Most cat parents would agree that adopting a cat is not for the fainthearted because cats usually have a personality that’s quite unlike any other domesticated pet. Also, cats tend to be quite fussy if their living arrangements aren’t up to scratch. That’s why it pays to be as prepared as possible to ensure that your feline companion settles in as quickly as possible.
There’s only really one way in which to do this, and that is to make sure that your feline companion is well taken care of from the get-go.
Make Her Feel like She is at Home
Photo by Thirdman
When adopting a cat for the first time, you are going to have to try to make her feel at home as soon as possible. Now, this may be easier said than done, especially if she’s had a traumatic past and doesn’t trust easily. So, give her the space she needs to adjust while still showering her with loads of love and affection, her favorite cat treats, a toy, and a cat cave; this should make it easier for her to come around in no time at all.
Visit the Vet
Visiting the vet regularly should be done from the start to ensure your cat is in the best condition health-wise before she comes home with you. A routine check-up should do the trick to ensure she has all her required vaccinations, especially if you’re adopting a cat.
Keep track of your new cat’s important documents (like medical records, vaccinations, and proof of license) in a digital filing system. That way, you won’t lose or misplace them. With a free tool to merge PDF files you can keep things even more organized. Simply follow these steps to combine her files for safekeeping: drop, arrange, and merge!
Ensure the Safety of Her Surroundings
Photo by cottonbro studio
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that your home is cat-proof for curious or mischievous personalities. You you want to ensure that there are no toxic materials lying around that he may want to investigate as well as remove any wires and chords that may pique his interest too.
Decide on the Best Litter
Investing in lots and lots of cat litter is non-negotiable when it comes to making sure your cat is comfortable with the bathroom situation at home. You might want to also consider purchasing a variety of brands so that he can show you which ones he prefers the best.
Make Home Environment Interesting and Stimulating
Cats are known for their intelligence, which is why run-of-the-mill entertainment generally won’t do. However, this doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. There are many ways to keep your cat entertained for hours just by being creative with household items that you probably already have in your home.
Decorate with Cat Scratchers
Cat scratchers are a must-have, especially if you don’t want your sofas to be damaged unnecessarily. Many cat scratchers are highly therapeutic for cats too.
Spend Quality Time with Him
Photo by Sam Lion
Make sure to spend quality time with him as much as you can in the beginning so that you can start building a strong bond with him. Your cat may pick up on any stresses and tension from a long hard day at work. Keep in mind that this can affect him negatively and he might start behaving aggressively or becoming more reclusive. If you are adopting a cat this is especially important.
If you can’t be with him as often consider enlisting the help of a friend to keep him company as you try to make spending time with him a priority.
Create a Welcoming Environment
Welcoming a new cat home, especially if you’ve adopted one, is not always an easy process. There will be some adjustments and a learning curve but you can make sure that she has the happy ending she deserves if you make this transition a priority. Stock up on the things she needs, get her some toys to keep her stimulated, and above all give her lots of love and cuddles!
Author: Susan Peterson, Easy to Love Pets