Helpful Adoption Information
In order to help with the transition of your new cat to its new home, we have created a checklist of items that you might need to purchase prior to your cat's arrival. This includes the food that cats are eating at The Dancing Cat and the kind of litter that we use. Click here to download our current checklist.
If you’re on Facebook, we have a special group set up for Dancing Cat adopters to share their photos. There’s no such thing as too many cat photos! Or just like our main Facebook page to keep up with what’s going on at The Dancing Cat. You can follow us on Instagram as well; we’re @thedancingcatsj.
Managing cat behavior
Why does my cat bite me when I pet him? Information on petting aggression.
Cat play aggression tips (SF-SPCA)
Why using a squirt bottle will harm your cat’s relationship with you (video).
Jumping on counters
Cats love to climb and they jump onto counters for many reasons. Here are some ways to help in this situation:
When they jump for food, start by removing all food from the counter and train your cat to go to a location while you get meals ready.
When it seems that they want to get higher, create an alternative route leading to where they want to go using wall shelves or other furniture. If it seems like they want to rest up on the counter, make a better lounging space a little higher and near that location to redirect that cat behavioral need to perch up high. A cat heating pad, hammock, or bed can act as great solutions.
If they’re jumping up to gaze out the window, use window film or allow window gazing at another location by adding a cat shelf or hammock away from the counters.
Advice for shy or fearful cats
Spirit cats are cats that are very shy with people. They live in your home, but are rarely seen - visitors will probably never see them. They are cats who live with you, and who may sometimes grant you the opportunity to touch them. Or, they may not.
For a shy or under-socialized cat, the world can be a scary place. If a cat feels threatened by the world around them (even if these threats are imagined), they can quickly withdraw from social activities and spend all day hiding under the bed or in a closet. What we want is for these cats to gain confidence and claim (or reclaim) ownership of their indoor territory. Working with a shy/fearful cat takes time and patience, but the experience is extremely rewarding!
Cat taking another cat's food
This is when cats become interested in another cat’s food and try to eat that cat’s food during mealtime. This can result in stress and conflict as cats fight over resources. Here are some ways to help prevent these food related problems.
With a multi cat household, find ways to promote the behavior you want by rearranging the environment. To create safe feeding areas for each cat use a baby gate, door or furniture to prevent the undesired food hogging behavior. These physical boundaries will start each cat practicing the desired behavior and create a habit.
Consider using food puzzles to engage the cats more in their own meals.
Train both cats to eat and stay in one location.
Another option is to give the fast eating cat an enrichment toy with food after they finish early and give it to them in another safe location away from meal time.
Once good habits are created and your cats are finishing up, watch to see what is still needed to distract or keep the peace between them.
Food
Wet food we recommend:
Dry food we use:
Kitten food and supplements we use in our foster homes:
Click to download PDF version.
Handouts with great information!
Cat poisons
Your cat is curious, sticking their nose into random places. But their exploration may expose them to some not-so-obvious dangers in your home. It just takes a bit of time and know-how to “cat-proof” your house so your kitty stays healthy and safe
Tips for a less stressful nail trim
Be patient and prepared: take a deep breath and be gentle and calm. Prior to starting, purchase specific cat nail trimmers that are comfortable to handle.
Get comfy: cut your cat’s nails in a quiet room without distractions. Remember, less is more when handling your cat.
Start slowly and take it one step at a time: clip one nail and offer a treat at the same time. If your cat stays relaxed, then trim the second nail while the cat is eating; if your cat stays relaxed, build up to trimming five nails in one session.
Make it positive: most cats’ experiences with nail trims are far from positive, which results in cats not liking nail trims. Before starting, have some delicious, extra special treats your cats only get during nail trims.
Avoid the quick: within a cat’s nail, there’s a pink part higher up called the quick. It contains all the nerves and blood vessels, meaning that if you cut into it, it will be painful for your kitty.
Ask for help: if your cat is resistant to claw trimming or to having her paws handled, consult a cat trainer can help you teach your cat to accept and even enjoy nail trims.
Cat Health
Your cat’s ongoing health care is so important! Here are some resources to help:
Identifying and treating mouth disease in cats.
Information for cats with kidney disease.
How to train your cat to accept an asthma inhaler.
Health and wellness tips for cats.
Want to know your cat’s breed, or gain insight on potentially inherited health risks? New DNA tests for cats are available!
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis information.
Domestic cat enclosures
Catios are a great way to give your cat the enjoyment of outdoors in a safe way. Here is some catio information from the Humane Society of the US.
Allergies
Allergies to cats are typically caused by Fel D 1, a protein found in cats’ saliva.A new food on the market works to reduce allergies - Purina Allergen-reducing food.
End of life decisions
These decisions are never easy. Helpful information is on this website from the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
Cat Trees at The Dancing Cat
Where’s Jack?
