Transition Tips for a Newly Adopted Cat
Congratulations on the adoption of your newest family member! To help your cat more easily adapt to their new home, follow the guidelines below.
1. Start with a quiet “safe-room”
A small safe-room provides time for your new cat to acclimate to their new home and is especially important for young kittens and shy cats. Safe-rooms allow for gradual and positive introductions to existing pets and young children, and help develop and maintain positive behaviors. Your cat’s safe-room will need to include: food and water bowls, litter box, scratch post, bed, and toys. We recommend using a safe-room for 1-4 weeks, depending on your cat and your home.
2. Home Exploration
Once your new cat starts to feel comfortable in their safe-room and comes to you eagerly for affection and treats, let her gradually explore other areas of your house. Supervise her travels so you are aware of any safety hazards such as window covering cords, or breakable objects like lamps or vases.
3. House-Training
Cats are naturally neat and tidy. Give your cat a litter box that is large enough for them to move around in and fill it with litter she likes to use. Most cats prefer an unscented litter. Be sure that their litter box is always accessible and clean! Scoop EVERY day and replace litter at least monthly. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 litter box for each cat and at least 1 box on each story of your home. Changes to your cat’s litter and litter box can be very disruptive, so make changes slowly.
4. Cats and Furniture
Keep your furniture safe by providing your cat with multiple scratchers in a variety of textures (sisal, carpet, cardboard). Bigger is better! Place in common areas of your home and reward with treats and love when they use the scratcher. If your cat continues to scratch your furniture, try using a different product.
Helpful Tip!
Prevention is much easier than correction. Be positive, patient and persistent when teaching your new cat the rules of the house. Cats are motivated by pleasure, so reward good behavior with treats, play, and affection.
New Cat Checklist:
A useful list to get you moving in the right direction.
Basics
✔ A loving cat
Local rescues and shelters are always full of them! Not sure you're ready? Start as a foster and work your way up!
✔ Food
- Human grade frozen meals
- Frozen/dehydrated/freeze-dried
- Canned - Packed with meat and moisture
- Kibble - Meat shuld be first ingredient
✔ Bowls
Stainless steel or ceramic
✔ Cat bed or cuddler
Cats can sleep up to 18 hours a day!
✔ Carrier
For trips to the vet and for emergencies
✔ Collar, harness & leash
Use break-away collars for cats
✔ Scratching post or cat tree
Keeps cats off furniture
✔ I.D. tag
✔ Calming Aids
Grooming
✔ Flea protection
✔ Brush
Rubber brushes or slickers are ideal
✔ Nail trimmers & styptic powder
Trim nails monthly
✔ Toothbrush & toothpaste, dental supplements
✔ Hairball remedies
To prevent hairballs: groom daily, feed a high-fiber diet, and/or use petroleum-free gel supplements
Sanitation
✔ Litter box & scooper
Hooded pans can help reduce odor & mess
✔ Litter
Clumpling cellulose litters are safer if eaten by kittens
✔ Litter box spray
To control odor & prevent sticking
✔ Stain & odor remover
Accidents happen so be prepared!
Training
✔ Scratch control strips
✔ No-scratch spray
✔ Treats or freeze-dried meats
To reward good behavior
✔ Be prepared to address inappropriate scratching immediately
Treats & Toys
✔ Fresh kitty grass
Protect your houseplants!
✔ Catnip, spray & toys
75 precent of cats go crazy for catnip
✔ Interactive & play-alone toys
Wands, lasers, and faux mice are a kitty favorite
