... Click here for a great resource on introducing a new dog into the household, and here for introducing a new cat into the household. Once you’ve selected your pet, here’s a checklist of supplies you may need: Find out how much you might spend on average if you adopt a cat. Do they seem happy, sad or scared? By preparing thoroughly in advance, you can make your new cat’s transition into their new home as smooth as possible. Remember that adopted cats may need additional bonding and reassurance time in the early weeks. Shopping Checklist: It may be a good idea to wait until you select your new cat before you begin shopping for supplies. It may be a good idea to wait until you select your new cat before you begin shopping for supplies. You're about to welcome your very first cat to your home and now you're wondering what is it that you need to have at your home in order to greet her well. A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. A litter tray is an important item for any cat, but new cats in particular will not be going outside and need a place to safely do their personal business. Cat Adoption Check List Congratulations on adopting a cat! Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away. We’ve created this adoption checklist with all the essentials that you need to purchase, tips on preparing your home, and pointers on how to introduce your cat to your family and pets to make the process as smooth as possible for all involved. Next, you’ll need to cat-proof your home and set up base camp. Because adopting a new cat comes with a lot of change for both cat and cat parent, we’ve compiled a checklist to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Because adopting a new cat comes with a lot of change for both cat and cat parent, we’ve compiled a checklist to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away. Your new cat will likely be timid and afraid of the new faces, and your existing felines may be overly curious and even jealous of the newcomer. Check out these helpful tips first! Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What’s the Difference. Most cats that are adopted from shelters should be microchipped, and if your cat has not yet been microchipped, we highly recommend getting the procedure done. Cat trees are a fun way to keep your cat busy and mentally stimulated and are ideal for smaller homes and apartments. Is there tension in the home? The following are the basics to have before bringing home your new cat. Cats need to be fed once to twice a day, more often in the case of kittens, and need a constant supply of fresh water. Is your current residence suited to the cat you’re considering? What breed is the best fit with your current lifestyle? Cat Adoption Checklist. Toys are an essential item when bringing home a new cat. A cat with special physical or behavioral challenges may require specialized professional support to overcome any obstacles these issues present. If the kitten is very young, he will prefer a place that he can “hide” so that he feels safe until he’s used to his new home. Do you want a cat who follows you all around the house or would you prefer a less clingy, more independent character? Adopting a cat also comes with a lot of change for both of you. Pets quickly pick up on stress in the home, and it can exacerbate their health and behavior problems. Would you feel comfortable leaving your pet with this family? Also, be sure to find out which food your pet was eating in the shelter or foster home so that you can provide the same in the beginning, again to ease the transition. Cats love to scratch to sharpen their claws, and you don’t want them doing so on your antique furniture! There are a ton of different types of both trays and litter available, from the most simple trays to automated self-cleaning versions. Keeping them in one confined space will help keep them from getting overwhelmed by their new environment, and they can slowly get to know you too. It is typically surfaced with tough rope or carpeting. Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush and nail clippers. Congratulations on adopting a cat! If you have a lot of safe, outdoor space then consider rehoming an outdoor cat. Adoption Checklist; A few things to consider before adopting a pet. Article by Petfinder.com. If you plan to change your cat’s diet, go for sugar and grain-free, but plan to introduce new food to them slowly. Cat beds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from basic sleeping mats to safe and luxurious cat caves and elevated beds. A responsible pet parent should spend at least one hour per day giving direct attention to his or her cat. →, Male vs Female Cats: Is There a Difference in Personality? What is your home like? Because adopting a new cat comes with a lot of change for both cat and cat parent, here's a checklist to help make the transition as smooth as possible. We love the CatMate water fountain with its different drinking levels and the flowing mechanism that will keep the water oxygenated. Ask the adoption center what your cat is presently eating and buy a small bag of that food ahead of time. Bringing home a new cat is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful if you are a first-time cat owner. What is your home like? Adoption Checklist Thank you for showing interest in adopting a cat or kitten from Cats Protection here at the Isle of Wight Cats Protection Adoption Centre . Your cat will have been given their initial vaccinations with the exception of Rabies. You are embarking on a wonderful and rewarding relationship. If you have any other cats or dogs in your home, you can now begin to slowly make introductions. The kitten checklist We would always encourage people to rescue a cat, but for those who have decided to buy a kitten, we would strongly recommend using the in-depth Kitten Checklist . Can you train and handle a cat with behavior issues or are you looking for an easy-going friend? Think it over. The first thing to do is to make sure your cat has a safe, quiet, and comfortable place where they can be all alone. There are an infinite amount of toys available, from the basic ball toys to complex electronic chasing toys and of course, the classic laser pointer. A crate or carrier is an important item to bring home your new cat in from the shelter or breeder and will be essential for vet visits too. We do our best to help you better understand your cats; however, the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Roland has been an animal lover all his life, with cats holding a special place in his heart. Male vs Female Cats: Is There a Difference in Personality? Of course, make sure you have good-quality food on hand too. Ultimate Cat Adoption Checklist: 8 Must Have Items & Everything You Need to Know Last Updated on: December 21, 2020 As exciting as it is to bring home a new cat to join your family, the experience can also be somewhat stressful, and you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to ensure your feline (and you) are as comfortable as possible. You are embarking on a difficult to believe and prosperous relationship. __ You are ready to provide regular veterinarian visits and monthly flea preventative. They will keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated and provide a fun way to bond with your feline. →, 20 Simple Ways to Keep Cats Off Your Car →. A food and water dish is another essential for bringing a new cat home. As when any adoption there are certain rules and requirements have to be met and understood. For example, some items, such as food and water bowls or collars and harnesses, depend upon the size of the cat you will be adopting. Last but not least on our cat adoption checklist: a good cat bed. How do the people you live with feel about having a cat in the house? (You can always slowly transition to another cat food later if approved by your vet.) 4. If you are thinking of adopting a young cat, do you have the time and patience to work with the pet through its adolescence, taking playing, training and energy-level into account? Since we have yet to regret turning down an adopter, does this adopting feel right? The adoption fee you pay will be a tiny fraction of the money you will spend over the life of your pet. Do you need a cat who will be reliable with children or one you can take with you when you travel? They can be combined with a bed and scratching post too. Cat Adoption Checklist __ All cats require a veterinary exam, a series of vaccinations, and regular grooming. Oct 9, 2018 - Thinking about adopting a cat? Schedule a visit … Cat Nail Caps: What Are The Pros & Cons? Cat Adoption Checklist Ok so you're at home watching television and your partner is out and suddenly you feel a pang of loneliness. For example, some items, such as food and water bowls or collars and harnesses, depend upon the size of the cat you will be adopting. Have you considered your lifestyle carefully and determined whether a younger or older cat would be a better match for you? The following cat adoption checklist features some of the things you should consider when adopting your feline friend. Your cat will need somewhere comfortable to sleep and feel safe, especially during their first few days in a new home. This process can be slow and may take time, especially with dogs so you’ll need to exercise patience. Your cat will need separate food and water bowls, preferably made from ceramic or stainless steel. All of the profits go back to our programs to help more pets. →, Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What’s the Difference? By making sure that you have all the necessary items and that your home is ready, you can reduce this stress enormously and focus on the excitement and fun of getting to know your new feline friend. Published: January 14, 2019. Cat Adoption Fair at Fair Lakes Petsmart Sat. 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