By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian
Lights, camera … adoption! There’s nothing like changing a life, unless it’s saving a life. The photos are taken, social updates are posted and you’re finally on your way home.
First steps
Playtime, mealtime, downtime: Your shelter’s staff interacts with your cat, gets to know his temperament, daily habits and, most importantly, checks on his health and well-being. The shelter knows that when it comes time to call “Here kitty, kitty,” you don’t want fleas, ticks heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites to come, too. Checkups, vaccinations and preventives prepare him for your home.
Behind the scenes
When your cat first arrives at the shelter, it’s an overwhelming experience for everyone. By following strict rules and guidelines, the veterinarians and staff move into action. Shelter professionals understand the need to immediately identify, treat or help prevent fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites. After all, many shelter animals bring some unwanted guests along at check-in, and it doesn’t take much for a few tiny nuisances to spread into a large shelter-wide problem. You may adopt your cat on her very first day in the shelter, or it may take some time to find each other. Regardless of how long her shelter stay is, your cat has already begun to receive the care, treatment and prevention she needs to be healthy. The staff ensures she has effective treatment or prevention products to help reduce the risk of fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites. Your shelter staff and volunteers spend time learning more about her unique personality and needs. They look for opportunities to keep her stress level low and increase her chances of adoption. Kittens receive proper care for growth and senior cats are given special attention, too. This can include giving supplements to support joint and digestive health.
Bringing home your new cat
You may be searching for a specific breed or personality, and you’ll know when you’ve found that perfect cat match. You’ll treat him like a new family member, with plenty of scratching toys, windows for gazing and under-the-chin rubs that build your strong bond. Making good health a priority is another way to show your love. Long after he leaves the shelter, the risk of suffering and disease due to fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites remains. These troublesome trespassers can be found year-round, even inside. Without protection they can easily cause your new cat discomfort. As a new cat owner, you can establish an ongoing prevention and wellness routine as an essential part of doing your best for his health and happiness. Learn more about caring for your cat here.