Blog: Bringing your cat home: your guide to cat adoption protocol

Adopting a kitten is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Not only are you providing a loving home to a deserving kitty in need, but you also gain a companion who will fill your life with joy and purrs. Bringing a new cat home involves careful preparation and thoughtful integration into your home. Here is a guide to help you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your new feline friend.

Before you bring your cat home

The thought of bringing home a new kitty can be both overwhelming and exciting, so here are some key things to keep in mind.

Choosing your cat

Choosing the right cat for your home is the first step in committing to a new furry child. Consider your lifestyle and living situation when deciding between a kitten and an adult cat. Kittens are playful and require a lot of attention and training, which can be time-consuming but highly rewarding. On the other hand, adult cats are often more independent and may already be litter-trained, making them a better fit for a busy household.

It’s a good idea to consider your home environment as well. When you give your kitty access to the great outdoors, a GPS tracker for cats will give you peace of mind knowing that you can open an app on your phone and find out where they’re hanging out with real-time tracking features. Plus, cat GPS trackers provide a history of the places your cat has been, so you can learn where they love to hang out the most to feel more connected to them.

Kitten-proofing your home

Once you’ve chosen your cat, it’s time to prepare your home for their grand arrival! Kitten-proofing is crucial to ensure your new pet’s safety. Remove or secure anything that could be hazardous, like loose wires, toxic plants, and small objects that can be swallowed. Since kittens tend to jump and explore vertical spaces, consider securing your cabinets and drawers and ensure all your windows and doors are closed and cat-safe.

Setting up a safe space where your cat can retreat when they’re feeling overwhelmed will help your kitty feel safe and secure. This space should include a comfortable bed, some toys, and access to food and water. This will give your new cat time to adjust more easily to their new environment.

Gathering supplies

Before bringing your new kitty home, you’ll want to gather all the necessary supplies to ease your cat’s transition. Some common supplies you’ll need are:

• Food and water bowls
• A carrier for transportation
• Cat food
• Litter box and litter
• Scratching post
• Toys and enrichment items
• A comfortable bed or spot to lounge
• Grooming tools (a small brush, nail trimmers)

Having everything ready in advance will make your cat’s transition into your home smoother and more comfortable. If you’re unsure of what foods or items will be best for your kitty, consider asking your veterinarian for advice. 

Bringing your new cat home

Now that your new cat is home, it’s time to introduce them to their new surroundings.

Introducing your cat to their safe space

When you first bring your cat home, introduce them to their designated safe space. This area should be quiet and away from the main hustle and bustle of your home; it could be a small room, a section of the house, or a bathroom. Allow your cat to explore this space at their own pace, and avoid overwhelming them with too much attention right away.

Provide plenty of hiding spots where they can feel secure. Cardboard boxes, cat tunnels, and covered beds can offer comfort. When you spend time with your new cat, sit quietly in the room and let them approach you when they’re ready. This will help you build trust and let them know that they are safe.

The first few days

The first few days are critical for your new cat’s adjustment. Keep interactions calm and gentle, and let your cat come to you when they’re ready. Since cats thrive on routine, maintaining a consistent schedule for feeding and litter box maintenance will help them feel settled.

While it’s normal for a new cat to hide or be less active initially, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of stress and discomfort. Give them time to adapt and gradually introduce them to new areas of your home to help them be more comfortable. Patience is key during this period, and soon enough, your cat will start to feel right at home!

Once your new kitty is comfortable, take them to your veterinarian for a checkup to make sure they’re up to date on all their vaccines and that they don’t have any health concerns. Your veterinarian will also likely discuss microchipping with you. A cat microchip is a small chip implanted between your cat’s shoulder blades that produces a unique number when scanned with a microchip scanner. When you register your kitty in PetLink’s microchip database registry, your contact information will be connected to your cat’s microchip number. This way, if your cat happens to sneak away from home, you’ll be able to be reunited once their microchip is scanned.

Integrating your cat into your home

Introduction to other pets

If you have other pets, introducing them to your new cat should be done slowly and carefully. Start by allowing them to sniff each other through a closed door. This will let them get used to each other’s scent without direct contact.

Next, try short, supervised meetings in a neutral space. Keep these interactions brief and positive, using treats and praise to reinforce calm behavior. Gradually increase the length of these meetings as your pets become more comfortable with each other. It’s important to monitor these situations to ensure all meetings are safe and stress-free.

Letting your cat explore

Once your new cat seems comfortable with their safe space, you can begin to let them explore the rest of your home. Open the door to their room and allow them to venture out at their own pace. Stay nearby to offer reassurance and guide them back if they seem overwhelmed.

Creating a stimulating environment by providing climbing trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys will encourage your cat to explore and exercise, helping them adjust more quickly. Always keep a watchful eye on their explorations to ensure they stay safe. If you have the space to let your kitty play in the great outdoors, a GPS tracker will allow you to keep an eye on them by showing you their real-time location on an app on your phone. If you have a smaller outdoor space, you can even set virtual boundaries so you’ll get an immediate alert on your phone when your cat is wandering too far. The GPS tracker will ensure that you have peace of mind while your cat has fun playing.

Ongoing care

Caring for your new cat doesn’t stop once they’re settled. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and consistent grooming are essential for their well-being. Make sure to schedule their first vet visit within a week of bringing them home to establish a health baseline and discuss any necessary vaccinations or treatments.

Regular playtime and mental stimulation are crucial for keeping your cat happy and healthy. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and daily play sessions will keep them engaged and prevent boredom.

Remember to keep your cat’s environment enriched with plenty of love and attention. Building a strong bond with your new feline friend takes time and dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Bringing a new cat into your home is a heartwarming and transformative experience. By carefully preparing, providing a safe and nurturing environment with things like GPS trackers and microchips, and integrating them thoughtfully into your home, you can ensure a smooth and safe transition for your new furry family member. With patience, love, and ongoing care, you’ll build a lasting bond with your cat, filled with countless purrs, gentle head-butts, and joyful moments. Enjoy every step of this wonderful journey with your new feline companion!