Adopting a New Cat

If you are considering adopting a new cat, a few guidelines can help you through the process of choosing, adopting, and helping your new cat to adjust to his new home. The needs of your family and current pets should also be considered to make the adjustment as smooth as possible.

~ Choose your new cat wisely

Consider the environment of your home when choosing a new pet. The goal is to choose a pet based on the pet's needs and personality rather than their looks so that you can increase the odds that your new cat will fit in.

If you live in a loud household, full of children and other pets, look for a cat that is known to get along with children and animals. If you are adopting from a shelter, often the staff will know the cats' temperaments and past living experiences. Interact with the cat before adopting him or her. You can often get a sense of the cat's personality right from the beginning.

Consider how much time you are willing to spend on pet care. Are you willing to spend time each day grooming a long haired cat? Do you have the resources and willingness to adopt a cat with medical or other special needs? If you do not have a lot of time and energy, consider adopting an adult cat rather than a kitten. As cute as young kittens are, they are full of energy and need constant attention to keep them safe and entertained. Adult cats are often calmer and more is known about their personalities and needs.

If you are not adopting from a shelter, research the breeder before purchasing. Although there are legitimate cat breeders out there, many cats that are purchased from pet stores or breeders may have health or behavioral problems related to poor breeding standards. No breeder or store should sell or adopt out kittens younger than 8-12 weeks. Kittens that are separated from their mothers before this time may have more behavioral issues.

~ Prepare your home

Before you bring your new cat home, make sure you have the supplies that you need. Set up a litter box, food, toys, and a comfortable spot in a room of your home. If possible, choose a room where the door can be shut or blocked so that your new cat will have a safe refuge from young children and pets.

If you have children, provide them with some ground rules about how to handle their new pet. Explain that the cat may be scared until he adjusts to his new environment and ask all family members to agree to give the cat some space. Teach young children about how to safely pet a cat without pulling or applying too much pressure.

~ Consider the health of your new cat

Cats coming from new environments could have been exposed to infection. For the safety of your cat and any current pets, consider arranging to take your cat to your veterinarian on the way home from picking up your cat. If that is not practical, try to schedule the visit within a week and keep your new cat separated from other pets until then. Usually, reputable shelters and rescue organizations will require this as part of the adoption contract.

~ Allow your new cat time to adjust

As much as everyone wants to play with the new cat, give him time alone in a room to settle in. Some cats may adjust quickly and be ready for playtime and cuddling within a couple hours. Others may hide under a couch or bed for days before cautiously approaching you. The speed of the cat's adjustment does not usually reflect his personality later. Don't be concerned if it takes your cat time to relax. Remember what a big change it is to be taken to a new place!

If there are other pets, keep them separated by a door or gate for now. The pets will begin to investigate the door and respond to the smells and noises. At first, it is common for cats to hiss and dogs to bark. Monitor their behavior until they seem calmer. Then consider supervised introductions with an adult present. Allow pets to interact, but be ready to separate them if either animal's behavior becomes aggressive. If you have multiple pets, introduce them one at a time to the new cat. Cats may take days, weeks, or months to fully adjust to other pets. Don't be discouraged if the initial meetings are negative. Most animals will adjust to each other with time and they may even become close companions.

Congratulations on your new cat! Welcoming a new cat into your family can be a big adjustment, but once you have selected a cat and helped him to adjust into his home, he or she will bring years of happiness and comfort to your home. Following the right steps at the beginning can make the adjustment quicker and easier for both humans and animals.

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