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Congratulations on deciding to adopt a new pet. We’ve put this "tutorial" together for folks who haven’t been “owned” by a cat before or haven’t in several years.

This is just a "‘primer" and we really support you in doing your own research in the library and on the Internet as well.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A Veterinarian: Ask your friends whom they like. Prices will range from vet to vet, but a personal recommendation is always best.

A Book on Cat Care: It's a good idea to have a reliable resource on hand should you have a question or sudden emergency.

Cat Carrier: A carrier is necessary for safe and comfortable trips to the vet. Buy one large enough if you have a kitten as kittens grow to full-size in a year. Inside the box, cut a piece of carpet or bath mat with a rubber backing that won’t slide and will give kitty something to grip onto during trips.

Litter Boxes: We recommend using a box large enough so your kitten can use it when it’s bigger as well. You may need to have a smaller box to start off with if your kitten can’t climb over the rim however. Cornell advises using 1 ½ boxes per cat OR three boxes per two cats. This will mean getting creative about space if you live in an apartment, but some cats like their own personal boxes. More on litter boxes in subsequent information.

YOUR PET’S ADJUSTMENT TIME: We recommend bringing your new pet home on a day where you know you’ll be able to spend lots of time with him. RESIST the temptation to let your new pet roam the house. Cats like cozy small places when being re-adjusted to a new place. There’s a lot to learn including new family members, other pets, as well as all the rooms. This animal may have had several foster settings before coming to your house, so take it slow. We suggest confinement to a small room with water; food and litter box all in one place for a few days. Hang out with your new friend in that one room, but be cognizant that cats will need to have their own “space” too. Cats sleep several hours a day, but like company. Within a few days you can allow it to explore more of the house. Best idea is to ask the foster home how they think the new kitten/cat will react with lots of room to explore.

ALLOWING SUNLIGHT IN: When you cat or kitten will be indoors, it’s VERY important to allow sunlight into the home. The sun is nurturing to all living beings. The absence of sun will cause fur to shed, scratching, and vitamin deficiencies. Also, animals can get depressed LIKE HUMANS without natural sunlight. Raise blinds, shades and open windows to let the fresh air in. Even if it’s a cold day, a bit of fresh air is good.

HOLDING AND LIFTING YOUR NEW CAT: Some animals are not too keen on being lifted from their position of the floor all the way up to your height. This can make certain animals feel insecure and they may fidget to get down or meow in fear. Don’t push it if you sense they’re upset. Put them down. Sometimes an adult cat has an unknown history that may include this particular fear. It’s best to start at their level on the floor. Then if they seem comfortable, bring them to your lap. Eventually the cat may enjoy being lifted, but forcing the issue will not make the animal bond with you.

MY SLOGAN: ALWAYS GO AT THE ANIMAL’S PACE & REMEMBER TO LET IT HAVE ITS SPACE.

CAT FURNITURE: Young cats love kitty condos and cat trees. These pieces are helpful when needing an appropriate place to scratch. *See more under declawing. I notice my older cats are happy with their window perch or hanging out on the couch or bed.

CAT TOYS: Mature cats may not be into chasing balls or string but get a kick out of a toy called the “cat dancer” which is a feather attached to a wire handle. Kittens are easy to appease and will be happy chasing a dust ball. There are track toys with that have balls that roll along a track and a scratching area to exercise nails on in the center. My adult cats enjoy watching the ball go round and round. There are toys that attach to a door and cheap ping-pong balls are always a favorite. A WORD OF CAUTION: Be extra careful with leaving yarn and other types of string around little kittens when you’re not home to supervise. They can get caught, panic and choke themselves. They have also been known to swallow string which can cause great harm.

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