newly adopted kitten
 

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