If you have been considering sharing your home with a new furry friend, consider welcoming a cat to your family; June is adopt-a-cat month.
Here are some supplies you will need to make your new feline companion’s transition to your home a smooth one!
- Food and water dishes: stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best as some cats may have reactions to plastic bowls.
- Identification: Even if you plan to keep your pet indoors there’s always a chance your cat could accidentally find itself outside. To help prevent your cat from getting lost, you can have them wear a collar with an ID tag, or consider getting your pet micro-chipped at the local animal shelter. (For more information visit: everettwa.gov/192/Licenses-Microchips).
- Guide book: There are many books on cats and how to care for them. Having a quick reference book on hand to answer your questions and concerns in the first few days is priceless!
- Grooming tools: Cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, but depending on your cat’s hair length having the proper brush could come in handy.
- Litter accessories: A new litter box is an absolute necessity for a new cat. It’s a good idea to keep the litter box in a clean, quiet, comfortable place to ensure your feline friend makes use of the appropriate potty area.
- Transportation: It’s best to invest in a proper carrier as soon as possible since you will need to transport your cat home as well as to the vet for a wellness check right away.
- Scratching post: Cats have a natural instinct to scratch. They do so for various reasons: to remove dead nails, mark their territory and to stretch. To ensure the longevity of your furniture and home décor, it is wise to invest in a scratching post.
After you’ve adopted your new cat, keep in mind, it may take a couple of weeks for him/her to adjust. Be patient. Here are some tips on making the first few days in a new home less scary for your feline friend!
- Since cats are territorial, coming into a new home can make them uneasy. It will benefit your cat to offer a small area to call his/her own for the first few days or weeks—a bathroom or laundry room are good options. Provide everything your cat will need in this space (food, water, litter box, etc.).
- Set up the food and water dishes away from the litter box.
- Provide a safe haven for your cat such as a cat carrier or covered cat bed. Ensure that the space is large enough for the cat to stand up and turn around in. Your cat will probably prefer that this area faces the door so he/she won’t be startled when someone comes in.
- Sit on the floor and let the cat come to you. Don’t force things and let the cat get acquainted on his/her own time. If he/she doesn’t approach, try again later. At first, your cat may only emerge from his/her cat carrier or bed at night when the home is quiet. Just be patient.
- Initially, your new cat may not eat much. It’s best to offer the same food your cat was receiving at the shelter or foster home, at first. Familiar things will help make your cat feel more secure.
- Within the first week of bringing your cat home, take him/her for a wellness visit with a veterinarian. If you have them, bring along records of immunizations your cat received at the shelter.
- As your cat adjusts to your home, he/she will show signs of wanting to explore outside the safe haven area. Be sure other pets and family members won’t startle the cat as he/she explores. Your cat might be ready to play at this point. Many cats enjoy feather toys, but even a paper bag to hide in can be fun.
Your life is about to change for you and your new cat. With some preparation you can make the transition smooth and start your companionship on the right foot!
Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter. Plan a visit, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check out all of our adoptable pets. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel.
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