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For the purposes of this book we will proceed under the assumption that you and your Zen Cat are new found friends. As such you require the appropriate introductions. Let us further assume that your Zen Cat is a “saved” cat; one that has been abused or abandoned by less enlightened individuals. As such, you are the cat’s new friend and savior. Indeed, you may literally have saved your cat from a horrible death. It is a fact that cat’s left to fend for themselves in the “wilds of suburbia” have a lifespan of approximately five years. The same cat, under your care, can easily live to be 14, 15 even 20 years.
There are many animal shelters and sanctuaries that always have an over abundance of cats requiring good homes. There is also the possibility of actually taming a feral cat on your own but we will cover that in the chapter on feral cats. For our purposes let us assume that you have visited your local animal shelter, fallen in love with a domestic shorthair cat, filled out the adoption paperwork (cats are not just given to anyone as they are living creatures), and are ready to take your cat to his/her new home. In order to accomplish this task you will require a suitable cat carrier. At no time should you try to move a cat from one place to another by holding it, wrapping it or otherwise trying to restrain it. This action will make your cat fearful and in trying to escape the cat will probably do you some damage in the form of scratches and/or bites. Cat carriers can be purchased at any pet shop for reasonable amounts of money and you and your cat will enjoy a safe and uneventful trip home. Some shelters also stock cardboard carriers for one time usage if you find yourself in a position without an appropriate carrier. This cardboard “box” will normally be collapsible, have just enough room when opened to hold an average size cat (9 to 12 pounds) and will have breathing holes and a carry handle. This is a perfectly safe and convenient device for the initial transportation of your cat but should be viewed only as a stopgap measure and a larger and more comfortable carrier should be purchased.
There are many animal shelters and sanctuaries that always have an over abundance of cats requiring good homes. There is also the possibility of actually taming a feral cat on your own but we will cover that in the chapter on feral cats. For our purposes let us assume that you have visited your local animal shelter, fallen in love with a domestic shorthair cat, filled out the adoption paperwork (cats are not just given to anyone as they are living creatures), and are ready to take your cat to his/her new home. In order to accomplish this task you will require a suitable cat carrier. At no time should you try to move a cat from one place to another by holding it, wrapping it or otherwise trying to restrain it. This action will make your cat fearful and in trying to escape the cat will probably do you some damage in the form of scratches and/or bites. Cat carriers can be purchased at any pet shop for reasonable amounts of money and you and your cat will enjoy a safe and uneventful trip home. Some shelters also stock cardboard carriers for one time usage if you find yourself in a position without an appropriate carrier. This cardboard “box” will normally be collapsible, have just enough room when opened to hold an average size cat (9 to 12 pounds) and will have breathing holes and a carry handle. This is a perfectly safe and convenient device for the initial transportation of your cat but should be viewed only as a stopgap measure and a larger and more comfortable carrier should be purchased.
from "The Zen Cat"
by Michael Sutton
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