Free to a Good Home: 12 Bits of Advice for First-Time Cat Ladies and Friends

It was two years ago in late December when we began feeding a Domestic Long-Haired cat who showed up on our deck. It was so cold and snowy that we set up a makeshift feeding station for her and a few friends who showed up.

Fast forward two years. That particular kitty and her bonded female companion live in our second bedroom, nearing time to be integrated into the household. We’ve had a lot of interesting turn of events:

I still consider myself very much a newbie, perhaps a newbie with some experience. The main thing I’ve learned is to admit and acknowledge what I don’t know. Almost everything I had learned about cats and kittens from tv, teachers, family, the neighbors, even books has been proven wrong. I’ve learned to let go of my preconceptions, pay attention to the cat ladies around me, pay attention to the wildlife rescuers and the dog rescuers, too.

Let me make a note — I’m using “cat lady” intentionally, but certainly do not intend to exclude men and non-binary individuals who are doing this work. I’m leaning into a stereotype on purpose.

I’m not sure if I would have listened to this advice two years ago, but I thought it was a good time to reflect on lessons I’ve learned and information I wish I had considered BEFORE getting into…