Bringing a Cat Home is Best as a Planned Event
While you can certainly bring a cat home without much thought, a little planning can make a big difference if it’s your first cat in the house. If bringing a cat home is a planned event rather than an impromptu rescue (or other random situation), then schedule an appointment with a veterinarian that aligns with bringing the kitty home.
Once your new feline friend has a clean bill of health, bring them home and get ready to shop if you don’t already have the essentials: cat collar, ID tags, food, food/water bowls, treats, toys, litter box/litter, scratchers, grooming supplies, and more.
If you’ve never had a cat, it’s hard to understand the trouble they can get into, but try to see things from their point of view. Electrical cords? They look tempting to chew! Human medications? They seem like a snack! Household chemicals? Aren’t you curious about what those taste like? Uncovered HVAC vents? It looks like an adventure awaits inside!
There are also many plants that are toxic to cats. Although the list isn’t complete, some common offenders include caladium, dumb cane, English ivy, lilies, mistletoe, oleander, and philodendron.
News Flash: Cats are climbers!
Imagine them climbing on everything around the house. Removing anything dangerous is great, but you also need to make sure you provide alternatives. Reserve some platforms, shelves, or cat trees for strategic locations and vantage points for your kitty to monitor their domain. One of the best options is a window-mounted kitty seat, as it allows them to enjoy the outdoors immensely.
New kittens may be confident, but adult cats often need time to adjust to the new, large humans, unfamiliar sounds, and smells that make up their new environment. Expect your new cat to find its own safe space in your home and try to respect that space. If you have multiple cats or pets, be aware of hot spots, which are highly contested areas in the house. If possible, place a climbing tower in the hot spot with multiple entry and exit points to prevent unfriendly encounters.
Sofa scratching is a common issue. Your cat does this to stake a claim on the space beside you and share its scents. Despite the good intentions, you don’t want your favorite couch to be ruined. Place a scratching post near the problem area and gently guide your cat there. They will probably understand after a few tries, especially if they like the scratching post. There are many options available, and you might need to try a few before finding one your cat can’t resist.
Remember that your cat may need some time to adjust to its new environment. Allow them to come to you instead of reaching out to pet them. This can be tough if they are especially adorable, but giving them the chance to make the first move helps ensure they feel comfortable in their new space.
And finally, take your time to introduce new treats, catnip, and toys. Cats can be picky. But keep trying, and they will find their groove.
