Congratulations!

PROPER PREPARATIONS

Making proper preparations is essential to bringing home a new friend. This section will cover feline-proofing your home to set your new cat up for success, choosing a good veterinarian, collecting necessary supplies, introducing your new friend to your family and friends, and more.  

FELINE PROOFING 

Cats, especially kittens, are very curious and adventurous by nature. You must ensure your whole house is safe from anything your new pet could get into. Cat proofing right after adoption, or if possible, before you bring your new pet home, will save you time and heartache later. When making your home safe, check for hazards by getting down on the cat’s level to assess potential hazards.  

Pre-flight checklist: 

• Hide electrical cords and wires and block unused outlets 
• Block/limit access to decks and balconies 
• Lock up all pesticides, cleaners, weed killers, pest control bait, and medications 
• Put away small items such as pens, rubber bands, twist ties, needles, thumbtacks, etc. 
• Store or dispose of all plastic bags or items made of foam 
• Invest in closed trash cans 
• Leave all toilet seats down 
• Be mindful of hot items such as irons and hair appliances 
• Remove all indoor plants that are within reach of your new cat. Many common indoor plants are toxic to cats. See: Toxic Plants
• Look for possible hiding places and minimize access. Cats like to hide in dark, warm areas such as cupboards, closets, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, etc.  
• Keep your eyes peeled and shut doors carefully! Cats love to be near your feet and lurk in doorways

NECESSARY SUPPLIES 

FOOD & WATER BOWLS

 There are many options for feeding your cat. Ceramic or metal bowls are recommended as they are easier to clean and harder to tip over. 

The water bowl should hold at least 8 ounces of water and be kept clean and full at all times; never restrict water intake. Many cats prefer to drink from moving water sources, so another excellent water option is a fountain.

LITTER BOX

Choose a litter box that is easy to access and that your cat will want to use. In most cases, this means an open litter box. Select a good quality litter with limited ingredients. We use pelleted cat litter throughout the facility as it is inexpensive and absorbs smells. Most cats are very accepting of it. Only use clay litter for cats over 6 months of age, as kittens will often eat the clay, which can cause an intestinal blockage. If you adopt an already de-clawed cat, please remember to choose a soft litter and keep it deep; do not use pellet litter which could be painful. 

BEDDING

Cats love soft places to snuggle. So your new cat will need soft, clean, warm, and dry blankets and bedding to sleep on to feel safe and secure. 

SCRATCHING ENVIRONMENT

Scratching is an instinct for cats and should be encouraged in a designated scratching area. Provide scratching posts, towers, or cardboard scratchers that help prevent your cat from choosing somewhere undesirable to perform this natural behavior. 

CAT TREE

We strongly encourage adopters to invest in a cat tree or cat shelving that allows your cat to follow their instincts to climb and jump. Providing their own climbable space will reduce your cat’s tendency to jump onto surfaces you would prefer they avoid. 

TOYS & ENRICHMENT

Toys can provide entertainment and enrichment for your cat. Be sure to provide a variety of toys to allow for several types of enrichment, though we recommend only offering a few at first to avoid overwhelming them. It may be a good idea to select only a few toys to start off to learn which types your cat is interested in or which may not be a good fit for them. Then, once you’ve learned their play style and interests, select more. Also, consider rotating toys in and out of availability to keep them interested. 

THE FIRST DAYS 

The first three days of bringing home your new pet are about allowing them to decompress. Coming from a shelter environment, possibly transferred multiple times or returned to the shelter after prior adoptions, and now arriving at your home can be extremely stressful. You are understandably eager to socialize, but your cat will acclimate to their new home better if you give them plenty of time and space to decompress.  

We strongly encourage using a Sanctuary Room during the first week to 10 days. It should be a small room such as a bathroom, laundry room, or small bedroom with necessities, including a litter box, food, water, a scratching post, bedding, and toys. Setting aside a separate place in your home will help your cat decompress and have time to settle in a controlled way. It encourages continued use of the litter box, helps ease fear and anxiety, and allows them to become familiar with the scents of their new home and other residents in the house.  

 Setting boundaries for spaces in your home from the beginning will help your new cat decompress and learn where they are allowed to be in your home. It enables them to become familiar with their new environment and gives you time to learn more about them.  

In addition to having your home set up for a new cat, keep a close eye on them and spend quiet time with them, which will help you bond successfully and learn their behavioral cues.  

INTRODUCTIONS 

CHILDREN 

New pets can be extremely overwhelmed by children. Children will need to learn how to read their new pet’s body language to understand when they want attention, what kind, and when they need time to themselves. Allowing them to invade your new cat’s space can be dangerous. Make sure to supervise any interactions between your children and your new kitten/cat and help them learn to play gently with each other. Remind children that the new pet is a living, breathing being with its own feelings and thoughts. It is not a toy. Adults should always be present when children interact with animals in the home.  

DOGS

Resident dogs should be on a leash when they meet the new cat. Your new cat may hiss or growl at the dog, which is perfectly normal. Never punish your cat for communicating their fear or anxiety in this way. Your dog will likely be very excited, which is also to be expected. The novelty will probably wear off within a few days, but it can take a month or longer for them to accept the new cat fully. Dogs should never be allowed to chase the cat or harass them in any way; allowing this behavior will delay their ability to be unsupervised. Until you feel that your cat and dog are entirely comfortable and safe with one another, please do not allow them to be together off-leash or unsupervised. If anyone becomes overwhelmed, bring your new cat back to their sanctuary room or separate them if they have graduated from the sanctuary room. 

EXISTING CATS 

Cat-to-cat introductions can take a long time. Make sure to introduce them in as neutral territory as you can. It may be several months before your current and new cats warm up to each other. Please do not leave them unsupervised until you are sure they can be left together safely or until they are roughly the same size. They will eventually develop a hierarchical structure that works for them, but this could take several months.    

KITTEN SPECIFIC

If you adopted a kitten, remember that your new pet is a baby! They will be curious, energetic, and eager to explore and get into everything. And we mean everything! Patience and consistent boundaries will help you and your kitten develop a lifelong bond built on positivity and love.  

Cats learn behaviors in two ways; through imitation of their mother’s actions and positive reinforcement of desired behaviors. 

 Training is NOT just for dogs! Kittens and cats should also receive training on appropriate behaviors for several reasons: 

• Building training into your cat’s playtime stimulates them mentally and physically and can improve their overall emotional and mental health. 
• Training your kitten not to scratch and bite teaches them that those behaviors are unacceptable before their teeth and claws fully develop.
• Training for new experiences and situations can help your cat adjust to unfamiliar experiences calmly and without aggression.  
• Training your cat on the basics, such as litter box and scratching post usage, can help them feel more comfortable in their home.  

Skills you should teach your cat:

• Recognizing their name 
• Using the litter box 
• Using a scratching post 
• Socialization with other animals and people

Teach these skills using positive reinforcement training techniques, observing your cat’s body language, and ensuring your feline friend has the tools to succeed.  

YOUR CAT’S HOME

Your home is now also home to your kitten/cat. Once they decompress after their first few days, allowing them time to become familiar with their new surroundings and life with you is essential! It takes most animals about three weeks to realize that they may have found their forever home and start learning the routine. However, some kittens/cats can take even longer than this.  

LITTER BOX 

Many kittens learn to use the litter box by watching their mother. If you need to train your kitten, bring them to the litter box after each time they eat and wake up. Be sure to give them a lot of praise and love when they go potty successfully! 

Place the litter box somewhere quiet and away from food and water bowls. Most kittens/cats prefer an open litter box. Closed-style boxes are more aesthetically pleasing but may cause litter box regression in your kitten/cat. Use a type of litter that is comfortable for your kitten/cat. It is recommended not to use clay or clumping litter until cats are at least 6 months old. Many kittens will ingest the litter, which can cause fatal and expensive to treat intestinal blockages.  

FEEDING

When you adopt a new pet, it’s best to keep their diet as consistent as possible to avoid stomach upset. At the NOAH Center, kittens are free-fed Nutri Source Dry Kitten food, and adult cats are free-fed Kirkland Signature kibble. The wet food is typically Friskies pate, but you should look for higher-quality food options.  

After the first few days, start transitioning your cat to the new food that you plan to feed them. Then, start mixing the new food with the old, increasing the ratio each day until you successfully feed them only the new food.  

If you have adopted a kitten, offer them wet food at least twice per day and have kibble and fresh water available at all times. Adult cats should be provided with wet food at least once per day and have kibble and clean, fresh water available at all times. 

SOCIALIZATION  

Socialize your new cat by slowly introducing them to their new surroundings, including rooms, furniture, appliances, noises, people, other animals, etc. Follow your cat’s lead by watching for signs of stress and anxiety:

• Arched back and fluffed tail 
• Low and fearful body 
• Hissing 
• Hiding or running away 
• Swatting (not to be confused with soft batting) 
• Trying to bite

   

Some cats adjust quickly to their new surroundings, while others will take more time. Handle and pet your cat often to familiarize them with being touched and handled. Regular handling will also help you bond with your new cat and set them up for success when meeting new people or going into unfamiliar situations, such as visiting the veterinarian. 

 Spend time playing games with your kitten that helps to develop natural behaviors such as stalking, swiping, and pouncing. 

PLAYTIME V. NIGHTTIME 

Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. While playtime during the evening is unlikely to be problematic, the early morning, especially in the summer months, may not be ideal for most people. Providing plenty of activities, toys, and climbing options available for your kitten/cat can help keep them entertained during these active times during the day.  

 Consistent routines, such as turning down the lights and reducing noises when it’s time to rest, will help your cat learn the routine in the house and know when it’s time for bed. 

OUTSIDE TIME

We suggest adopters strongly consider keeping their cats indoors only. Indoor cats statistically live longer than those who are allowed outdoors. Additionally, once a cat is allowed outdoors, it can be challenging to return to being indoors only. 

If you decide to allow your cat to be an indoor/outdoor cat, remember that kittens should be at least 6 months of age and fully vaccinated before they go outside. Their first few times out should be supervised. With any new cat, even if you want them to be indoor/outdoor pets, make sure they have ample time and supervision in your home and yard spaces before being allowed to go in and out at will. We always want them to return home! 

There are options if you prefer to keep your cat indoors only but want them to have time outside! Consider adding a catio to your home, or if this isn’t possible, many cats can learn to explore outdoors on a harness and lead.

ENRICHMENT & ACTIVITIES 

TOYS 

Cats should have access to several toys that can help them practice their instincts for hunting. Many of these toys include toy mice, balls, scrunched-up paper, toys with catnip, wand toys, tunnels, etc. These toys encourage running and chasing games and are excellent for giving your cat the exercise and mental stimulation that they need.  

PUZZLES 

Puzzle feeders aren’t just for our canine friends! Cats can also enjoy the physical and mental stimulation from puzzle feeders, making them think and work for their food. Your local pet store or online pet supplier will have many choices of these kinds of feeders.  

CLIMBING 

Cats are natural climbers and jumpers and love having access to high places where they can explore and see the world from a better vantage point. Providing your cat with climbing trees, perches, or shelves will help ensure they get their enrichment and your furniture stays safe!

PERSONALITY

No two cats are exactly alike. Like people, animals have different personalities shaped by their inherent nature and how they are nurtured. Allowing your cat the time they need to acclimate to their new environment will help nurture them and give them the freedom to be themselves. Some cats are social and playful, some are highly affectionate, and some are more aloof. Still, others are shy, reserved, and can take longer to come out of their shells. Remember, just as you get to know your new cat, they are also learning who you are; be kind and consistent, and use positive reward-based reinforcement to help build the bond between you and your new pet. 

FELINE BODY LANGUAGE

 Like people, felines use body language to communicate how they feel. Learning cat body language opens up an entire form of communication and understanding and is important to building a bond. Taking the time to read their body language can ease frustration and save possible heartache in the future. Please refer to the chart below for some common body language communication that you will see from your cat. 

Quick Healthy-Cat Tips: 

1. Learn your cat’s body language so you can tell when something isn’t right, and they may not feel well. 
2. Make sure to feed a balanced diet with proper nutrition. 
3. Cats, especially kittens, need a lot of sleep, so ensure they have comfortable, quiet places to rest. A typical cat will sleep around 12-16 hours per day.  
4. Never wake a sleeping cat! 
5. Cats are social and need exercise so play with them regularly.  
6. Help your cat socialize by handling them often.
7. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation for routine healthcare such as vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, etc.  

VETERINARY CARE

Veterinary care is essential for every animal. Getting established with a veterinarian right away is key to ensuring your pet stays up to date on vaccinations and routine health maintenance. More now than ever, we recommend choosing a veterinarian before even bringing your new pet home. 

Continuous and regular veterinary care is essential to your new cat’s health and long, happy life. Sometimes the idea of making an appointment, crating your cat, taking them into the car, and then into an unfamiliar environment can be intimidating to pet owners. You can do a few things to ease this process and help ensure your feline friend gets all their needed veterinary care. 

• Understand that your cat may be nervous or frightened of new places and people. Be patient with them, and make sure to bring their favorite treats and perhaps a favorite toy.  
• Take your cat to a Fear Free Practice. These practices have made specific changes to their practices to help relieve stress and provide a calming environment for pets.  
• If you have a multi-cat household, allow the returning cat some time to decompress before rejoining the rest of the feline family. It helps them to calm down and have some time to rest.  

When you completed the adoption of your new cat or kitten, you received a Pet Health and Immunization Record that you can utilize to maintain records of all of your cat’s routine medical care.  

CHOOSING A VETERINARIAN

Choose a veterinarian near your home whose hours work well with your schedule. Consider asking friends and family with pets for recommendations on veterinarians in your area. When you’ve found a few you are interested in, read reviews online. 

Research how your veterinarian’s office manages emergencies so you are prepared for any eventuality. For example, do they answer after-hours calls or work with a local emergency clinic? If necessary, be sure also to learn where your nearest Emergency Veterinary Hospital is. Having the address and phone number programmed into your smartphone is a good idea. 

FIRST VETERINARY VISIT

Schedule a veterinary visit for your new cat within one month of adoption. The NOAH Center provides a Free Health Exam Voucher that can be used at several clinics. This exam helps you and your new pet get established with a veterinarian who can journey with you throughout your cat’s life. They will double-check any medical needs and schedule vaccines, which will likely be soon if you adopt a kitten. 

Routine veterinary care is essential to the health and well-being of your new friend. Taking the following steps can help ease the process:

• Understand that your cat is likely nervous or frightened. Cover the crate with a towel or blanket to dampen the unfamiliar sights and sounds. Respect that your cat may need time to acclimate to the new environment.  
• Use the right carrier! Choose a stable, hard-sided carrier, preferably with a door that opens from the top. The firm structure will help your cat feel more secure during transport, and the top-opening door will ease the transition between spaces.  
• Work on making the carrier a friendly and familiar place by storing it in a place where the cat spends time, and leave the door open so the kitty can explore it on their own. Keep soft blankets, toys, and treats inside to help make it an inviting space.   
• If you have a multi-cat household leave the returning cat in the carrier for a short period after coming home. Observe how the cats react to the unfamiliar smells and separate the kitties if there are signs of tension.

BASIC CARE

EARS

Cats do not need their ears cleaned regularly. However, if you notice an odor or discharge, contact your cat’s veterinarian immediately, and do not attempt to solve the problem yourself.  

See also: Grooming 

NOSE 

If you notice that your cat has dry nasal secretions at the edge of their nostrils, it can be removed with a wet, warm cotton ball or tissue. Consult your veterinarian if your cat’s nose seems excessively dry or snotty, which could point to an underlying issue. 

SPAY/NEUTER 

All animals are spayed/neutered before adoption. If the spay/neuter surgery took place recently at The NOAH Center, you would receive a copy of the after-care surgery instructions in the waiver documents emailed to you at the time of adoption. 

If you have any questions regarding the incision site, please send a photograph of the incision to info@thenoahcenter.org, and a team member will reach out to you to discuss any next steps that need to be taken for the health and well-being of your cat.