insidehalton.com Oakville Beaver | Thursday, September 8, 2022 | 22 Cats have a special place in the hearts of mi- lions of people. These wily rascals can be flirty, fun- ny or even aloof. The personality of cats, coupled with their compact size, makes them ideal pets for homes of all sizes. The American Society for the Prevention of Cru- elty to Animals says approximately 1.3 million cats are adopted from animal shelters each year. How- ever, of the cats entering shelters, only around 37 percent are ultimately adopted, according to the National Kitten Coalition. Individuals who adopt cats may want to take every step they can to make the relationship with a new companion animal work. That often means finding ways to help the cat feel comfortable by acclimating it to its new home. The length of time it will take to adjust to a new environment depends on the cat's tempera- ment. However, these tips can help. + Pick a familiar item and bring it with you. Does the cat have a favorite toy, carrier or scratching post? Moving something into the home that has the ani- mal’s smell may help him or her adjust more quickly. * Select a room as a home base. Introducing the cat to the entire home and all of the people in it can be over- whelming. Rather, select a small room in the home, such as an office or laundry space, that the cat can call home for Real Estate Advertorial be comforting and let the cat learn the smells and sounds of the home before it ventures into other areas. Remember to visit often and provide plenty of love and affection as tolerated. + Avoid lots of traffic. Now is not the time to host a house party. Remove stressors like large crowds, increased foot traffic and kids’ play dates. Loud sounds and sudden move- How to acclimate an adopted cat to its new home * Don't force the issue. The kitty will start to come around when he or she is ready. Don’t be compelled to pull the pet out from hiding under a bed or couch; let the cat set the pace. + Keep kids away. Young children tend to be bois- terous and jerky, which isn’t a good mix with a skit- tish cat. While the cat is acclimating, keep young children away. When they are introduced, do so in small intervals and supervise carefully so the cat does not get hurt and children are not accidentally scratched or bitten by a scared cat. + Provide a quiet area. Perhaps that first room or a cozy nook can be the cat's quiet spot. Accord- ing to cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, cats need solitude and quiet time. A box or basket lined with soft, washable bedding in a comer can serve as a place for a cat to retire to. + Introduce existing pets slowly. Existing pets should be introduced gradually. Keep a dog con- fined until the cat feels secure in the home. Two altered cats can become friends in the same home. How- ever, older cats often are more accepting of kittens than other adults. Keep this in mind when making introductions. Cats are happiest when they've had time to settle and get used to surroundings in their new home. Once the the time being. With the door closed, this small space can ments can put cats on edge. adoption takes place, give the cat plenty of time to become fortable in its new envi (MCC) Kim MacKay, 2a. REALTOR Direct: (905) 599-9745 Email: kimmackaysellshomes@gmail.com ESCA R Pp M E NT Re/Max Escarpment Realty Inc., REALTY INC., BROKERAGE Brokerage INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED SUITE 528, 2511 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST. « $999,000 » 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS Wake up to stunning ravine views from all windows and your balcony of this beautiful, west facing, 1275 sq.ft. condo in desirable ‘Bronte Harbour Club’. Freshly painted and ready for your updates or enjoy it as is! Two Bedrooms plus two full Bathrooms. The Primary Bedroom includes a full Ensuite Bathroom with a separate shower and a jacuzzi tub.This unit comes with two underground parking spots and a locker. ‘Bronte Harbour Club’ is nestled along scenic Bronte Creek across from Bronte Harbour. It’s a short walk fo Bronte Village and grocery stores, pharmacy, restaurants, and lakefront parks and trails. Or take the bus, which stops close by. The building is well managed and features exceptional facilities including an indoor pool and hot tub, gym, renovated party room, library/games room, a patio, security/concierge, plus a guest suite! When You Sell With Tony You Will Receive The Following FREE Services Consultation De-Cluttering y Packing ¥ Moving Un-Packing & Set-Up at your new retirement suite Donation, disposal or auction of your unwanted belongings Preparation of your original home for maximum results Retirement residence incentives F i Financial C ion (if required) Tony Whitehouse ROYA\ pr L LEPAGE} TOM ep arag re ess Us, Bau Call: 647-378-1789 Email: twhitehouse@royallepage.ca