- A cat adoption is most likely to go smoothly, if the cat's personality and behavior match the expectations of her new owners and if the environment of her new home suits her temperament. Mismatches can lead to stress-related behavior problems in cats and to a new owner's disappointment or frustration. A timid cat from the quiet home of an elderly woman would be a poor choice for a houseful of active children. A lively, playful cat would not fit gracefully into a home that is a showcase for delicate antiques. And an only cat, or a cat that has been unhappy living with other cats, might have trouble adjusting to a multiple cat household. Choosing a new cat carefully is the first step to a successful adoption.
- If you already have a cat or cats, consider adopting a cat younger than those at home. A younger cat may be more readily accepted. It also has been observed that neutered male cats tend to get along better than females in multiple cat households.
- Plan ahead for your new cat's arrival. Be sure to have a carrier ready in which to bring her home. Many cats dislike car rides; a carrier will keep her safely confined and will keep your car clean if she gets carsick. She most likely will find the change in environment stressful, so prepare a quiet place where she will feel safe, and where she can easily find food, water and an appropriate litter box. Until she has a chance to explore her new environment and get to know her new family, she may spend much of her time hiding. Confining her to one small room initially will help you know where she is and that she is safe. Once she feels more comfortable, you may let her begin to explore the rest of your home.
- Make sure your new cat always has access to her litter box and that the box is kept clean. A cat may refuse to use a dirty box and instead use such places as piles of laundry or paper, or areas hidden under or behind furniture. If you have more than one cat you may want to keep a litter box for each of them.
- KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS FOR AT LEAST THE FIRST TWO MONTHS, even if you intend to let her outdoors eventually. Unless she has accepted her new home completely, she may get lost or may choose not to return once she is outside. Take her out on a harness and leash or under close supervision the first few times until you feel certain she knows where and how to get back inside.
- Never leave young children unsupervised with any pet, but particularly with an animal that does not yet know them. Demonstrate how to pet the cat gently and remind youngsters that a real cat is not to be picked up and squeezed like a stuffed toy. Some cats tolerate such treatment very well, but until you feel confident that your new cat will not be so frightened that it tries to scratch or bite, do not allow young children to hug or pick up the cat. (If the cat will allow it, clipping its nails with finger nail clippers is another way to help protect children from scratches.)
- A good way to introduce a new cat to others cats already in the home is to keep the new cat in one room - or substitute a large dog crate - and allow the resident cat(s) to hear, smell or see the newcomer at a distance. After a week or two, allow the resident cat(s) into the new cat's room to get acquainted. Then let the new cat explore the rest of your home and use its room or crate as a safe retreat.
- If you have a dog, you can use a similar technique, but keep the dog leashed initially and make sure the cat has access to a safe place the dog can not get to. Especially if your dog is not used to the presence of a cat in the house, give the dog several opportunities to see, smell and hear the cat at a safe distance. Praise and reward the dog for calm, quiet behavior so that he begins to associate the cat with things that he enjoys. Remember that dogs have an instinctual drive to chase moving things, so monitor your dog closely as the cat begins to explore the house. Separate the two animals when you leave the house and at times when you cannot be attentive to their behavior.
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