Congratulations! We are so happy you chose to adopt your new cat. Cats can take much longer to adjust to their new surroundings than a dog – that’s why we came up with a list of great resources to help you know what to expect and how to help your cat feel at home.
- Give them their space
- Your new cat or kitten may find a quiet hiding space for a few days – maybe even a few weeks before they feel comfortable enough to socialize with your family. To help them transition you should create a space just for them and keep them secluded for the first week or so. Make sure to have a litter box or two in a quiet room closed off from the rest of the house and family. Provide food and fresh water, toys and tasty treats. The calming pheromone Feliway is a great way to help them feel relaxed and adjust quicker.
- For more great resources on how to welcome your newly adopted cat into your home click HERE.
- Don’t forget playtime
- Cats need to exercise their body and their brain! Provide lots of toys and brain buster treats. An easy one is to stuff a few cat treats in a toilet paper roll and let them bat it around until they get the treats.
- Take it slow with other pets
- Even if your new cat or kitten shared a room with other cats here at the shelter – that doesn’t mean they’re going to love your cat right away. Keep them in separate rooms so they can smell each other under the door. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one litter box for each cat in the home and a litter box on each floor of your home. Think of it has each cat having its own personal space to do their business. This can help prevent accidents on the floor! The calming pheromone Feliway can also help ease your feline family members!
- Enrichment
- Cats are extremely intelligent and need to stimulate their brains! Providing enrichment can help prevent destructive behavior and strengthen your bond. Click HERE to check out easy ways you can help your cat beat boredom!
If you have any questions about your newly adopted cat, you can contact the adoption center and speak to a staff member at 260-427-5502 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
