Resources
Here is a list of resources you may find helpful:
- The Paw Project guide against declawing
- Why spay/neuter is important
- Why cat microchipping is important
- Adopting a new cat guide (PDF below)
| newcatguide.pdf |
Bringing Home a New Kitty
How exciting! You’ve decided to add a new feline to your family. Here is a guide to help your kitty transition seamlessly from the shelter to home, sweet home.
NEW KITTY CHECKLIST
Even before you bring your new furbaby home, you’ll want to make sure your space is prepared to make that fuzzy feline happy and healthy. Are you ready?
CREATING THE PERFECT CAT HOME
Take it slow: While you’ll be excited to introduce your new furry friend to your friends and neighbors, it’s best to give kitty some quiet time to adjust to new surroundings. A new cat may take a few weeks to get comfortable with a new home and new schedule.
Keep it simple: For the first week or two, keep your cat’s diet similar to what he or she received at the shelter. If you want to change to a different brand or flavor, do it slowly over a period of weeks, mixing the old food with the new.
Stage the loo: Set up the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area that the cat can always access. Be sure to fill the litter box with 3-4 inches of litter. Cats need a clean environment and are very fussy about cleanliness, so be sure to clean out solids once a day and clean the rest of the litter according to the package instructions.
Kitty-proof the house: Before letting your feline friend loose in the house, be sure to put away any potentially harmful things like cleaning products, medication and any poisonous household items or plants.
Take kitty to the vet: Bring your new cat to a caring vet for a wellness exam within one week of adoption. Cats typically should be seen by vets annually in order to keep up with vaccine and other preventative care.
Keep kitty safe: It may be tempting to let your cat outside to explore, but the great outdoors can be dangerous. Not only can cats get injured by other animals or vehicles, but they can bring back viruses or other diseases that may affect your family or other pets. If you want to give your cats some fresh air, try cat perches, screened-in porches, pet strollers – even walking your cat with a harness/leash!
LITTER BOX BASICS
Privacy please: Cats like to have their privacy as much as humans. Place the litter box in a quiet, accessible location that’s easy to clean, like a bathroom. In a multilevel home, it’s recommended that you put a litter box on each level.
Set the stage: Cats can be finicky about their litter box surroundings, and may reject litter that isn’t clean (wouldn’t you?). Place the litter box on a carpet remnant or litter mat. Some cats prefer the privacy of a closed box (and it can promote less tracking), while others prefer the fancy-free openness of a basic box.
A box for every cat: Got more than one cat? Make sure each has his/her own litter box. Many people say it’s a great idea to even have an extra box. For example, for two cats, have three boxes.
Where's my box?: Avoid moving the litter box once your cat has acclimated to its new environment. Your cat will become understandably confused. If you must move it, scoot it over about a foot per day.
Keep it clean: Remember to scoop out solids once a day and follow the cat litter package instructions on regular cleaning.
NEW KITTY CHECKLIST
Even before you bring your new furbaby home, you’ll want to make sure your space is prepared to make that fuzzy feline happy and healthy. Are you ready?
- Litter box
- Litter
- Litter scooper
- Cat carrier
- Small nail clipper
- Delicious and healthy cat/kitten food
- Glass, ceramic or stainless food and water bowls
- Fun and fascinating toys
- Brush and/or comb
- Scratching post and/or cat condo
- Fluffy cat bed
CREATING THE PERFECT CAT HOME
Take it slow: While you’ll be excited to introduce your new furry friend to your friends and neighbors, it’s best to give kitty some quiet time to adjust to new surroundings. A new cat may take a few weeks to get comfortable with a new home and new schedule.
Keep it simple: For the first week or two, keep your cat’s diet similar to what he or she received at the shelter. If you want to change to a different brand or flavor, do it slowly over a period of weeks, mixing the old food with the new.
Stage the loo: Set up the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area that the cat can always access. Be sure to fill the litter box with 3-4 inches of litter. Cats need a clean environment and are very fussy about cleanliness, so be sure to clean out solids once a day and clean the rest of the litter according to the package instructions.
Kitty-proof the house: Before letting your feline friend loose in the house, be sure to put away any potentially harmful things like cleaning products, medication and any poisonous household items or plants.
Take kitty to the vet: Bring your new cat to a caring vet for a wellness exam within one week of adoption. Cats typically should be seen by vets annually in order to keep up with vaccine and other preventative care.
Keep kitty safe: It may be tempting to let your cat outside to explore, but the great outdoors can be dangerous. Not only can cats get injured by other animals or vehicles, but they can bring back viruses or other diseases that may affect your family or other pets. If you want to give your cats some fresh air, try cat perches, screened-in porches, pet strollers – even walking your cat with a harness/leash!
LITTER BOX BASICS
Privacy please: Cats like to have their privacy as much as humans. Place the litter box in a quiet, accessible location that’s easy to clean, like a bathroom. In a multilevel home, it’s recommended that you put a litter box on each level.
Set the stage: Cats can be finicky about their litter box surroundings, and may reject litter that isn’t clean (wouldn’t you?). Place the litter box on a carpet remnant or litter mat. Some cats prefer the privacy of a closed box (and it can promote less tracking), while others prefer the fancy-free openness of a basic box.
A box for every cat: Got more than one cat? Make sure each has his/her own litter box. Many people say it’s a great idea to even have an extra box. For example, for two cats, have three boxes.
Where's my box?: Avoid moving the litter box once your cat has acclimated to its new environment. Your cat will become understandably confused. If you must move it, scoot it over about a foot per day.
Keep it clean: Remember to scoop out solids once a day and follow the cat litter package instructions on regular cleaning.