Before Adopting
Bringing home a new cat or kitten is a big deal for both you and your new feline friend but in different ways.
For you, you’re excited to be gaining a new family member! However, for the cat, the transition to a brand new home with new surroundings can cause some stress and anxiety.
Because of this, you should prepare your home beforehand if possible, so you can provide your new cat or kitten with all the space and essentials they need to adjust to their new home.
Time Commitment
It is crucial to understand that cats are a significant responsibility and commitment. When you adopt a cat, you commit to taking care of them for the rest of their lives, which can be 15-20 years for some felines.
It is essential that you evaluate your current lifestyle and the one you see for yourself in the upcoming years. Though you might currently have a conducive living situation for a cat, it is important to look at your immediate plans for the future. If you plan on moving soon, traveling more, or possibly even going back to school, then you may no longer be able to dedicate enough time to a cat.
On top of considering your time and money allowances, make sure that your current housing situation allows cats, that no one in your home has a cat allergy, and that any current pets will be open to having a new cat around.
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Introducing to Other Pets and Children
If introductions are done slowly and properly, this could potentially head off any future problematic behaviours. It can sometimes take cats months to adjust to a new friend so you may need to be patient!
A gradual approach tends to be best. At first, it might be best to keep the two separated for a period of time before giving them any time face to face. Even after they’ve been formally introduced, you may still want to keep one pet crated when you aren’t around to supervise their interactions. Share your love equally between all your pets and you’ll be one big happy family soon enough.
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If you have children, make sure they understand that their new family member is a living, feeling creature who likes to be treated gently.
Preparing Your Home
Cats like to jump and climb, so kitty-proof your vases and other wobbly breakables by stowing them where they can’t be knocked over. Not only will this keep your valuables safe, but it will keep them from falling on your floor. You should also secure wires, window cords, floor-length curtains and any other potential hazards that might entangle a leaping feline.
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Different cats will react differently to the experience: Some will be shy or scared, while others might jump right out of their carrier and into the action. Your new pet may even hide for a period of time until they feel more comfortable. Make sure to give them a safe space to hide in while they get acclimated to your home.
Put Away Hazardous Plants and Chemicals: Some common houseplants are harmful to cats. It is also best not to leave any chemicals, such as cleaning supplies, out on counters or tabletops where curious cats can get into them.
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Setting Up Your Kitty For Litter Box Success
Placement: Most people put their litter boxes in the basement or tucked away somewhere out of sight. However, when cats eliminate, they’re not only relieving themselves- they’re scent marking. Cats want to leave their scent somewhere socially significant to them. While we may not love the idea of having a litter box in the bedroom or living room, there are still plenty of options in main areas of the home where cats can have the litter box while not being in the center of the room.
Number: Another litter box rule is to have a minimum of one litter box per cat plus one. So, if you have one cat, you should have two boxes. If you have five cats, you should have at least six boxes. Cats are very clean animals and they prefer to have one litter box for feces and one for urine. So it’s especially important when you have multiple cats that you have multiple boxes so if one cat has to pee and their pee box is in use, they can use a backup.
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Cleanliness: Cats are tidy animals, we have to do our parts to accommodate that and scoop the box every day. Scooping the box at least once a day helps to keep your cat willing to use the box while also keeping your home smelling fresh. You’ll also want to clean the entire box once a month with dish soap and water. Cats are sensitive to harsh cleaning chemicals, so simple dish soap will do!
Litter: Cats aren’t only sensitive to harsh cleaning chemicals- they are also sensitive to certain scents. Cats can smell 14x better than humans, so they smell a lot more than we do! Their livers also don’t process essential oils as well as ours do, so it’s very important to practice caution with added scents. Unscented litter is the best way to go to assure your cat uses the litter box and is safe when doing so.
Essential Supplies
Scratching Posts: Scratching is a natural, instinctive behaviour for cats. They scratch for all kinds of reasons, including marking territory, grooming their claws and exercise. Having scratching posts in each room can be extremely helpful in reducing the likelihood of your cat or kitten scratching on your furniture.
Cat Toys: Along with scratching posts, making sure your new cat has toys to play with is very important. While your new cat may be timid at first, and therefore less playful, allowing them the option to play with toys and release some energy can be very helpful.
Beds: Why Stop at One? Cats sleep a whopping 16 to 18 hours a day. Consider placing cat beds in different rooms of your home.
Litter box: Make sure you have a litter box (plus a scoop and mat) waiting for your new cat. If you have multiple cats, give them each a litter box. As for those times when your cat mistakes the rug for a restroom — you’ll need stain & odour removers and a forgiving heart.
Playtime
For cats, playtime is more than just a fun activity—it is an important part of their overall well-being. To stay healthy and happy, cats need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
In general, you should play with your cat for two or three 10- to 15-minute play sessions a day, depending on their age and energy level. A few short bursts of playtime throughout the day are better than one long session of playtime. When play sessions last too long, cats lose interest.
Factors such as age, breed, and personality can influence a cat's playtime needs. Compared to adult cats, kittens have boundless energy and require more frequent and intense play sessions.
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A cat that receives enough playtime will be content and satisfied, and destructive behavior and signs of stress or anxiety will be less likely to occur.
Alternatively, cats that aren’t receiving enough playtime may display signs of boredom or frustration. They may become more vocal, groom excessively, or exhibit destructive behaviors. Your cat may need more playtime and mental stimulation if you notice any of these signs.