Welcoming your new cat

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Bringing home a new cat is an exciting time. Here are a few tips to make kitty’s homecoming smooth and relatively stress-free.

Supplies

Make sure you have the following essential supplies before you pick up your cat from their foster home:

  • Litter box, litter, and a litter scoop

  • Food, preferably wet/kibble or raw food. Remember to transition slowly from the brand the foster was feeding to your preferred food.

  • Shallow bowls for food and water (about 1 inch deep). Cats don’t like their whiskers in their food!

  • Cat bed or soft blanket

  • Cat toys

  • Scratching post or cat tree

You might also want to consider:

  • Something to calm your new cat, like a Feliway diffuser (available from your vet clinic) or Pet Remedy, available from Metro Pet Market

  • Cat brush and kitty nail clippers

  • Cat treats

  • Ask the foster parent(s) if they would be willing to let you borrow a favourite toy or blanket. The familiar feel and scent of the item will bring comfort to your new cat, and ease the transition.

A “Safe Room”

You’ll need to designate a separate room for your cat for the first few days or weeks of their arrival.

This is to reduce stress and get him used to the smells, sounds, and feel of their new home. Some cats only need a few days in the safe room, while others will need longer. Although you are excited about this new addition to your family, being patient for a few days is the best and most loving thing you can do. Give your cat the time and space it needs to get used to their new surroundings, and time to bond with you before venturing into the entire household.

  • Go to the room as often as you can. Bring gifts such as food, treats, toys and fresh water. Every person in the household should take a turn doing this.

  • Allow your new cat to come to you – DO NOT grab or attempt to hold the cat.

  • Talk to her – a high-pitched but quiet voice is always most reassuring for cats.

  • If your new cat is a kitten, make sure to kitten-proof the room by removing any fragile items, toxic plants or chemicals, and hiding electrical cords or wires

  • Check on your new cat regularly. Play, talk, and most of all, give it lots of love!

3/3/3 Rule

Every cat is unique and will adjust differently.

Some may show you love and climb on your lap right away. Others may stay in hiding and watch you from afar until they feel safe. It doesn’t happen overnight, nor should it be expected to! The 3/3/3 Rule refers to the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing a your new cat home.

The first 3 days:

  • Your new cat might be feeling overwhelmed with the sudden change in environment and caregivers. They may show signs of fear such as hiding or hissing, be reluctant to eat or drink, over eat, vocalize (especially at night), scratch, door dash or test boundaries.

The first 3 weeks:

  • In learning your routines, your new cat will start to settle in, and feel moremcomfortable. It may quickly learn it’s feeding schedule, but not fully embrace it’s new environment. It is an important time for your new cat to build its sense of security.

The first 3 months:

  • After 3 months, your new cat is finally beginning to build trust and form a true bond. They are gaining a complete sense of comfort with their new family, and are content in their home.

Know that these are guidelines and some cats take longer, but love, time and patience work miracles!

Introducing your new cat to other pets?
See our step-by-step guide Pet Introductions.

Need Advice?
RCR volunteers are available to help. Email us at adoptions@reginacatrescue.com. You can also visit one of the Metro Pet Market locations to talk to knowledgeable staff.