Adopting a Cat: Building a Happy Cat Family in Your Home

129

Deciding to add a feline friend to your family is such an exciting step! When you adopt a cat, you’re not only saving a life but also gaining a loving companion. Cats make wonderfully amusing, affectionate pets. With some preparation and patience, you can create a warm, welcoming home where your new cat will thrive as part of your Cat Family. This guide covers everything you need to know to help your adopted cat feel right at home and become a happy part of your Cat Family.

Why Adopt a Cat to Join Your Cat Family?

There are so many great reasons to open your home to a cat in need and expand your Cat Family. Here are some of the best benefits of adopting a cat:

• Save a life – Sadly, millions of cats end up in animal shelters each year through no fault of their own. Many never find a permanent home. When you adopt from a shelter, you’re literally saving that cat from euthanasia. You’re giving them a second chance at the happy life they deserve.
• Give a cat in need a loving home – In addition to homeless cats in shelters, there are stray and feral cats struggling to survive outdoors. Others may be surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. Adoption takes a cat out of a bad situation and brings them into a caring home.
• Discover their unique personality – Every cat is one-of-a-kind. They each have their own endearing quirks, habits, likes, dislikes, and ways of showing affection as they join your Cat Family. It’s so exciting getting to know your new cat companion and discovering all their unique personality traits. No two are ever alike!
• Lower maintenance than dogs – Cats are quite independent and usually don’t require the hands-on time and care dogs do. Many are litter box trained, self-grooming, and entertain themselves well. Cats are a lower maintenance option for busy owners.
• Companionship and entertainment – Cats make wonderfully entertaining friends. They’ll happily greet you at the door, cuddle up on movie nights, bat toys around, chase laser pointers, perform silly antics, and fill your days with laughter.
• Natural hunters and pest control – Many cats have strong hunting instincts. They can help control mice, rats, and other household pests. Their lightning-fast reflexes and stealthy moves make them nature’s perfect little hunters.
• Support animal welfare efforts – Adopting a cat helps reduce the strain on animal shelters. It also creates more space for other homeless pets waiting for forever homes.

Preparing Your Home for a New Cat

Cats are naturally curious creatures. Before bringing your adopted cat home, take some time to thoroughly cat-proof your living space. This ensures there are no dangers or hazards that could put your new furry friend in harm’s way. Follow these tips to get your home ready:

• Remove choking and poisoning hazards – Make sure there are no small objects, toxic houseplants, chemicals, medications, or other concerning items accessible. Cats explore with their mouths and have ended up consuming items that make them very sick. Do a thorough sweep and remove anything your cat could get into.
• Secure screens on windows and doors – Check that all your screens are sturdy and securely installed. Cats love to perch up high and survey their territory. You don’t want your adventurous feline climbing out onto the roof!
• Set up vertical climbing spaces – Make sure your home has a cat tree, shelves, wall ledges, or other areas for your cat to climb up high. Doing so allows them to satisfy their natural urge to climb.
• Hide wires and cords – Protect your cat from electrocution hazards by concealing any exposed electrical wires. Cats may try chewing on them. Tuck them out of sight or cover them with cord protectors.
• Design designated cat zones – Set up spaces like a cat bed area, feeding station, litter box corners, scratching posts, and stocked toy baskets. This helps your new cat feel right at home.
• Get pet-proofing supplies – Stock up on items like cord covers, baby gates, pet-safe cleaners, scratching pads, and pet odor neutralizers. These come in handy for cat-proofing during the transition.

Choosing the Purrfect Cat for Your Family

When adopting a cat, take time to consider what type of cat would be the best fit for your lifestyle and household. Here are some Important points to think about:

• Age – Kittens (under 1 year) are extremely lively, playful, mischievous, and require a lot of hands-on time, training, exercise, and patience. Adult cats (1-7 years) are often calmer and need less intensive care. Senior cats (8+ years) are usually mellow couch potatoes perfect for quieter households.
• Energy level – Observe cats’ activity levels when meeting them. Low-key cats are happier lounging around the house. High-energy cats thrive when they get lots of playtime, interaction, and environmental enrichment.
• Health history – Ask about any medical issues, especially for senior cat adoptions. Be prepared to provide extra care such as medications, diet, or supervision if adopting a cat with special needs.
• Personality – Look for an affectionate, social cat that seems interested in interacting with you and fits your home’s noise level and activity. Shy cats need very patient owners willing to work on socialization.
• Grooming needs – Some cats shed constantly and require much more frequent brushing. Make sure you can keep up with the coat care of longer-haired cat breeds.
• Introducing them slowly – Set up a safe room with food, bedding, water, a litter box, a scratcher, and toys where your new cat can settle in gradually. After a few weeks, slowly allow them to explore more areas while you’re home to supervise. Avoid overwhelming them.
• Establish a routine – Feed, play with, scoop litter, and interact with your new cat at predictable times each day. Cats feel more secure with a consistent daily routine they can rely on as they adjust to their new home.

Bringing Your Adopted Cat Home

The day you get to bring your adopted cat home is so exciting! Make sure you’re prepared to help them comfortably ease into their new home:

• Transport them safely – Always use a secure cat carrier in the car and don’t let them roam loose. This keeps them safe and prevents escape.
• Set up a safe room – Initially confine your cat to a single room with food, water, a litter box, a bed, a scratcher, and toys. This allows them to adjust without being overwhelmed.
• Give them time to settle in – Spend time quietly sitting with your new cat in their safe room. Let them approach you instead of forcing interaction. Moving to a new home is very stressful for cats and they need time to decompress.
• Establish a schedule – Start getting your cat on a routine right away. Feed, scoop litter, play, and interact on a regular schedule. Cats take comfort in predictability.
• Cat-proof as you expand their space – Once your cat is comfortable in their safe room, slowly give them access to more areas under supervision. Make sure each new area is fully cat-proofed and safe as you expand their territory.
• Limit introductions to other pets – If you have resident pets, go very slowly when introducing them to the new cat, keeping interactions brief and positive. This could take weeks or months.
• Celebrate small successes – Remember this is a big transition. Celebrate and reward any positive adjustments, no matter how small. With time and patience, your cat will settle into their new forever home.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Cat Owners

Q: How long will it likely take for a cat to feel comfortable in a different house?

A: Expect your newly adopted cat to take 2-3 weeks minimum to adjust to their new home, especially if coming from a shelter. Some may take 2-3 months to fully settle in. Proceed patiently, without rushing them, and provide plenty of time for them to settle in completely at their own pace.

Q: What are the essential supplies I need for my new cat?

A: You’ll want to have food and water bowls, nutritious cat food, litter boxes, cat litter, scratching posts, interactive cat toys, a comfy cat bed, a cat brush, nail clippers, and a cat carrier.

Q: What’s the best way to cat-proof my home before I adopt?

A: Walk through your home room-by-room and remove any hazards – toxic plants, chemicals, medications, small objects, loose wires, etc. Check for any access points where a cat could sneak outside. Install cord covers and secure screens.

Q: How should I introduce a newly adopted cat to my other pets?

A: Go very slowly over multiple weeks or months. Keep them separated at first, then do short positive interactions with treats and praise. Never force them together. Swap bedding so they get used to each other’s scents. Be patient and let them adjust on their own timeline.

Q: What are some good ways to help my adopted cat feel comfortable and at home?

A: Give them their own safe spaces and hiding spots. Keep household noise and activity low. Follow a predictable routine each day. Spend time quietly sitting with them. Encourage play and offer treats and affection as they seek it. Building trust takes time. Let them approach interactions on their terms.