Bringing Your New Adult Cat Home

by Site Administrator

What do I need to do to make my home cat-proof?

Make sure potentially dangerous items are out of the way, like electrical cords, rubber bands, hair ties, linear objects (strings, ribbons, etc), blind cords, medications, plants, cleaning supplies or household chemicals, potpourri, and anything small enough that you wouldn’t want a toddler to have access to. Make sure areas under recliners, behind fridges/ovens, your window screens, and your laundry areas are fully secure, as all of these can pose serious hazards to your cat

Where should I keep my cat when I first bring him home?

Adult cats need time to adjust to a new environment. Restrict the cat to one room of the house at first, with the food, water, litter box, treats, bedding, and toys all inside. If your cat seems very anxious, you can use special "calming" products.

Feliway: This product is a synthetic analog of feline facial pheromones available in plug- in diffusers and sprays that helps to calm the anxious cat. You can plug the diffuser in to affect a whole room or use the spray on local areas like bedding.
Pet Naturals Calming treats for cats: Treats can be offered during any potentially fearful event.

If I already have animals, how can they get used to each other?

Start with the door closed, gradually working up to opening it a crack. Use a towel or an article of your clothing to transfer scents from pet to pet and feed treats on opposite sides of the door or a baby gate. Use calming products all over the house to help keep everyone calm, and don’t push the introductions if they’re hissing or seem scared, although limited hissing and growling is not abnormal.

Feliway: This product is a synthetic analog of feline facial pheromones available in plug- in diffusers and sprays that helps to calm the anxious cat. You can plug the diffuser in to affect a whole room or use the spray on local areas like bedding.

When should my new cat meet my other pets?

Keep all other pets in the house away until the newcomer is comfortable in his/her "safe" room. Provide as much human interaction as possible!

When all cats appear to be relaxed and are no longer hissing, you can gradually allow them to explore the rest of the house, use other litter boxes and meet other pets, under your direct supervision, until all residents are content with each other.

Vetri Science Composure Feline Chews: Treats will encourage cats to be more social with each other. Have a "treat party" when the cats encounter each other, turning a potentially negative situation into a positive one.
NaturVet Quiet Moments: Treats will encourage cats to be more social with each other. Have a "treat party" when the cats encounter each other, turning a potentially negative situation into a positive one.

When can I move the litter box out of the "safe" room, if that isn't where I want it to be permanently?

Put a second box for your new cat where you want it to be long term. As soon as the cat is comfortable walking around the house and using the second box, the first one can be moved to a more desirable location.

Precious Cat Ultra Litter Attractant: An herbal scent will help him find the litter box, and want to use it
Natures Miracle Calming Spray can be sprayed around the litter box areas: Helps cats remain calm in tense situations

When can I move the food and water?

As soon as your cat is comfortably exploring your home, it’s safe to move the food to another location, as long as it’s free from loud noises and heavy traffic that could startle your cat. If you have multiple cats, once they’re living comfortably together, you can move your new cat’s food to the same room as the other cats. They may require more than one feeding station to discourage competition for resources.

Should I allow my cat to go outside?

Cats who go outdoors unprotected can be injured by cars, exposed to toxins, get lost, and attacked by predators or other cats. In addition, these cats are more likely to be infected with deadly viruses, intestinal worms, heartworms, fleas, bacteria and fungus. Keep your cat safe on a securely screened-in patio or porch, where he can enjoy the outdoors in safety.

PetSafe Small 2- Way Locking Cat Door: If your cat must go outside, provide her with a small door so she can get in quickly if she feels threatened, and always lock her in at night for safety

Will my indoor cat require a collar?

Yes, Any cat can accidentally slip outside.