Welcome Home:  Here are some guidelines to help your new feline fit in.  If you already have a cat, then you will need to make introductions.  A new cat coming from the shelter will likely be sociable with other cats, but your resident cat may resent the newcomer. Take the time to make gradual introductions, especially between adult cats.  This can be done from a cat carrier, through a screen door, or even sniffing under a closed door.  If your new cat is timid she may hide under the bed for as long as 3 weeks. If you chose an out-going personality, she could be involved in family life from day one.  Allow your cat to fit in on her own schedule because either behavior is normal.  Both types of cat will return your love and become a part of your family if you give them time to adjust. You will find kittens usually adapt much easier to their new siblings, new humans and their new house. 

 

Litter box:  When you get home with your new cat or kitten, let her know where her litter box is going to be by confining her to that area at first. She shouldn’t have to guess where you want her to go. Old smells and stains may lead her in the wrong direction.  Once there’s an accident, that spot may always be a target for new accidents.  As she gets familiar with her new home, she can be allowed to gradually have a bigger territory.  A kitten should always have her box close by and after you feed her or play with her, make sure you show her the box again. If you already have a cat, a second litter box is a good idea.  Just be sure the box is clean, clean, clean.  A dirty litter box will be the first reason your cat will stop using her litter box.

 

Feeding:    Whether you feed several times a day or leave dry food for free choice, keep it in a spot where you can see her bowl to keep it refilled.  A handful of fresh crunchies every day tastes better than a big tub of stale food.  Pick a feeding spot away from the litter box; you wouldn’t want to eat there and neither does she.  Because cats are meat eaters, your indoor cat will also enjoy some meat in her diet which in turn benefits her urinary tract health.  If you are feeding just dry food, your cat is receiving only grain in her diet.  It will be up to you what canned food you feed as price is tied directly to quality. However, only a small amount is needed. Choose a large can or small, depending on the number of cats you have to feed, but after opening try to feed it within one day. Many cats will not eat leftovers once it has been in the frig overnight. Some owners believe the aluminum taste may leech into the food.  Your cat will thank you and her good health is your reward.   

 

Daily Life:  Cats like to sleep above the floor because they feel safer.  Allow her to have a sleeping spot that’s her very own. It may be the back of your favorite chair or on top of the bookshelf.  Statistics prove that indoor cats live longer lives. Be very cautious if you plan to let your cat go outside. Make sure that you provide the protection that she needs to be safe from predators, vehicles and severe weather.   Avoid having Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias as they are highly toxic to cats.  Be careful of discarded dental floss or Christmas ribbon.  Cats can steal it from a trash can and ingest it where it can be lodged in their intestines. A half glass of water can kill a cat; her head can become stuck when she attempts to drink and she literally can drown.  Instead, you can give her homemade toys for safer activities: a pipe cleaner, a ball of aluminum foil, a paper bag or even a cardboard box! Better yet, adopt TWO kittens to bring home to romp and play and grow old together.