Adopter FAQ

​When should I bring my newly adopted cat/kitten(s) to the veterinarian?

​Newly adopted cat/kitten(s) should always be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible after adoption. Tender Loving Cats, Inc. provides a free wellness exam coupon to our veterinarian at Dix Hills Animal Hospital in Huntington. After their initial check-up it's important to bring in your pet to the vet anytime you notice abnormal behavior such vomiting more than one a month, chronic diarrhea, signs of an upper respiratory infections such as white, yellow of green discharge from eye, nose or mouth, lethargy, limping, straining in the litter-box, etc.  At the age of 7+ cats should have annual senior wellness exams and bloodwork in order to catch any illnesses that can be treated or prevented with routine monitoring.

is my newly adopted cat/kitten spayed/neutered/microchipped and where can i find the medical history?​

Yes, all cat/kitten(s) are spayed/neutered prior to the final adoption and transfer of ownership. Adopters may be given the option to foster with the intent to adopt a pair of kittens or, in rare cases, a kitten over 12wks that hasn't been altered yet.  All medical records are emailed to the adopter upon completion of the final adoption paperwork and then cat/kitten(s) microchip is automatically registered to the adopter's information on file.

what food should my newly adopted cat/kitten(s) be eating?

​​Brands like Royal Canin, Science Diet Hills and Purina are tried, true brands backed by science but HERE is a list of foods recommend by nutritionists. Classic Pate versions of wet foods are lower in carbohydrates then others, as cats unlike dogs, do not need grain. We do not recommend free feeding dry food to any cat/kitten(s) over 4mths of age because cats need moisture rich foods to maintain a healthy urinary and digestive system. Dry cat food can exacerbate common illnesses such as FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis), urinary crystals or stones, diabetes and (even grain free dry food) can make cats quite overweight. Think of dry food as a Snickers bar or bag of Doritos, it tastes yummy but only real moisture rich food can sustain your cat's appetite. We recommend stopping free feeding of dry food at 4mts of age so that your cat can grow out of asking for it. You'll want to slowly wean the amount of dry food down and increase wet food feeding for kittens up to 4x's a day until they are a year old. Adult cats should be on wet food 3x's a day, if possible, the amount will vary based on energy level throughout the day. We recommend using freeze dried chicken as treat before bedtime instead of using Temptations. Eat, play, sleep is the cycle of a cat's day. Save special treats like Temptations and lick sticks for nail clipping, during/after a trip to the vet or for training.

What kind of litter and litter box placement is best for my newly adopted cat/kitten(s)?

It's important to have the litter they are accustomed to using immediately after adoption. After your newly adopted cat/kitten(s) is settled in after 2 weeks you can slowing wean the litter onto what you plan on using regularly.  We do not recommend a specific brand because everyone has something different that's important to them whether it be dust control, smell control. clumping vs non-clumping, your cat/kitten(s) will get used to what you use regularly, and they will let you know quickly they don't like it. The general rule is to have 1 litterbox per cat plus 1. These should be placed in low-traffic areas of the household, away from food & water and separated from each other preferably in various rooms of the house and not all in 1 room. This will decrease stress in a multi-cat household.

what kind of cat carrier do we recommend?

We recommend using a larger hard case carriers with access via the top as well as the side or the Calm Carrier. We do not recommend soft carriers for any adult cats as they are strong enough to get the zipper open from the inside and to zip tie all the sides of the carrier is not safe. We also do not recommend backpack carriers as most cats or kittens will be terrified being forced to see out. We do recommend fully covering the carrier with a towel/blanket because this will keep the cat/kitten(s) calmer inside. Kittens over 4mths should be placed in separate carriers from siblings.  It's very rare to have a cat that is comfortable with a car ride. We've all seen the viral videos showing cats and kittens traveling and loving it, but this is the minority of cats and kittens, not the majority. Follow your kitty's lead here and get them used to positive traveling experiences by using special treats and when possible, take short rides with them in carriers around the block so that the carrier is not associated with the vet only. Carriers should be left out and open at all times to create a safe place.  Often times just the sound of a carrier can send a cat into hiding. If your cat is already afraid of the carrier corral them into a small space where they cannot hide, like a bathroom, then wrap a towel fully around their head and under them then put them into a carrier that way.

Can I take my cat out on a leash?

The short answer is yes but there's a few "buts". Leash training should start as early as 12 weeks to get them used to having something that constricts the shoulders. Training should start indoors and then only slowly branching out to a deck or yard once your cat/kitten is comfortable being in a harness and eating, drinking, playing normally. Once outside its important to ensure that someone is always holding the leash and the harness is secure. Your cat/kitten can seem comfortable but when a big truck comes flying by unexpectedly, they can get spooked and run off. We've received many calls about cats who ran off with a leash and collar attached and this is extremely dangerous if that leash gets caught on something. A collar must always be breakaway. Remember the saying "curiosity killed the cat"? Well once they have a taste of the outdoors they may want to go outside with or without the leash, you may create a monster so be prepared. 

How do i get my cat to use the scratching posts?

Scratching posts should be placed where your cat/kitten(s) want to scratch and not necessarily what is aesthetically pleasing. Not all scratching posts are made equal, we recommend sisal and cardboard scratchers. There should be options to scratch vertically and horizontally. Remember that scratching is a normal behavior, if you're cat prefers to scratch on a couch it's because all the conditions are right, placement, feel, smell. Using a blanket to cover a couch and/or sofa scratchers can be important if your couch is something you value.

How often should i trim my cats nails?

Young kitten nails grow much faster than adults. Kittens under 4mths should get a nail trim every 2 weeks then once a month. Getting your cat/kitten used to nail trims is important. Watch this video HERE to learn how to properly clip nails. Start by simply massaging the feet while giving a special treat only given for nail trims, then start with only 1 nail at a time. When trimming the nails only remove the very tip, the quick is the vein that runs through the nail and that is what you want to avoid cutting. The nail trimmer shouldn't be dull and may need to be replaced yearly. If you're cat/kitten isn't good for nail trims, please discuss with your veterinarian about the possibility of using a mild sedative at home and/or look into using the Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap, used by veterinarians around the world.

What happens if my newly adopted cat/kitten(s) gets sick within 2 weeks of the time of adoption?

All medical questions and concerns should be immediately escalated to Rebecca our president, founder and the head of our medical program. You can reach Rebecca via text at 516-417-7330. Please add tis number to your phone as she can always be a useful resource to discuss medical or behavioral concerns. Very often our vets can help address these medical concerns virtually but if it's determined that an appointment must be made at one of our participating veterinarians then Tender Loving Cats will cover treatment that would be appropriate for a cat/kitten(s) in our care.