Cats may have nine lives, but rescue cats have more to give. Adopting a rescue cat brings bundles of joy and quite often endless surprises. From their first cuddles to their final purr, the relationship between a human and a rescue kitty can be an unending source of love and joy.
So, what does it mean to love a rescue kitty? Deep down, it means showing that you accept your cat for who they are: taking the time to develop a bond and offering them a safe, secure and comforting home. After all, rescue cats can often come from difficult situations – the last thing they need is to feel rejection or abandonment.
With these values in mind, there is a lot of work that goes into loving a rescue kitty. Patience and understanding are two key ingredients. After all, cats can often be wary of trusting new people. Showing unconditional affection and providing plenty of time to form a genuine connection is essential.
Of course, it’s not a one-way street. A rescue cat brings a special kind of energy to its new environment – often teaching us to find joy in even the smallest of moments. Developing a routine and offering plenty of playtime and scratchy cuddles is a great way to express love and allow our rescue cats to experience a real sense of security. And with that, a genuine connection to their human family is formed.
Giving a rescue cat a home can be a life-changing experience – both for cats and their humans. Rescue, love, bond – that is what it means to love a rescue kitty.
Recognizing Bonding
It’s hard to overstate the importance of recognizing the bond that exists between you and your rescue kitty. In between dedicated playtimes and cuddles, they often find a way to invigorate life’s little moments – like hiding in unexpected places, adorning the ends of chair legs, or leaping into our laps for snuggle time.
Taking note of these moments and providing plenty of affirmative and positive feedback is key to growth and development over the long-term. A simple head scratch or purr of contentment can go a long way and can help to foster affection and trust.
Meeting Needs
Cats have very specific needs, so it’s critical to ensure your rescue kitty’s individual needs are being met. After all, they have spent their time prior to adoption adapting to unpredictable life circumstances, so providing certainty and stability is key to their flourishing.
Providing veterinary care (including regular vaccinations and check-ups) and meeting dietary needs is essential. Just as important, is ensuring their environment provides the stimulation they need – like places to hide, a variety of toys, and a wide selection of scratching poles are some of the things every rescue kitty should have in their home.
Staying Positive
Rescue cats can often be students of their environment, so maintaining a positive and peaceful atmosphere is essential for their comfort. This may mean working through any issues that arise with patience, consistency, and reward-based methods – like offering treats or engaging in playtime.
In any case, staying in-tune with your rescue kitty should become second nature – most cats won’t need a lot of management, but offering a little bit of guidance can go a long way in ensuring a strong bond is developed.
Expanding Comfort Zone
Rescue cats often find themselves in uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations and it is essential to give them the time they need to feel safe and secure in their environment. That might mean providing extra love and reinforcements when taking them to the vet, introducing them to new people, or even allowing them time to explore different rooms in your home.
This process should be undertaken gradually and with extra care – but with a little bit of patience and understanding, cats can often surprise us. Your rescue cat may choose to spend their days sleeping in a patch of sunlight, but with a little bit of coaxing, their curiosity may take them quite far.
