Solutions to Prevent Surrendering Your Cat
Surrendering cats to shelters and rescue organizations by their owners is a nationwide problem. A study of 2,255 rescue organizations and animal shelters reported that 660,807 cats were relinquished by their owners in 2016 alone. The issues owners give for surrendering their cats usually fall into similar categories, and in many cases these issues are correctable with time, patience, and the right training. For the sake of your cat, and others without homes, it is important to take every step possible to avoid surrendering your cat.
1) Litter box issues are an extremely common reason for owners surrendering their cats. For more information on litter box issues and helpful solutions, visit our page here.
2) Problems with pets/members of the family: Another common issue arises when your cat does not get along with members of the family, other pets, or a new person in the home, such as a boyfriend or a baby. Cats are territorial creatures of habit, and an unfamiliar face in the house can be stressful and unsettling. Instead of forcing your cat to be instantly comfortable with this new situation, let them ease into it gently.
3) Scratching and destructive behavior can cause significant damage if not managed properly and in a timely manner. Please visit our page on helpful tips and solutions for correcting scratching and destructive behavior here.
4) Aggressive cats can exhibit aggression in a variety of ways and focus it on a variety of people and other pets. General aggression in cats that is directed towards humans is one of the most common behavioral issues among cats. To learn more about aggression towards humans and solutions to resolve the issue, visit our page on aggression here.
Another type of aggression cats display is cat on cat aggression. This most often occurs when a new cat is introduced to the home, and the established cat becomes territorial and aggressive. This is another reason why correctly introducing two cats is extremely important. To learn more about cat and cat aggression, visit our page here.
5) Behavioral issues can also cause owners to surrender their cats. Excessive meowing and yowling can be very aggravating, but they are problems that can usually be resolved. To learn more about the causes of meowing and yowling, as well as solutions to the problems, visit our page here.
Urine marking is also a behavioral issue that can cause problems throughout the household. However there are numerous solutions to this issue and it can be corrected by taking the right steps and engaging in the right training. To learn more about this issue and the solutions, visit our page here.
If you are still have trouble correcting the issues with your cat, consult you vet and discuss the problems you and your cat are experiencing. They can recommend solutions of their own, as well as refer you to an animal behaviorist, who is trained in dealing with and solving the issues that you and you cat are facing.
As a last resort, rehome your cat - network her on social media and post her on Adopt-a-Pet's Rehome site.
Best Friends and The Rescue Train also offer great tips for find your cat a new permanent home.
1) Litter box issues are an extremely common reason for owners surrendering their cats. For more information on litter box issues and helpful solutions, visit our page here.
2) Problems with pets/members of the family: Another common issue arises when your cat does not get along with members of the family, other pets, or a new person in the home, such as a boyfriend or a baby. Cats are territorial creatures of habit, and an unfamiliar face in the house can be stressful and unsettling. Instead of forcing your cat to be instantly comfortable with this new situation, let them ease into it gently.
- Cats respond extremely well to scent, so try taking a clean sock and rubbing it around your cat’s mouth to collect her facial pheromones. Then take the sock and rub it on the belongings of the newly introduced individual.
- Another way to help you cat bond with the new member of the house is to have them prepare the cat’s food, which will help create a positive association with the new person. Having them hand out treats is also a good strategy.
- Playtime is also a good behavior modification tool. Initially, play with your cat while the other person sits nearby, showing the cat that he or she is not a threat. In following sessions, sit closer to the other person and eventually hand them the toy. A fishing pole designed toy is best for this playtime.
- Make sure that your cat has plenty of areas where she can hide and feel comfortable. A cat tree is a good option, as it gives your cat a high perch where she can feel safe. Hideaways, such as “A” frame cat beds, boxes on their sides, donut beds, etc., provide your cat with a place to hide as well as make them feel more secure.
- If the litter box is located in an area where the other person will be, set up an additional box in an area where she will not have to pass by the person in order to go to the bathroom.
- When your cat approaches and sniffs the other person, allow her to investigate without interruption. Don’t try to pick her up or force any contact, even if your cat walks across their lap. Also inform the other person to avoid staring directly at the cat, as this can be interpreted as a challenged or a threat. Sticking out an index finger and letting the cat sniff it is similar to nose-to-nose sniffing that familiar cats do with one another, similar to a cat handshake. This gives the cat the choice to either engage or back off.
3) Scratching and destructive behavior can cause significant damage if not managed properly and in a timely manner. Please visit our page on helpful tips and solutions for correcting scratching and destructive behavior here.
4) Aggressive cats can exhibit aggression in a variety of ways and focus it on a variety of people and other pets. General aggression in cats that is directed towards humans is one of the most common behavioral issues among cats. To learn more about aggression towards humans and solutions to resolve the issue, visit our page on aggression here.
Another type of aggression cats display is cat on cat aggression. This most often occurs when a new cat is introduced to the home, and the established cat becomes territorial and aggressive. This is another reason why correctly introducing two cats is extremely important. To learn more about cat and cat aggression, visit our page here.
5) Behavioral issues can also cause owners to surrender their cats. Excessive meowing and yowling can be very aggravating, but they are problems that can usually be resolved. To learn more about the causes of meowing and yowling, as well as solutions to the problems, visit our page here.
Urine marking is also a behavioral issue that can cause problems throughout the household. However there are numerous solutions to this issue and it can be corrected by taking the right steps and engaging in the right training. To learn more about this issue and the solutions, visit our page here.
If you are still have trouble correcting the issues with your cat, consult you vet and discuss the problems you and your cat are experiencing. They can recommend solutions of their own, as well as refer you to an animal behaviorist, who is trained in dealing with and solving the issues that you and you cat are facing.
As a last resort, rehome your cat - network her on social media and post her on Adopt-a-Pet's Rehome site.
Best Friends and The Rescue Train also offer great tips for find your cat a new permanent home.