When adopting an adult cat, especially a rescue cat, it helps to remember that cats in general are very cautious creatures. In the wild, they would live their entire lives in one territory, only to leave if they are driven. They learn every smell in this area, every normal sound, every tree and every twig, every visiting creature – this is what helps them feel safe and “at home” there. As pets our houses become their territory and they learn about their surroundings and the creatures (including us) they have to share their territory with. The sound of the television, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and the like, but most of all they learn our moods, body language, voice tones and habits.  This all takes time, so be patient first and foremost with your newly adopted cat.

To give yourself an idea of how they feel, please, imagine yourself as a child, in your home, living your life, not expecting anything to change, and suddenly, you're kidnapped, put in a cage, driven off and inserted into a home with a family who doesn’t speak your language. You are in a completely different place, nothing is familiar, you don’t speak the language and no-one understands you. This is how a cat feels when they are rehomed with a new family. They weren't expecting it, they didn't do anything to deserve it, and it is a shocking, upsetting experience. The upheaval frightens them so they will be on full alert (fight or flight) when they arrive to your home.

 Adopting an Adult Cat from Rescue:

Things you’ll need to have ready for your new cat:

• Find a good veterinarian locally if you can.
• A litter box that’s big enough for your new cat, or a second one if you have existing cats – this saves upset if neither cat is used to sharing a litter box.
• Find out what kind of kitty litter your new cat has been used to and plan to use that until they are settled.  Again this gives them something familiar until they are settled, then go with what you think is best.
• Cat bowls, glass, glazed pottery or stainless steel ones are easiest to keep properly clean.
• Find out what your new cat has been fed on and at what times of the day, a sudden change in diet or feeding times, as well as a change in surroundings is even harder to cope with. Plan to introduce new foods gradually it’ll save stomach upsets.
• Buy or make one of those fishing pole type cat toys or one of the feather on a stick type. Most cats also like those fur mice and Catnip toys are excellent too.
• Be prepared to BRIBE your way into the cat's heart.  So stock up on assorted cat treats – you’ll soon know if you’ve found one they really like!
• Before you collect your cat, have a room prepared, fixing it up with a litter box, familiar food, fresh water and a nice place to sleep.
• Bring something of theirs home with you if you can.  A blanket with their smell already on it can be of great comfort to a cat during the initial rehoming period.
• Prepare a room ready for your new cat. This should include removing breakables and the like as well as finding a warm spot for a cat bed, a place for its food and water (placing a mat or tray below the food and water is a good idea) and keep it away from the litter box.

Please remember that many cats do not take change well at all, but plenty of time and lots of love can work miracles.  Keeping a diary of your cat’s progress in settling in can help you see small improvements you might loose sight of otherwise.

When they first arrive home:

Just take the carrier to "the cat's" room and open the door and quietly take a seat. Eventually they will start an exploration of the room at this point slowly get up and leave then to it. Don’t expect them not to interact with you very much. They will be testing their new surroundings, smelling the new smells, getting used to all the new sounds they aren't used to hearing. Keep the stimulation level low and the noise level down for the first few days.

Please feel free to contact me for a full copy of this, and good luck with you new cat!

 ©Lovelynx Abyssinians 2007-10