Sheltering Hands hosts two cat adoption events

Sheltering Hands will be hosting two cat adoption events at PetSmart in Lady Lake.

The first event is called the “Red, White Meow” adoption event, and will take place from May 17-19.

The second event, the “Bring Home the Love” adoption event, will take place on June 22nd and 23rd. This event is hosted by Sheltering Hands, along with Best Friends Animal Society, which is dedicated to eliminating kill shelters nationwide.

All cats available for adoption during these events are spayed or neutered, receive a thorough medical examination, and be tested for FeLV/FIV. They will also receive preventative flea/deworming treatments, as well as vaccines for rabies and FVCRP. The adoption fee is $75, which includes a comprehensive package of services.

If you are interested in adopting a cat during this time, you can submit an adoption application online at shelteringhands.org, or by arriving at PetSmart Lady Lake between May 17-19, or June 22nd-23rd.

Sheltering Hands’ website offers the following advice for those considering adoption:

If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two. Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can do this for each other.

Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours. Just as
we each have our own personality, so do cats. Kittens are usually full of energy and curiosity and are very active. Older cats are often more mellow and laid back, many times being an excellent choice for someone who would prefer to not keep up with an active youngster.

Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption. You’ll want to take any medical records you received from the adoption center on your first visit.

Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home. Visiting us should be a family affair. When adopting a new cat with existing pets at home, discuss with us how to make a proper introduction. Think carefully about the needs of all family members before adopting. Like any pet, cats are a long-term commitment. Most cats adopted as kittens can be expected to live until they are 15-20 years old.

Supplies you will need before the cat arrives:
– a litter box, cat litter, and a litter scoop
– food and water bowls (avoid plastic if possible)
– good quality food
– scratching posts (preferably at 3 feet high) and other scratching surfaces
– a secure carrier for safe transporting
– safe and stimulating toys
– a cushy bed
– a brush for grooming
– nail clippers

To help your cat make a smoother transition, find out what food was provided at the shelter or foster home so you can gradually transition them to a new food if you choose. The same goes for their litter and scratching surfaces as many cats have distinct preferences.

Cat-proof your home. A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out! Food left on the kitchen counter is a temptation to a free lunch and it might be upsetting to the kitty’s stomach. Get rid of items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords and pick up random items like paper clips that kittens may swallow.