Bringing a new cat into your home is an exciting experience, but it requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you're adopting a pair of kittens or an adult cat, creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential. Here is some advice on how to prepare your home and create a welcoming environment so your new feline friend can feel comfortable and secure from day one.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Before bringing a new cat home, make sure your home is cat-proof. Remove small objects that they could swallow, rehome any plants or flowers that are toxic to cats, and secure electrical cords to prevent chewing.
Windows and doors should always be closed. If you want your cat to explore the outdoors, use a harness and leash or invest in a catio to ensure their safety.
Cats need time to adjust to new surroundings, so it's best to create a designated safe space where they can start out. A quiet room with a cozy bed, food and water bowls, and a litter box will give your new cat a sense of security. A small space will help prevent anxiety and overwhelm during the transition and is extremely important when other animals are already in the home.
Buy Supplies Beforehand
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High-quality cat food: If you’re able to find out what your cat has been eating, it’s best to slowly transition them to whatever food you’ll be feeding them. Cats have sensitive digestive systems and sudden changes in diet are not ideal. Nutritious cat food should be protein-heavy and grain-free without artificial flavors or colors.
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Food & Water Bowls: Small and shallow stainless steel bowls are ideal food bowls. Ceramic bowls are great for water as they are heavy and cats hopefully cannot knock them over.
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A Litter Box & Litter: Be sure to choose an uncovered, short sided litter box that is easy for your cat to climb into and out of. A litter box should be big enough for a cat to turn around comfortably.
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A Scratching Post: Scratching is a natural instinct for cats that relieves stress, helps keep their nails healthy, and provides entertainment. A scratching post should be tall enough that your cat can stretch out entirely when using it. You can try vertical or horizontal scratchers and see which style your cat prefers.
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Toys: Buy a variety of toys to help encourage exercise and activity. Springs, jingle balls, wand toys, kickers, the options are endless and your cat will enjoy most - if not all - of them.
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A Brush and Nail Clippers: Getting your cat used to being groomed is very important as it will be much easier to keep them neat and tidy if they’re amenable! Monthly nail trims and daily or weekly brushing sessions - depending on coat length - should be part of your routine for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Brushing reduces the risk of hairballs and keeps your cat’s coat shiny and clean.
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Treats: Treats can be used to reinforce positive behavior and create a bond between you and your new cat. You can use treats to entice them into their carrier, to sit on command, or as a reward for a great play session.
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A Cat Carrier: Hard-sided top-entry cat carriers are ideal since they are very secure and easy to sanitize. Soft-sided carriers are not as safe as the zippers can sometimes be unzipped by the kitten inside!
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Bed or blankets: Cats like to be covered and cozy. A covered bed or a cubby is great for feeling safe, especially when cats are just settling into a new home.
Set Up the Litter Box
Place the litter box in a low-traffic area to encourage consistent use. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using the litter box and prefer privacy so a quiet corner works great. Clean the litter box at least once daily to keep your home smelling fresh and to maintain your cat’s hygiene. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes.
If you have multiple cats, follow the rule of "one box per cat, plus one extra" to avoid territorial disputes.
Introduce Other Pets Slowly
If you have other animals in your home, introduce them to your cat slowly. It’s suggested to keep animals apart for at least 10-14 days. This will give any pets in the home ample time to get used to the smells and sounds of your new cat. Keep the cat in one room at first and once they are comfortable and doing well, grant them access to the other rooms in the home under supervision. Allow them to meet any other pets only under supervision and end each meeting on a positive note. Introducing pets is a process that takes weeks when done properly and it’s best to go slow to ensure everyone is comfortable with the new addition.
Schedule a Vet Visit
Schedule your cat for a thorough exam with your vet where they can get any needed vaccinations and you can discuss a preventive healthcare plan including dewormings, flea prevention, and a proper diet. If your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, schedule that procedure with your vet and make sure to get them microchipped. Even if they appear healthy, cats should get annual exams at the vet..
Create Vertical Spaces
Cats are predators by nature and they have a strong inclination toward climbing, jumping, and exploring elevated spaces. By perching in elevated areas, cats can survey their surroundings, establish a sense of control over their territory, and feel safe from predators. This can reduce stress levels, especially in multi-pet households. Consider adding cat trees, shelves, or window perches to provide your cat with places to rest and explore.
Vertical spaces can also provide cats with physical exercise and mental stimulation. Climbing, scratching, playing, and jumping on vertical spaces helps cats to satisfy their curiosity and stay mentally engaged while preventing boredom and behavioral issues.
Play With Your Cat
Provide plenty of toys of all kinds and interactive play sessions to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. This also helps build the bond between you and your cat and helps them associate you with having fun. Rotate out their toys rather than leaving them lying around the house to keep your cat interested in them.
Be Patient
Every cat is different. Some cats may settle in within days, while others may take a few weeks to feel comfortable. Be patient and let your cat approach you on their own terms. Avoid forcing interactions and provide plenty of hiding spots where they can feel protected and secure as they adjust to their new life in their new home with you. When they are ready, shower them with affection, positive reinforcement, and plenty of treats to help them feel safe and loved.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for a new cat helps ensure a smooth transition. With the right supplies, a safe environment, and plenty of love, your new cat will soon become a cherished member of the family. By following these tips, you'll set your cat up for a happy and healthy life with you. Congratulations on adopting your new family member!
Check out this article from Redfin to learn more about How to Make Your Cat Happy at Home
Love, Nala
