New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/31/2016 -- June is Adopt-A-Cat Month! There are young kittens ready to go into new loving homes all over New York City. There are tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between and the staff at local NYC shelters are ready to help find family matches. Spunky or relaxed, active or easygoing, cats come in many different breeds with all kinds of personalities, making it possible to adopt one that will quickly become a beloved part of any family.

"Rescuing a shelter cat is an amazing way to add love to a family as long as careful preparations have been made," said Dr. Kyoko Yoshida, co-owner and veterinarian at Hudson Animal Hospital in NYC's Upper West Side,"Smooth transitions are easily attainable with a little advance work."

Finding a local rescue shelter that has cats available for adoption is the first step. Check the ASPCA website (www.aspca.org) to find a shelter that has cat or kittens available for adoption. The professionals at the local shelter are interested in making the best match between the cat or kitten and their human companions. Kyoko Yoshida, and other local veterinarians, recommend the following work be done before adopting a new pet.

Evaluate what kind of feline would be a good fit. Cats of different ages and breeds have different personalities and needs. Shelter employees will help determine which type of cat will be best fit each home situation.

Consult a veterinarian before bringing a cat home. The doctors will be able to give advice regarding shots and any health problems that may need to be addressed. They can also make recommendations regarding food and playthings. Having the first veterinarian visit set up in advance will allow more time to focus on bonding with the new pet in those early days.

Stock up on supplies in advance and budget for the future. A cat adopted from a shelter may be a bargain to start because many facilities will have already provided spaying or neutering and initial vaccines, but understand that all pets are responsibilities and there are costs and care associated with that. Shelter professionals and a veterinarian can help shed some light on some of the needs of a newly adopted cat or kitten such as: types of food and toys, litter and litter box, grooming tools, etc.

Home preparation for a feline friend. Cat proofing a home ahead of time will make a new pet more comfortable and relaxed as they get to know the environment. If there has never been a cat in the house before, the entire house should be checked for items that may be poisonous to cats, choking and other hazards that need to be moved, etc. Shelter staff and veterinary staff are a great resource of information about pet needs.

Be sure to allow plenty of time for the new cat or kitten to adjust to the new environment and new companions, human and animals alike. Dr. Yoshida echoes the importance of this: "A newly adopted cat has gone through a huge transition, and he or she needs thoughtful care, especially for the first month to six weeks. Make sure to communicate with a veterinarian to establish a plan of care that includes needed vaccinations, dietary changes, and bonding suggestions."

Information about Adopt-A-Cat Month events may be found on the ASPCA website.

About Dr. Kyoko Yoshida
Dr. Kyoko Yoshida is the co-owner of Hudson Animal Hospital a veterinary clinic located in the upper west side of Manhattan. Along with her partner Dr. Christopher Angiello and the staff Hudson Animal Hospital provides wellness, illness and emergency care in a full service in the state-of-the-art facility. ?Hudson Animal Hospital | 238 W 61st Street, New York, NY 10023 | 212-706-4088 | http://www.hudsonahnyc.com