You've filled in all the forms, probably had a video call with your chosen cat at the Rescue, had a home check and now all that remains is for you to collect the newcomer from your home airport or foster carer. It's exciting - but particularly if you're a first-time adopter, it can be daunting. Even if you're a seasoned cat-owner and have adopted from home Rescues many times, taking a cat from overseas into your home is not quite the same.
So what should you do to help your new furry friend feel welcome? More importantly, what should you not do? The first days can be crucial in gaining their trust and forming that forever bond. There's lots of advice on the web about new pet ownership which you're free to explore, but we've put together advice drawn from the experience of those who've adopted from us which we hope will help you on your way to finding happiness together.
First the 'Dos'
Remember your cat's recently been on a flight
Some cats snooze through flights whilst others find the whole experience very traumatic. For a start, they've been boxed up and removed from what is probably the only home they've ever known, loaded into a van, unloaded at the airport, probably stored in a cupboard for a short time and then loaded into the hold with lots of other animals. That is certainly what happens in the case of countries with strictly controlled import regulations like the UK and Australia. In Europe, the US and Canada they are allowed to travel with a human companion in the cabin so the trauma is potentially less dramatic, but it's still an upheaval from their daily routine.
Despite this they do survive and (literally) come down to earth but it can take time. Don't be surprised if they are reluctant to come out of their carrier or, alternatively, regard it with deep hatred thereafter until the experience fades. As with most of the advice here, give it time.
Let them come out of their carrier in a quiet, calm place
We know all the family will be as excited as you are, but your cat won't particularly want an audience when it first ventures into your home. If it doesn't want to come out of the carrier leave the door open and put it in its own room to come out when it's ready. Don't panic. A tempting bowl of food usually, but not always, does the trick. It will come out eventually - believe us!
There are of course some cats who break the rule and stride out of the carrier with the air of 'I've arrived, move over'. I have one of those and whilst it's admirable, it can have its problems. Cat behaviour is never that simple.
Keep them separate from other family pets for a time
This is the advice given in all the manuals and it's sensible for both health and social reasons. Should your animal have contracted some bug in transit then you don't want it spreading to the whole household. Thankfully, for most adopters the flight from Cairo is quite short, so the chances of that are very small.
Socially, most cats at CCRRC have grown up in a multi-cat household and are well socialised with both cats and dogs (and humans). Some, however, may have had traumatic experiences in their street life. If this is the case, you will have been given advice.
Introduce your newcomer to your other cats or dogs gradually and always give them a separate place to which to retreat. This may be easier said than done. Both of my CCRRC guys were enthusiastic to meet their new siblings and my 'confident' one bowled them over, literally. It was the siblings who made a hasty retreat - but peace ensued, as it usually does.
Take advice on what to feed them
Sherouk will advise you on the brands and types of food your cat will have received at CCRRC. It's usually a mix of dry and wet food with some boiled chicken. If you can't get the same brand try to get something similar. The last thing you or they want is the consequences of an upset stomach.
If you wish to wean them onto other food do it gradually and after they have settled in.
Let them know where the litter tray is
If you moved to a new house you'd need to know where the bathroom was. So make sure you show your newcomer where the facilities are. If they're still preferring to stay in isolation place a litter tray in their room but keep it away from food. Cats don't like food and litter trays in the same place.
All our cats at CCRRC come to you litter trained, although some cats with disabilities may take longer to adjust to a new environment. Sherouk is on hand to give advice but, as with everything, give them time.
If they haven't settled after a few days seek advice
At CCRRC we are always on hand to help you if you're struggling. We know our cats can't be happy if you are unhappy. Sherouk, our fosterers and liaison folk have years of experience. There are few things or situations they haven't met. Never hesitate to seek their advice.
Your vet is also there to re-assure you and offer advice on health issues. I've personally found vets in the UK very helpful when it comes to advising on rescue cats - they are great supporters. They're not cheap but re-assurance can mean a lot.
Now the 'Don'ts'
Panic if your newcomer seems aggressive
Cats can hiss and spit when they feel threatened by a new environment. It doesn't mean they hate you and they're about to attack you. The best strategy is to ignore the behaviour and carry on as normal but don't force them to do something they don't want to. For example, if they won't go in their pet carrier leave them be and let them get used to it by leaving it around for a few days. In a multi-cat household they soon copy the behaviour of other cats.
CCRRC would not have released a cat to you if it had aggressive tendencies
Expect your new cat to love you straight away
Due to quarantine and vaccination regulations you won't get a young kitten from CCRRC. So your new guy will have had at least a few months' of another life with other humans in the Rescue. Expecting them to transfer their affection to you overnight in a totally different environment is a big ask and cats are very selective characters.
Be patient, let them come to you and don't get upset if it takes time. Some of our cats have had a hard time and find it difficult to immediately give you their trust. It may take days, it may take months, or in some extreme cases where a cat has been abused by a human, it can take years. In the latter case we would of course discuss this with you.
Remember it's not a failure on your part.
Expect your cat to be a designer accessory
A lot of our cats are very beautiful but they have had a difficult life. However beautiful they are they are not designer accessories. They need understanding, care, patience and lots and lots of love, which is what they have received at the Rescue.
If you're looking for an Instagram star ours is probably not the best place to come.
Think they will unconditionally adapt to your lifestyle
This will usually have been discussed at your home visit interview but it's worth mentioning it again. Some cats don't mind a solitary independent life, some need company and stimulation albeit from humans or other cats. It often depends on the breed characteristics of the cat and you can read up about that on our Blog pages.
If you adopt a cat that craves companionship but then decide to leave it on its own for the majority of time you are courting trouble, either through destructive behaviour or inappropriate littering. Cats cry for help like humans.
So be very sure you abide by your original plan.
Finally
We're always here to help on catchampions4c@gmail.com Never hesitate to get in touch with us if you're struggling. We've all been there at some time. We want you and your new friend to be happy. That's what we're here for.
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