So, its been 3 weeks since I came to my new home. Oh, I still love the sound of those four sweet words, MY VERY OWN HOME!  Now don’t get me wrong, the El Refugio Animal Shelter was a nice shelter, with wonderful human volunteers, and other beautiful feline friends, but MY VERY OWN HOME – yes, I love it!  Days filled with napping on my own sofa.

A comfy place to sit high and watch the birds all day. And a cozy place to watch the sun rise from the mountain and then watch the sun set through the trees. 

Oh ME-OW, can you hear my purrs. They are contagious. Remember, feline purrs are healing – free medicine for your heart AND for your soul.  

Now, in these 3 weeks I have taught my humans and my new dog roommates ten very important lessons. I thought it would be good to share these FREE valuable lessons with you for when you adopt a feline friend for your family. 

Okay, so what are some important things to do before bringing home a new purrfectly extraordinary feline? I am so glad you asked!

First lesson. Bring a cat carrier for the ride to pick up your new cat. Us cats don’t like moving vehicles – they are scary, they are fast, and they are smelly. Having your new cat in a carrier will help with some of the anxiety that will most likely occur when in a scary, fast, and smelly car.

Second homey lesson.  Have a nice, “safe” room for your cat. It doesn’t have to be a suite like I have, with an amazing mountain view no less!  But, a room that has a litter box, bowls for food and water, a toy or two please, a scratching post of course, and a shelf or somewhere high for your cat to perch or rest.   

Third lesson for us sound sensitive cats (which are most of us!).  If your feline friend chooses to hide for awhile, no worries, let him hide. He will come out eventually. He is just getting used to all of the new smells and sounds.

For example, I live in the southern coast of Costa Rica in MY VERY OWN HOME. My humans tell me that I am in a rainforest with mountains all around us. So, let me tell you a not so funny story. The first night I was here, guess what I was introduced to? I was introduced to a HUGE, HAIRY, black, did I say HUGE animal. Well, I was introduced to his sound. My humans call them Howler Monkeys. 

Thankfully, their home is in the trees at the other end of our property. But, I could see him, I knew he was there. Did I say he was HUGE!  And, his howl, it was nothing like the cat howls or dog howls I am used to at the shelter. And, boy, some of my old feline friends and shelter dogs, they were howlers!  Okay, I digress. My human tells me we are safe because the monkeys stay in the trees. I am definitely going to keep my eyes on them! But, again, double ME-OW WOW, they are loud. If you don’t believe me, check out this video of them https://youtu.be/xxzbqmFkXwU. 

Fourth basic lesson, although I can’t believe I need to share this one. The litter box and food and water bowls should NOT be in the same area. You wouldn’t want to do your business where you eat would you? We aren’t talking about dogs here, us cats are refined and have manners! 

Fifth not so messy lesson. If you can, use the same brand of litter that your feline friend had at her animal shelter. You don’t have to use the same brand forever, but just until she acclimates. You will be REALLY glad you listened to me on this one!

Sixth tummy lesson. Also, use the same food she was eating at the shelter. When starting to introduce a new food, it should be gradual. Our tummies can be sensitive at times.

Seventh fun lesson. A toy or two or three please!  Although, the best toys are toys that my humans play with me. 

Eighth super fun lesson. A cat tree would be awesome for your new feline. But, if you don’t have a cat tree available, a tall shelf in your cat’s new room would be helpful for them to have a place to jump up and feel safe. 

Ninth very important lesson. If you are bringing a feline friend home to a home that already has a cat or dog, please be patient. While most of us felines get along well at the animal shelter, being in a new place can be very stressful for both resident animals and new cats. It may take only days but could take weeks or even months to have them all get along. The best introductions are very brief, and monitored interactions with humans involved.

Tenth very VERY important lesson. Never let your dog chase your cat – very uncool!  Also, when you are not able to supervise the new feline family member with your other household animals, please keep them separate. Honestly, we might never become friends, but we can surely coexist.

Now, its time to watch the sunset before my catnap. So, remember, before you bring home that purrfect extraordinary feline family member, follow these 10 very important lessons. The love of your life is waiting for you at your nearest animal shelter.

Cheers,

Norman

“If there were a universal sound depicting peace, I would surely vote for the purr. Barbara L. Diamond.”

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Cadbury at El Refugio Animal Shelter in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

Hi, I’m Cadbury. If you like sweets, I’m your cat!  With my purrs, my eye kisses, and my paw tickles, you will be the happiest human ever. Let’s make chocolate together! Hugs Cadbury