Yesterday, we looked at how to prepare for home a shelter dog. But dogs aren’t for everyone! So what if you’re adopting a cat or kitten from the animal shelter? Bringing home a new kitty can be really exciting. But cats can take time to settle into their new surroundings. Here are 10 tips to help you help your cat adjust:

1. Before you bring your new kitty home, call the shelter to find out what type of food she was eating. Gather any information about medications, allergies, or even preferences so that you can have the best food for your cat on-hand.
2. Make an eco-friendly scratch post to welcome her home.
3. Purchase a few cat toys and catnip-stuffed items. Don’t go overboard until you know what types of toys she prefers to play with.
4. If you have other pets or small children, make sure you provide a safety zone for your new cat. Consider setting up a baby gate that she can fit under – but dogs and kids can’t – with access to a separate room.
5. Figure out where you want your cat’s litter box to go, and get it set up and ready for her to use. Stock up on your favorite litter so you’re prepared for upset stomachs that can accompany a big transition.
6. Schedule a comprehensive checkup with your veterinarian for soon after you bring your new cat home.
7. When you first bring her home, introduce your cat to her new surroundings slowly. Help her explore your house room by room.
8. If possible, adopt your cat on a Friday so that you have the whole weekend to help her acclimate without having to worry about work.
9. Start building up your bond. Spend time playing with her. She may not want to be patted much at first, but if she requests affection, give in! Let each member of the family offer her a treat so she starts building up a positive association with everyone.
10. Be patient. Your new cat probably won’t want to curl up on your lap to watch TV or sleep next to you at night – yet. Give her time to adjust to her new surroundings, routine, and family.

Image: bobster855

The post 10 Tips for Bringing Home Your New Shelter Cat appeared first on EcoSalon.

Does your cat scratch furniture, rugs, or walls around your house? Unfortunately you can’t stop your cat from scratching – it’s a natural behavior that feeds an instinct to mark territory, provides exercise, and for some cats, is just plain fun. Instead, whip up a DIY cat scratch post and encourage him or her to exercise those instincts on something more appropriate than your sofa.

A scratch post is a simple assembly project with materials that you probably already have around your home. Start with a piece of plywood. The wood should be long enough that your cat can stretch to her full length to reach the top of the post. Then select a solid chunk of wood to serve as the base of the post. This piece should be substantial enough in both weight and length to prevent the post from tipping over. To affix the post to the base, use non-toxic wood glue, like Gorilla Glue, and be sure to let it dry fully. If your cat is strong, you can reinforce the bond with a screw in the center. Can’t find a good base? Just lean the finished post against a wall, though be sure to cover the top with a piece of fabric or rubber to prevent extra wall scratches.

Next, cover the post with scratch-worthy material. Try non-oiled sisal rope or corrugated cardboard. Use your non-toxic glue to affix the pieces. To keep your cat excited, try mixing different coverings, like wound sisal rope on the bottom half and corrugated cardboard or even sticks from your backyard along the top half.

While carpet scraps seem like a good cover option, there are two problems with using carpeting. First, carpet fibers can shred with a lot of wear and tear, and some cats will eat those shredded fibers. Second, if you use a texture similar to a texture in your home – say, your living room carpet – your cat may not be able to distinguish between the carpet she’s allowed to scratch and the carpet that’s off-limits.

Once the glue is completely dry, your post is done and ready for your cat to dig in. Cats instinctively know how to scratch, but some cats might be reluctant to test out their spiffy new scratch post. To entice a reluctant cat, rub catnip on the post or tie some of her favorite toys at various heights.

Want to spoil your cat even more? One variation to this DIY project is to affix the covered plywood to a door instead of a base. A hanging scratch post is perfect for cats who love to climb. Use a commercial over-the-door hanger or drill a hole through the top of the plywood, loop a piece of twine through, and hang the scratch post over a doorknob.

Images: andycoan, Mel B.,

The post How to Build a Simple Scratch Post Your Cat Will Love appeared first on EcoSalon.