Congratulations on making the decision to adopt a cat! Before you bring your new cat home, though, there are a few things to do to make him feel at ease:
- Stock up on supplies like a litter box, litter, cat food, scratching post, a cat bed, brush, nail clippers and a few toys. Be sure to find out what type of litter he’s used to so he’ll be more comfortable using his new litter box. Check to see what food he’s been eating and be sure to have the same type on hand for his homecoming.
- Cat-proof your house. Cats new to an environment can be prone to chewing on some very usual things. Be sure to tape power cords to the wall. Pick up any small items such as paper clips, ribbons, pens and pencils that he may be tempted to swallow. Also keep things like paper towels, toilet paper and kleenex out of reach.
- Give your new cat time alone to get used to his new home. Cats need time to get to know their surroundings, so give him time to get comfortable before trying to engage him in play. Once he settles in, gradually increase the time you spend with him in his space. After that, gradually introduce him to the rest of the house. If there are other pets in the house, make sure you allow a few days for them to get comfortable with the new cat’s scent and sounds before introducing them.
- Set a routine. A new home is a lot of change for cats, so try to keep other changes to a minimum. Feeding him the same food and using the same litter he had before coming to live with you will help him settle in. If you’d like to change his food or litter, wait a few weeks until he feels at home.
- Schedule a vet visit. It’s a good idea to get your new cat checked out to be sure there aren’t any health issues.
Written by Karen
