Adopting A Cat? The Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Transition

You are adopting a cat, and you just want to bring that kitty home as soon as possible!! Before you do, it’s essential to make sure that you are ready! In this post, I will give you some tips to help you prepare for your newly adopted cat!

Things to consider before adopting a cat

There is usually an adjustment period for cats when they move into a new home.  The cat that was very relaxed and friendly in the shelter might be very anxious at first in your new home.  Sudden life changes can be very unsettling for anyone, including a cat.  Having a plan in place for your cat can make for a much smoother transition. 

Cat-Proofing your home

Since you cannot predict how your new cat will react to a home, it is essential to take every precaution to cat-proof your home. Kitty may or may not be prone to getting into things, but until you know- better safe than sorry!

Hazardous household items: It’s important to secure any hazardous items just as you would for a child. 

• Cleaning products: Examples include laundry detergent, drain cleaner, etc. toilet bowl cleaner- remember to close the lid on your toilet. Cats aren’t as prone to drinking from the toilet as dogs, but until you know your cat, it’s best to be cautious.

• Medications: Human antidepressants, medications for dogs, aspirin, baby aspirin, acetaminophen, benzodiazepines, and many others. There are very few human medications that are safe for a cat, so please put away all medications.  

• Cords and Cables: If the cat you are bringing home is young or playful, your baby may want to play with cords.  Make sure that you have secured any cords. My senior cat is very fond of chewing on my phone cord, so I always have to check it to make sure it isn’t wet before I plug it in!  A better option for me would be to put the cord in a drawer! You can tie cords together or pin them along the wall will help, too. Your goal is just to make them less obvious and enticing to your cat.

• Houseplants: Some cats love to chew on houseplants.  The same cat that loves to chew on cords is a plant lover.  Many household plants are toxic to cats including, but not limited to, lilies, pothos, and philodendrons.  Make sure that you secure plants away from your cat.  For a complete list of toxic plants, check this site: https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_ct_poisonous_plants

• Choking hazards: Please make sure that you secure small items that your cat could choke on.  Things such as strings and ribbons might seem like wonderful cat toys, but they are dangerous for your cat.  It’s safer to choose toys made specifically for cats.

Preparing a safe and comfortable space for your cat

• The first night: Your first night with your cat may be extremely stressful.  It’s best if you can give your cat its own space.  If have a spare bedroom or a bathroom, this is the perfect place for your cat.  If you have other pets, it’s important to make sure that the door is closed so that the cat can have some time to decompress all alone.  Make sure that you have a good place for your cat to hide- I even recommend keeping the cat in the carrier and just opening the door.  Your cat will come out when ready.  I remember the first time I brought my cat home, he went from the carrier under the couch and remained there for 24 hours. 

• Bed or resting area: Make sure to provide a few comfortable spaces for your cat to sleep.  The reason for this is that it will ensure your cat’s preferences are met and reduce anxiety or territorial behavior. I would recommend a nice blanket in the cat carrier- perhaps one from where you got your cat- the familiar smell will be comforting.  A comfortable place atop a cat tree or other high spot, and any other place you think your cat might enjoy.   

• Litter box: Your cat needs its own litter box in a secluded area.  Make sure to keep the litter box a couple of feet or more away from the feeding dishes.  Cats are sanitary, after all!

• Scratching posts: Your cats scratch- this is a part of having a cat.  Your cat will have a favorite material to use for scratching, so plan to experiment a little bit to learn what your cat prefers. There are so many options such as carpet, cork, cardboard, sisal rope, and many more. Mine generally prefer sisal rope and wood, but each cat is different. If your cat is scratching the furniture, place a scratching post made of your cat’s preferred material directly in front of the place your cat is scratching. This will teach your cat to use the scratching post.

Essential Supplies for Adopting a cat

• Food: You know you have to feed your cat, but did you know you should introduce the type of food slowly?  If it is possible to feed your cat what was fed before it came to you, this can help with tummy issues.  If you adopted your cat from the shelter, you can ask what food was given, and they may even send some home with you.  Feed the same thing for the first day, and then gradually mix it with the food you plan to use.  Many cats will have stomach issues for a few days as they adjust to their new home- it’s like having a nervous stomach.
  • Which type of food is best? Generally, it’s impossible to predict what your cat will enjoy. I do recommend feeding your cat wet food if they enjoy it. Cat’s don’t naturally have a strong thirst drive, so many of them will rely on their food for moisture. If your cat prefers kibbel, or dry food, providing a cat water fountain is an excellent way to encourage your cat to drink enough water!

• Dishes: Make sure that you give your cat appropriate food and water bowls.  Keep in mind that some cats have sensitive whiskers, so you should consider wide or shallow bowls. 

• Grooming Tools: If you adopt a long-haired cat, a brush or comb may be more essential than for a short-haired cat.  However, many cats enjoy being brushed and they all can benefit from it as it will reduce shedding around the house.  If you plan to keep your cat indoors, you might want to invest in nail clippers.  If the cat will go outside at all, it’s important to keep your cat’s claws long as they may need to climb to get away from danger.  Remember when trimming cats to avoid the quick. 

• Enrichment toys: Your cat will benefit from enrichment. Think of this as bringing the outdoors to your cat- not literally, but you want to provide activities.  Toys such as mice, balls, and wiggly things- your cat will love them.  Remember to rotate them regularly so that your cat doesn’t get bored! Remember that spending time playing with your cat will not only keep your cat healthy and happy but also strengthen the bond you develop.
• Cat carrier: One thing that you need is a cat carrier. Many people don’t take a cat carrier when they adopt a pet, and usually, a shelter will provide a temporary cat carrier made of cardboard. However, having a regular carrier will be beneficial in the long run. With a proper cat carrier, your cat can use it as a hiding place. I recommend leaving one open for your cat at all times and even feeding treats or meals in the carrier so that your cat associates the carrier with positivity. This makes it much easier to take your cat to the vet! I recommend a standard hard shell carrier as they are secure and well-ventilated.

Introducing your new cat to other pets and family members

As mentioned earlier, your new cat will likely feel overwhelmed.  It is very important to go slowly. Keep your cat separated from other pets at first, and remember to introduce them slowly. I can remember that as a kid, we always just got a cat and let it out into the house. I can remember one of my cats hiding under the couch for days- it took so long, years, for the cat to adjust to the other cats. It is important to go slowly to allow for a better transition.

• Height: If you are introducing your cat to a dog, it’s very important to give your cat access to height.  Cats naturally like to find a high spot to be able to get a good vantage point of the room. If you have a dog, your cat needs to have a way to feel able to get away and feel safe. You can provide a cat tree, and access to furniture, shelves, etc.

• Scent: Cats communicate largely by scent.  Allowing your cat time to adjust to the scents of your home will help your cat to adjust.  Your cat will smell other cats and other pets through the door, but encouraging interaction with scents works very well. I’ve done things like swapping my cats’ blankets- essentially, I give each cat a blanket that the other has been sleeping on so they can share scents.  I have two cats who are siblings.  They have spent their entire lives with each other, but if one goes to the vet or leaves for some reason when they are back together they act like strangers.  I try to keep them together all the time so that they each pick up the same scents.  After a day or two, if your new cat seems curious, swap them into each other’s space. You are still keeping them separated, but you are allowing each cat to explore the other’s ‘territory.’ After exploring scent, you can allow the cats to see each other, or even play through the door. If they still seem stressed, you may just limit playtime to a few minutes several times per day.

• Monitor your cat: The most important thing you can do is observe your cat and make sure that if your cat is very stressed at meeting other pets, you allow a break.  Put your cat back into the room that you established as the safe room for your cat. Watch your cat’s body language and keep an eye out for stress including:
  • a poofed out tail
  • a tucked in tail
  • licking lips
  • dialated pupils,
  • ears rotated backwards or flattened
  • arched back
  • Facing away
  • twitching or shaking

• Introducing your cat to children: People often ask the shelter if a particular animal is good with children. My reply is often to ask whether the child is good with animals. Children need to be taught to properly interact with a cat and it is essential to supervise your children with their pets until they learn to treat the animal with respect. Most accidents with children and pets occur because a child didn’t know how to recognize when an animal needed a break.

• Adjustment Period: There is a rule of 3 when it comes to adopting a pet.  This is essentially a guideline for the time it takes for your new pet to fully acclimate to its new home. 

The rule of 3

• 3 Days: This is the transition period.  Your home is new, and this can be both scary and exciting.  Being allowed the freedom to roam and not being confined to a cage or a single room can be overwhelming.  Please be very patient with your cat.  Your cat may be trying to escape, meowing, or hiding. 

• 3 weeks: Your cat is getting used to the daily routine.  Your cat may feel comfortable now and seem to be fully integrated into the family (or your cat may just now be venturing out0 it’s different for every cat).

• 3 months: Your cat should at this point begin to know they are home.

Conclusion:

Welcoming a new cat into your home can be a wonderful experience.  Every cat has its own unique emotions, emotions, and life experiences. By providing a comfortable environment, being patient and understanding your cat’s needs, you can help your new kitty adjust to their new home and become a cherished companion! Enjoy the journey and cherish the special bond that forms between you and your cat. You will make lasting memories together!