Congratulations!  You have just adopted a very special kitty or kitties from Kitten Rescue!  You have been given a health record.  Please do not lose it, as your veterinarian of choice is going to want a copy to put in kitties records.  On this health record will be the dates of birth, ear tattoo identification number, dates of immunizations, test results or sibling test results for feline leukemia/aids, and dates of last flea treatment.  You need to visit your vet of choice in the next 60 days and pay for a rabies shot (which we cannot administer) and a well kitten or cat check.  Our vet has already altered your pet, but since your vet is going to be your pet’s doctor, he or she need to be brought up to date on your new family member.  If your kitty has only had one shot, the second booster is due 21 to 28 days after the first one was administered.  That shot will cost you nothing as it is part of our reasonable adoption fee.  The shot will be given here; we are open each evening, seven days a week, from 6 pm until 7:30 pm.   

When you and your new pet reach your home, please be sure that a litter box is in sight of the cat or kitten at all times during the first few weeks.  Samples of the cat food will accompany you home, Purina One adult or kitten chicken and rice, depending on the age of the kitty adopted.  We normally change to adult food at about six months.  We also use Friskies Poultry Platter wet food, about two tablespoons am and pm, not mixed with the dry food.  The dried food is left out 24/7, and water is changed twice a day.

 Upon introducing your kitty to a preexisting pet, please separate them to begin with and allow them short visits only until they feel comfortable with each other.  Often your new pet will cry if separated from you and if you do allow it to sleep with you will wake you frequently with purrs interrupting your sleep.  The pet is just feeling anxious and will settle down in a few days.  Do not leave the cat in the main part of the house until it has been with you for a few days, unless you are with it to supervise.  Put kitty in a smaller room when you are going to be gone. Kitty needs to be reminded to use the litter box, and petted to reassure it.  If kitty stops eating or has loose stools, or you observe signs of worms in the feces, please give us a call.  We can help with some situations, or will recommend a vet visit if the problem is more than just worming or shyness.  Do not expect your kitty to eat or use the litter box for the first 24 hours, they often take time to settle down.  Please contact us on the phone numbers that are listed in your pamphlet or via e-mail and we will respond in a prompt manner.

 Of course kitties like to play, and you will want to buy your kitty some toys.  You will want to make sure the toys you give your kitty are safe for them. You may want to carefully chose your kitties toys, making sure that pieces may not break off or contain strings that could be swallowed.  Also be cautious of items such as Christmas ribbon, plants and small bells, jewelry that maybe laying around and mini blind strings.

 Enjoy, adding a new pet to your household can be lots of company and lots of fun!

 Norma Webber, Kitten Rescue of Mason County.