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Congratulations on Adopting a Gifford Cat!
Here's Your New Cat To-Do List!
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During the Adoption!
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Review with us your new cat’s medical history, microchip info, and adoption contract.
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The microchip registration will automatically update to your given contact information upon adoption.
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Keep your cat’s microchip updated if you move or change your phone number.
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If you wish to change to a more established company, some well known microchip companies include HomeAgain, 24Petwatch, AVID, AKC Reunite, and PetLink.
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Review your cat’s current meal plan and the transition to a new one.
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We will give you a free sample of the dry food they have been eating at the shelter:
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Adults: Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach ~½ cup per cat each day
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Kittens: Halo Holistic Kitten Food ~½ cup per cat each day
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Adults and kittens are currently fed ½ of a small can of wet food (¼ of a large can) in the morning. The variety changes based on donations.
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Discuss physical/behavioral reactions you might see as your cat transitions home.
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Hiding, food and water aversion, mild digestive upset, mild sniffles.
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The stress can sometimes trigger Upper Respiratory Infections in cats.
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Confirm if you would like us to take a picture of you with your new cat!
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Is it okay to share the picture on Social Media?
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When You Get Home!
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Get your new cat set up in their sanctuary room!
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This is crucial to your new cat’s health and wellbeing! It is important to understand their need to feel secure in their new territory. Your cat has been through quite a few transitions. Make sure to give them plenty of space and time to adjust!
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Check out this link courtesy of the SanDiego Humane Society to find all the steps you'll need for a successful of your new cat to your resident cat.
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Check your home for dangerous foods and household products, including plant
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Sign up for the Trupanion Insurance free trial.
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Call 855-861-2419 or visit Trupanion.com to activate coverage. Use promo code: SHGF818. This is only valid for the first day you adopt your cat!
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Protect your kitty for the first 30 days in case the unexpected happens.
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Use the 30 day trial to shop around to find the best insurance plan for you! Most plans have a waiting period - look early!
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Look at your paperwork to mark your cat’s next vaccination due dates on your calendar.
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We have taken care of the most recent rabies and FVRCP (distemper) vaccinations, but these will need to be kept up to date over time, per your vet’s guidance.
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Schedule your cat’s first wellness exam.
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We recommend establishing care with your vet within the first 30 days of adoption.
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Sometimes reactions to change need medical intervention to resolve.
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Things to Remember!
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Always monitor your cat for health changes - eating, bathroom habits, weight, behavior.
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Daily enrichment helps to keep your cat happy and mentally stimulated!
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Some things your vet might bring up (or you might want to bring up)!
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Monthly preventative care - flea/tick and heartworm medication
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Dental hygiene for cats - cats need their dental health managed regularly
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Routine nail trims
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Routine blood work - help catch medical issues as quickly as possible
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Routine fecal testing
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Follow up with us on how your cat is doing! The best way to get in touch with us for any adoption updates or questions is to email us at Giffordcats@giffordcatshelter.org We are always here to help!
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Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know about Gifford happenings!
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Unexpected emergencies can happen!
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Create a portable pet emergency kit that can be grabbed at a moments’ notice. Some things to include:
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Shelf stable cat food
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Medications your pet may need
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Copies of medical records
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Have a carrier at the ready.
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Create a pet first aid kit. Check out this article for some ideas of what to include!
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Remember that “Gifford Cats are Gifford Cats for Life!”
We’re here for you and them for the rest of their lives.
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