cat Behavior Issues >
      • Litter Box Problems
      • Scratching and Destructive Behavior
      • Aggressive Cats >
        • Cat on Cat Aggression
      • Meowing and Yowling
      • Urine Marking
      • Behavior Issues in Elderly Cats
    • Introducing Cats
    • Cat Enrichment
    • Tips for Entertaining an Indoor Cat
    • Cat Supply Resources
    • Lost Cat
  • African Wildcats
    • AWC Conservation Projects
    • Press Release on African Wildcat Campaign
    • Differences between AWCs and domestic cats
  • Donate
  • Store

New Cat Checklist

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​So you’re planning on adopting a cat or kitten. CONGRATULATIONS! Before you bring your new family member home, there are few things to keep in mind: 1) new kitty will need a separate space all her own for the first few weeks to allow a smooth transition, especially if you have other animals in the house 2) if you don’t already, you’ll need a veterinarian and 3) you’ll need some supplies. Below are a few items to make sure you have prior to bringing your new friend home.

●     Carrier: Anytime your cat has to leave the house, for a vet appointment, or other reasons, she should be secured in a carrier. By securing your cat in a carrier you are ensuring she is not able to run from you if they are frightened. This will help to keep them safe and calmer.
●     Break-Away or Safety Collar With ID Tags: Please consider putting a safety collar and ID tag with your information on your cat. If the cat gets out, this collar will signal that the cat is an indoor pet who does not belong outside. If someone finds her, then they will be able to get in contact with you. This should help to ensure that your cat is not dropped off at a shelter. In addition, it’s highly recommended that you microchip your cat; collars can fall off.
●     Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls can help to reduce cat acne (black itchy scabs) found on a cat’s chin. These should be cleaned often to prevent bacteria build up.
●     High Quality Food (appropriate for the cat’s age): Your local pet store can help you to decide which food is best for your cat and your budget. You may choose to portion out your cat’s food or allow them to free feed; just make sure your cat is not overeating and gaining too much weight. You should have water available at all times. Consider buying a water fountain; cats prefer to drink from running water.
●     Litter Box, Litter, and Scoop: There are a wide variety of litter boxes and different types of litter available. Pick one that fits your household, and if you have more than one cat, you should be adding extra litter boxes. Scooping the litter box each day helps to keep the litter clean and will encourage your cat to continue to use the litter box. Many cats will not use a dirty litter box. Litter boxes should also receive a deep cleaning now and then.
●     Scratching Posts: By providing your cat with a scratching post(s) this will encourage her to scratch on the designated post, rather than on carpet or furniture. There are several varieties of scratching posts available, you may need to try out a few different styles before finding one that your cat prefers.
●     Grooming Essentials: Nail clippers and brushes are essential for any cat parent. Your veterinarian can teach you how to trim your cat’s nails and can work with you on recommending the best brush type for your cat’s coat. Keeping your cat’s nails short can make scratching less damaging. And although your cat does a good job of grooming on her own, brushing your cat can help to remove tangles and debris from her fur and prevent hairballs.
●     Bedding: Making a bed(s) available for your cat can give her a safe space to nap. She will likely chose to sleep elsewhere, but it is a good idea to give her a few options.
●     Toys: Cats can be very playful by nature. Providing them with a wide variety of toys provides them with exercise and entertainment. Playtime should be made an integral part of your cat’s routine to help manage weight and keep her active and healthy.
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  • Home
    • About >
      • Mission
      • Our Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Financial Information
      • Email Sign-up
    • ACR in the Press
    • ACR Publications >
      • Newsletters
      • Blog
      • Press Releases
      • National Surveys
    • Adoptions >
      • Adoption Application
      • Cats available for adoption
      • New Cat Checklist
      • Introducing A New Cat
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
    • Partners
  • Action Alerts
    • Spay Neuter Pledge
    • No Declaw Pledge
    • Campaigns >
      • TNR Support Letter
      • The Feral Fix
      • Working Cats Program >
        • Shelters with Working Cat Programs
      • End Deadly Eradication Methods
      • "Fix the Family"
  • Spay/Neuter
    • Early Age Spay/Neuter
    • Misconceptions About Spay/Neuter
    • State Low Cost Spay/Neuter
  • How to Help Community Cats
    • Find a Stray Cat?
    • What is a Feral Cat? >
      • Feral vs. Stray Cats
      • Benefits of Feral Cats
    • TNR-- What does this mean? >
      • TNR Statistics
      • TNR Step-by-Step
      • Targeted Trapping
      • TNR Tips
      • Hard to Catch Cats
      • TNR Equipment Loan Resources
      • Where to Buy TNR Equipment
      • TNR/Community Cat Care Financial Resources
      • Helping Shelters Implement TNR Programs
      • Common Complaints
    • Providing Shelter
    • CAT Action Teams: TNR Groups by State
    • Health Care
    • Cat Overpopulation
    • Relocation
    • Feral Kittens >
      • What to do if you find kittens
      • Stages of Kitten Development
      • Orphaned Kittens
      • Socializing Feral Kittens
      • Fostering Kittens
    • How Rescuers Can Effectively Adopt Out Cats >
      • Adopting Adult Feral Cats
    • Winter Tips for Protecting Cats
    • Summer Tips for Cats
    • Feral Cats and the Law
    • Cats and Wildlife >
      • Cats and Predation
      • Where have all the birds gone?
      • Debunking the Myths and Misinformation: Cat Predation
      • Why Eradication Methods Fail
    • Handbook Download
  • Cat Health & Supplies
    • Health Care for Your Cat >
      • Vaccines
      • Wellness Vet Checkups
      • Microchiping
      • Nail Trimmings
      • Effects of aging
      • Hospice Care and Euthanasia Decisions
      • Financial Assistance
      • How to Prepare for an Emergency
    • FIP, FeLV, FIV >
      • Testing for FeLV/FIV
    • Common Cat Health Issues >
      • Feline Panleukopenia
      • Fleas
      • Zoonotic Diseases
      • Rabies
      • Toxoplasmosis
      • Ringworm - Symptoms and Treatment
      • Ringworm Myths Debunked
      • Obesity in Cats
      • Diabetes
      • Indoor/Outdoor Cats
    • Cats & Claws
    • Animal Cruelty Against Cats
    • Hazardous Poisons
    • Poisonous Plants
    • Cats and COVID-19
    • Cat Supplies
    • Pet Food Banks
    • Pet Disaster Preparedness
  • Cat Behavior
    • Solutions to Prevent Surrendering your cat >
      • Rehoming
    • Common Cat Behavior Issues >
      • Litter Box Problems
      • Scratching and Destructive Behavior
      • Aggressive Cats >
        • Cat on Cat Aggression
      • Meowing and Yowling
      • Urine Marking
      • Behavior Issues in Elderly Cats
    • Introducing Cats
    • Cat Enrichment
    • Tips for Entertaining an Indoor Cat
    • Cat Supply Resources
    • Lost Cat
  • African Wildcats
    • AWC Conservation Projects
    • Press Release on African Wildcat Campaign
    • Differences between AWCs and domestic cats
  • Donate
  • Store