You’ve come to the Hermitage to adopt a cat. You’re excited. Maybe even a little nervous. How will you “know” it’s the right cat?
Here’s what we’ve discovered works best.
Visit a few times.
Or at least plan on spending a few hours (yes hours!) at the Hermitage so you can really get to know the cats. There are quite a few shyer ones that tend to stay in a cubbie or up high and they are easy to overlook. All they need is a little time to get to know you and you’ll discover the cuddler or talker or just all around perfect one for you. But it does take time. This is not something you want to be impulsive about. This cat will become part of your family, and no one turns their back on family. Especially family that’s been “chosen”.
Know what you’re looking for in your new companion.
Do you want that high kitten energy? Or do you want the “chatty” one who will tell you about their day? Or one who just wants to snuggle in your lap? Have an idea so you can look for those characteristics. Many people walk into the Hermitage thinking that a cat will magically pick them. It does happen occasionally or maybe it just feels like it! But you do want to have an idea of your energy level and how much time you’ll have. Kittens are high energy and need to play … a lot! Which is why we often suggest adopting two kittens, so they have a ready-made friend. Or do you need a more laid-back cat who will snuggle … until they don’t. Or the vocal one who will talk all day – to you, to the birds in the yard or the squirrels in the tree. Know what you’re hoping for in your feline companion.
Be honest with yourself about why you want a cat.
This one is key. Do you want a companion forever? Or just because you’re lonely now? Cats are often thought of as an “easy” pet because you don’t need to walk them or take them to the groomers. But the reality is, they rely on you 100%! Not just for food or cleaning the litter box (every day!) but also for companionship and love. If you can’t commit to them 100% for the rest of their life, then we suggest you don’t adopt. Do come by and visit the Hermitage as often as you’d like. We’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and the cats appreciate the company.
Don’t expect immediate “love”.
This one is always hard. You’ve found the purrfect feline companion and you’ve fallen in love. You bring them home and they hide from you for a couple of days. Or even a couple of weeks! Don’t take it personally. Really. This isn’t about you. Remember these cats have come from a very different environment. A big shelter with lots of cats (we house over 200 at any given time!) And lots of people. Different smells. Different touch. Just different. And cats need extra time to settle into a new place. It’s in their nature to be cautious – it’s part of their survival mechanism. So give them time. Put them in one room with all the things they’ll need – toys, soft blankie/bed, water, food and litter box. Then go in and spend time with them every day. As much as you can. Just sit. Don’t try to coax or play with them. You need to let them see you as non-threatening and patient. They will let you know when they are ready to explore the rest of their new house. Please just listen to them.
Cat behavior is … well, cat behavior.
Ever gone to the zoo and looked at the lions and thought how much they look like big cats? Well, they are. It’s easy to forget that when looking at domesticated cats. Oftentimes to both cats and people’s peril. Cats are cats are cats. If a cat, no matter the size, feels threatened it will defend itself in the only way it knows how – bite or claw. But here’s the thing, domesticated cats will generally give you a warning. Pay attention to your ne
w companions ‘tells’. If it pulls away, let it. If it starts to hiss, back off. If you respect it, it will respect you. And don’t think just because those kittens are so adorable, they won’t do the same, they will. It really is in their DNA. Like when they play. Have you ever wondered why cats like to chase those strings? Or the red dot? It is cute but it really is part of their nature. They are hunters by design. Not to say you should let them run wild to hunt. As domesticated animals they belong in the house. All the time. Even if they think they are big, bad hunters, they aren’t. So don’t ever let your cat become an outdoor cat. Especially in Arizona. There are bigger animals that will eat your cat for lunch.
You won’t regret the time you spend finding your purrrfect feline companion. Their love and cattitude make it all worth it.
Cats rule – dogs drool.