Getting ready for your new cat

How exciting – you have chosen a new addition to your family! When bringing any new pet into your home being prepared is so important.

Cats are particularly sensitive to change and any new surroundings.

The first few hours in a new home can affect how they’ll adapt to their new life. Some may hide under a bed or in a wardrobe for days or even weeks, so it is essential to get your home set up to give them the best start.

Remember not to rush your new cat/s prepare to be patient and don’t pressurise them into doing things they may not yet be ready for.

To create a safe and successful home for a new cat you have to get into the mind of a cat to understand what they need.

A cat’s world is all about scent and having enough of their own resources such as food, water, litter trays and a safe place to hide and sleep.

You can avoid problems with your new cat and help him or her adapt more easily by following the simple guidelines in this leaflet.

We will cover:

What you will need for your new cat

How to set up your home ready for your new cat

What to do when you bring your new cat home

Cat food, bowls and water bowl

Check what your new cat eats and purchase the same food as you will need to continue the same diet for the first few weeks at least. You will also need food and water bowls.

A secure cat carrier - essential for trips to the vet or cattery and of course for bringing your new cat home.

There are lots of different designs but the most important thing is to choose one that is secure and is easy to get the cat in and out of.

Cats don’t like deep bowls with sides that touch their whiskers. A flat, shallow and wide dish or even a plate is best. They also prefer to have their water bowl far away from their food, so avoid the double style bowls.

A few litter trays and litter If you are adopting more than one cat you will need one litter tray per cat plus one extra. You will also need to purchase the same cat litter that your new cat/kitten currently uses to help with toilet training. The trays need to be large enough for the cat to turn around in and have a good dig around.

The litter needs to be 2 3” deep.

1. Here are a few things that you will need to purchase for your new cat.

Some cats like covered litter trays so it is important to find out what your new cat or kitten likes to use.

A cat scratcher or cat tree a cat will instinctively sharpen its claws and mark its territory by scratching. Most cats will do this outside but may do it inside as well.

A scratch post will give your cat a place to do this, which is not your furniture! Cat Nip, a natural herb cats love, can help persuade your cat to use a scratcher.

Cats love to observe their surrounds from height so cat trees are a great

resource for cats and they absolutely love them. The bigger and higher the better!

The scratcher should be tall enough for the cat to fully stretch and solid so it doesn't tip over. You can purchase some great ones that can be mounted on a wall or banister, therefore take up less floor space.

Cardboard scratchers are also loved by cats.

A cat flap allows the cat free access to the outdoors without you having to leave a door or window open, so the house is still secure. He then doesn’t have to live outdoors in extreme weather conditions until he is let in.

There are now a wide range of cat flaps available.

Simple cat flaps that are also lockable in or out, cat flaps that are locked until opened by a magnet or an electronic key on the cat’s collar, and cat flaps that are triggered by the cat’s microchip.

In areas where there is a high population of cats we recommend a microchip cat flap to stop unkown cats from coming into the house, causing a huge amount of behavioural problems such as stress and house soiling.

Although you should purchase one, don’t install it until you are ready to let your cat outside after 3 4 weeks.

A cosy cat bed and safe places to hide – It is not just the shape, size or fabric of a bed that matters, it can often be simply the position of the bed that will either attract or deter a cat from using it.

Cats feel safer higher up so they can see what’s happening below.

There are many things that can cause a cat to feel anxious or fearful: fireworks, building work in the house, unfamiliar visitors, or conflict with other cats.

A hiding place can be something as simple as a cardboard box on its side, or upside down, with large holes for access. Or you could purchase an igloo style cat bed.

Cat “feng shui” requires that cats should be able to see the door to the room from their hidey hole, so they won’t be startled.

Toys cats love to play and anything from a scrap of scrunched up paper to a cat activity centre. It is a great way to interact with your cat and also gives them an outlet to express their hunting and chasing instincts.

2. Getting your home ready for your new cat

If you have not had a cat or kitten in the house before (or it is a long time since you last had one) then perhaps a quick safety audit of the house to highlight areas of danger is a good idea. Here are a few things to look out for.

Precious breakable items such as ornaments Look at your house with a curious cat’s eye view for its climbing and exploring potential. When your cat is acclimatised to your home, you may be surprised to find them on top of the upper kitchen cabinets.

Make sure there’s nothing on display there or on other high shelves that can be damaged or knocked off.

Plants and cut flowers kittens can nibble these out of curiosity and indoor cats may chew them because they do not have access to grass etc. outdoors.

There are many plants that are poisonous to cats – especially Lilies, so do some research on what plants are not safe to be in the house.

Fire places, small holes

or chimneys are dark and attractive to inquisitive kittens or fearful cats (to hide in).

These will need to be blocked up or covered until your new cat has acclimatized to their new home and is no longer fearful.

You can also purchase some covers that go over the top of hot cooker rings in case your new cat decides to jump up and burn himself.

Hot hobs – especially those which are smooth and just look like an extension of the worktop. Keep cats and kittens off worktops for safety as well has hygiene reasons.

Cleaners, bleaches, disinfectants, laundry capsules and concentrated liquids etc. can coat a cat’s paw, which will in turn be ingested by your cat when they groom themselves. Some cats can also chew items so keep all liquids and capsules away in safe containers.

Wires may prove exciting

because they move when the kitten prods them with a paw. They may then chew them.

Some cats seem to be attracted to chewing wires, which is rather a dangerous pastime, so they may need to be covered or put in covers temporarily or permanently.

Gardens/yards

Look for anything sharp or dangerous that an inquisitive cat or kitten may be attracted to jump on or in.

Check what plants are poisonous to cats. All parts of a lily plant are poisonous to cats and it is very common for them to walk past a lily and get the pollen on their fur. This can be fatal for cats so it is important to remove these plants in particular!

Balconies and windows in high rise flats present a great danger for cats. There are some great products that cover your windows and balconies but still let air through. Look on the internet for different companies that supply these items in your local area.

One more thing to check if you have a pond is to make sure that if a cat was to fall in it, there are steps inside under the water for the cat to find and get themselves out! If your pond has a net cover make sure the net holes are small enough so cats and other wildlife won’t get their legs caught.

Cats are very sensitive to change as well as territorial.

Coming into a new home leaves them feeling really uneasy.

There is so much unexplored open space, and who knows what may lurk there. Set them up with their very own quiet safe room for the first few days or weeks. This is especially important if you have other pets in your home already.

In this room you will need:

Food and water bowls (set them out away from the litter trays). The water bowl must also be kept away from the food bowl.

Litter trays set them out in different areas.

A cosy bed and safe places to hide up high or under furniture.

Scratching post

Toys

Most importantly somewhere comfortable for you to sit as you will want to spend some time getting to know your new cat.

3. Now you have checked your home and garden it is time to set up a ‘safe room’ for your new cat.

Bringing your new cat home

To avoid added stress, bring your cat home when the house is going to be quiet. Being territorial and a creature of habit, a cat becomes very attached to their familiar environment and they find travelling very stressful.

To help your cat stay calm during journeys, use a strong, secure and easily cleanable carrier, with a blanket and towel inside to soak up any urine in case they mess themselves (very common). You should also cover the carrier with another light blanket.

The first Day How your new cat reacts to being in a strange environment among strange people will depend entirely on their character. Some cats find adapting to a new home very stressful and traumatic where others are not fazed by it all.

When you get home, place the cat in your ‘safe room’ and open the cat carrier. Wait for them to come out of the carrier on their own don’t force them out.

Leave the cat to explore the safe room on their own. The cat should stay in the safe room for at least the first 2 3 days (longer if the cat is nervous).

If there are other human family members living in your home, go over the ground rules about your new pet. Remind them not to startle the cat and to keep the door to the room shut to start with.

Keep small children and other animals out of the safe room to start with. Use this time to bond with your cat - try sitting on the floor and letting your cat come to you.

Your cat may rub against you; this means they are ‘scent marking’ you which help’s to build trust. If he doesn’t approach, leave him alone and try again later.

Even the friendliest cats will defend themselves if they are pushed or pulled too much so make sure they understand he is not a toy.

Your newly adopted cat may not eat much or at all at first. It’s best to give him the same food he had in his previous home or rescue centre.

Keeping some things familiar will make him feel more secure.

Meeting the rest of the family

Once your cat seems comfortable with you, introduce him to other family members one by one.

Children are likely to be excited about the new arrival, but try and keep them calm.

We all remember our first pet and teaching your children to respect, love and help care for a cat will help them to become responsible and caring adults.

They will love to get involved with taking care of your cat too, so let them help with feeding, grooming and playing and you will have happy children and a happy cat!

Cats and children can get a lot from one another as long as time is taken to ensure they are comfortable together. It is best not to force the two together; it could make the cat nervous of being around the children and the children fearful of the cat. Instead try a gradual introduction programme over a week or two.

Ask the children to sit down quietly and stay calm throughout the introduction. When the cat approaches the children, ask them to put their hand out and let him sniff them.

The following weeks

It may take your cat a week or two to adjust, so be patient and your hard work will pay off.

As your cat adjusts, they will show signs that they want to explore outside the room.

Letting your cat explore If you have no other pets

If the cat is comfortable, the children can gently stroke him around the cheeks and under the chin. Cats generally don’t like their bodies being touched especially their tummies! If the cat moves away or hides, stop the introduction and try again later.

Gradually build up the time spent together. They can hand feed the cat a treat and play games, as long as they don’t get too excited or noisy. If they do, stop the play session.

Kittens are particularly delicate and, just like babies, need lots of sleep. Make sure your kitten is handled carefully and gets plenty of time to rest.

When the house is quiet open the door to the safe room. Let your cat come out when ready.

Leave the door open so he can quickly run back in, if startled.

If you have other pets please read our leaflet on how to introduce new cats to existing cats or dogs, before proceeding any further.

Make sure other family members won’t startle the cat while he gradually expands his territory.

Your cat may be ready to play, so you can provide some new toys. Many cats like feather wands, but homemade toys are often favoured.

Letting your cat outside after 3-4 weeks

If your cat is older than 6 months it is time to be brave and let your cat outside for the first time!

Kittens younger than this will not have the size and strength to stand up to other cats they will encounter so may get injured. They will also not have developed the life skills needed for ‘road sense’.

Before you let your cat out ensure he is up to date with his vaccinations and has been neutered and microchipped.

Let your cat out before food, as a hungry cat is more likely to come home.

Use treats to call your cat to you and reward him when he comes back to you no matter how long it takes.

You can train cats to come home by rustling a biscuit container or tapping the tin can and calling their name.

Cats are very clever and quickly learn the sound of your voice and familiar sounds of the home.

It is a good idea to let your neighbours know you have a new cat so when they see him in their gardens they won’t be alarmed thinking a stray cat has turned up and take it to a rescue centre.

Sadly this happens a lot and owners wrongly assume their cat is lost or has been run over and don’t look for them.

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New Cat Checklist

Now that your cat has settled in, do not forget to:

Register your new cat with a local vet.

Get pet insurance - it will cover any unexpected veterinary bills if they occur.

Get identification for your cat microchipping is the best form. This can be done at a vets or Gables. If you have a cat from us it will already be microchipped, just remember to keep your details up to date.

If you want to use a cat collar make sure you use a safety collar with a snap buckle as your cat can get into some difficult and dangerous situations. Luminous or reflective collars make it easy for your cat to be spotted at night by vehicles.

Vaccinate your cat your vet can advise on the vaccinations your cat will need. If you have a cat from Gables she will already be vaccinated or you may be given a log number to have the second part of the vaccination at our vets. You will need to get the vaccination boosted annually.

Regularly treat your cat for fleas and worms - the most effective treatments come from your vet and can come in pill, powder, spray or spot on forms.

Get your new cat neutered if you are having a cat from Gables, this will already be done.

For further information on cat care please see our ‘caring for your cat’ leaflet. Good luck with your new arrival and remember that we are here to help so please contact us if you experience any problems or have any concerns.