Each year, roughly 3.2 million cats enter an animal shelter in the United States, according to the ASPCA. When these cats are adopted, sometimes their new homes aren't forever homes, and people end up returning a cat to a shelter.
The reasons for this vary. An older adopted cat may not be the best fit for a household with energetic young children. A first-time cat adopter may not understand how to help a new pet adjust. If you're considering adopting a cat, take some time to learn the most common reasons for returning a cat to the shelter to set up the best possible situation for you and your potential new companion.
Missing the litter box is often the top reason for returning a cat to a shelter. Solving this behavior depends on the cause. Cats use the scent of urine to calm themselves and mark their territory, explains the ASPCA, so it makes sense that the stress of a new home prompts some hit-or-miss potty behaviors. Some cats adopted from a life outdoors might not understand what you expect. Elimination also serves as a barometer of feline health. A cat experiencing a sudden change in bathroom habits may be sick and definitely requires a veterinary check.
To avoid returning a cat to a shelter and instead foster good litter box habits, limit a new cat's access to a single room for the first week or so. Make it easy for the cat to find the litter box. Make sure you offer large boxes that a cat can easily use without hanging out or over-shooting the edge. Some cats want one box for liquids and another for solids, so more than one box works best.
Most cats prefer uncovered boxes that don't hold odors, and they'll avoid a stinky, dirty box. Clean it daily! Cats also tend to prefer a fine, sandy litter to dig and may protest with out-of-the-box thinking if you try to switch brands. For former outdoor cats, help them understand what's expected by sprinkling soil on top of the litter to help transition them to an indoor lifestyle.
All cats, especially a newly adopted cat, need to scratch. Cats scratch to file their claws, mark their territory, stretch their bodies and relieve stress. It's not unheard of for cats to scratch furniture, walls and other inappropriate places. Because of this, many new pet parents find themselves returning a cat to a shelter to save their belongings.
Plan for this normal behavior. Cats tell you what they prefer, from vertical upholstery surfaces to horizontal wood or carpet. Cats also have preferred scratch locations. They want their scratch graffiti seen, so locate the scratch object in an attractive spot. Prime locations include near a window, pathway, door or other important cat territories, like the food bowl. Scent the scratch surfaces with catnip and lure your pet to scratch with feather toys.
Make illegal scratch targets unattractive by applying double-sided sticky tape to furniture while locating the legal scratch post nearby until the cat learns the new rules. Inappropriate scratching usually resolves itself if you provide better, more appropriate scratch options. You can even create your own scratching post for your adopted cat.
New pet parents often want to adopt a healthy animal. Not only are sick or injured cats tough to care for, but veterinary bills are an expense many people aren't ready to afford.
Understand the financial responsibilities of getting a cat before ever going to a shelter. Ask whether your new cat has been spayed/neutered, whether they're up to date on vaccinations and what other issues to expect to help prevent unexpected financial surprises. You can also consider pet insurance or starting a savings account a few months or years before welcoming a new pet into your family. That way, you won't have to consider returning a cat to a shelter for financial reasons.
Many families want an adopted cat that gets along well with children and other pets. Shelters observe a cat's temperament prior to adoption, but stress and the artificial environment of a shelter make it hard to get an accurate assessment of a kitty's personality. Look for cats with a history of living with other animals or people. The important personality characteristics to consider often depend on who's in your household, such as large dogs or small children. Patience is key. Cats can take weeks to adjust to new people, places and pets.
Many cats also won't want to meet anyone new until they feel safe in their environment. Let your cat decompress in one room, away from kids and pets, for at least a week. That gives the cat a familiar, safe retreat while meeting other pets with sniffs and paw pats under the door. Next, give the new cat a chance to check out the rest of the house while other pets and kids are elsewhere. Once they're introduced to all the best hiding spots and perches, cats become more willing to meet new family members.
An adopted cat wants to control their interactions. Strangers might scare them. Ask kids, partners and visitors to sit on the ground and pretend to ignore the cat. Let the new pet approach — or not. Avoid touching the cat until they approach on their own and ask for pets by gently headbutting. Scent rules your cat's life, and these cheek rubs mark furniture and your ankles as safe. Not all cats enjoy lap-sitting, but they share safe-smelling scents by grooming each other and rubbing against those they trust. It takes time, but that headbutt on your shin is a sure sign your new cat accepts you as a trusted friend.
Cats may be returned to shelters because of changes or misunderstandings in apartment pet restrictions. If you rent or are relocating to a new property, check with your landlord about having a cat. If you know their pet policy ahead of time, it will help you decide if it's the right new home for you and a future cat. That way, you avoid the heartbreak of returning a cat to a shelter because you misunderstood the rules.
There are other reasons people return cats to shelters, but these are the most common ones. A little research and patience can go a long way when making your home comfortable for your new cat. If they struggle to adapt, don't rush back to the shelter right away. Patience and time to let your cat adjust will go a long way. With the chance to be happy and comfortable, you might find your new kitty is well on their way to being the perfect companion.
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