Cat Adoption Month: Common Rescue Cat Concerns
November 14, 2024
Did you know that November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month and November 13th is World Kindness Day? At The Vet Whetstone, we believe adopting a rescue cat of any age is one of the kindest things a person can do! We also understand that some rescue cats can be challenging and may take a while to settle in. Hopefully that’s not the case, but if it is, there are steps you can take to ease the path.
Our cat-loving vets in Whetstone have put together some advice for anyone finding themselves in a challenging situation with their rescue cat, or those of you who are considering cat adoption. Keep reading and get in touch if you’d like more tailored advice, or to register your new feline friend.
Why some rescue cats display difficult behaviour
Sometimes rescue animals may exhibit behavioural problems as a result of experiences they’ve had in their previous home and the rehoming centre may not have had access to this information.
Common problems and possible solutions
There are a few issues that commonly crop up in rescue cats, so our vets in Whetstone have some solutions to help you:
1. Scratching: Scratching is natural for cats, but it can be frustrating when they target furniture. A simple fix is providing a scratching post and encouraging its use with a bit of catnip.
2. Going outside the litter tray: The Vet Whetstone’s team suggest trying a different location for the litter tray. If that doesn’t help, your cat may prefer a different size or shape, so consider switching trays.
3. Aggression: If your cat isn’t neutered, this could lead to aggressive behaviour – talk to us about cat neutering options. Alternatively, past experiences may play a role. If your cat hurts you during play, make a loud noise to signal it’s unacceptable and then walk away. Remember, building a bond with your rescue cat takes time, so patience is key.
4. Being overweight: If your cat is overweight, it could be due to a sedentary lifestyle or a reluctance to play or go outside. It’s advisable to have them checked for any underlying health issues by our vets in Whetstone and get tailored weight-loss advice from our experienced nursing team.
5. Health issues: While some health issues are common in all cats, your new pet may face specific challenges if they haven’t lived in a healthy environment before adoption. Cats from poor conditions can be more prone to respiratory infections, parasites, dental issues, and nutritional deficiencies. The Vet Whetstone’s team advise watching for signs like a large or small appetite, lethargy, odd grooming habits, or unusual behaviour. Regular veterinary check-ups are vital for early identification of health concerns and keeping your cat happy and healthy – book now.
Why adopt a senior cat
Adopting a senior cat brings mutual benefits: for the cat, it means a loving home in their golden years; for the owner, it offers a calm, mature companion with an established personality, often requiring less training and settling in quickly. Common health issues in senior cats to know about include arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and obesity. Reputable cat rescue centres will have had a health check done prior to adoption, and some may even help with the cost of long-term medications if a condition has been diagnosed. With appropriate veterinary care, many older cats can enjoy happy and fulfilling senior years.
In the end, adopting a rescue cat of any age requires love, patience, perseverance, and the support of a great veterinary practice by your side. Contact The Vet Whetstone now to book your rescue cat in with one of our vets in Whetstone for tailored advice.