Before you bring home your new member of your family remember to have already purchased a litter box and litter, canned and dry food, and glass bowls for that food and water (some toys wouldn’t hurt either). If all of that is in order you still may not be sure what to do with your new bundle of joy once you’ve arrived home— especially if you have children or other pets to introduce your new cat to. Here are some pointers and other very detailed information on how to handle those first few days and weeks. If you have further questions you can always reach out to the adoption coordinators and the shelter.

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OK, WE’RE HOME, NOW WHAT?

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• Keep your cat indoors. (if your new cat gets out read this)

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• Start your cat in a room for a few days or weeks until the cat becomes comfortable with his/her new surroundings. If the cat is timid, it will overwhelm them if exposed to an entire household to soon, and it will take them longer to acclimate.

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• Always give your cat fresh water at least once, if not more, every day.

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• Do not use plastic bowls. It gives most cats a rash.

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• Always feed your cat quality food. The cost for the food is higher up front, but it will save you money in the amount the cat eats (less), make your cat healthier (lower vet expenses) and less stool to scoop out of the litter box.

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• We strongly advise to give your cat canned food (if he or she will eat it). It keeps their weight down and provides them moisture. If you cat eats only dry food, he/she will need to drink a lot more water. A dry food diet can also lead to medical issues. See our education page for more information.

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• The general rule is one litter box per cat + one litter box. Some cats prefer to urine in one box and poop in another. If you have more than one cat, sometimes they prefer having two distinct rooms for their litter boxes, or at least not near one another if in the same space.

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• ALWAYS introduce your pet slowly to other pets. This can take days or weeks. The slower the better. If any one of the cats show aggression towards the other cat, separate them and try again at a later date. See acclimation tips here.

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• Consider pet insurance. It can make the difference between saving your pet versus putting your pet down.

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• Clip your cat’s nails whenever needed (sometimes as often as twice a week).

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• If you have not visited the Cat Education page, we encourage you to read through for additional tips and content related to a smooth adoption process, even if you have had cats before.

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