{"id":7673,"date":"2017-02-07T17:36:24","date_gmt":"2017-02-08T00:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/outwardhound.com\/?p=7673"},"modified":"2021-08-24T11:10:15","modified_gmt":"2021-08-24T17:10:15","slug":"a-5-step-guide-to-first-time-cat-adoption","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/a-5-step-guide-to-first-time-cat-adoption","title":{"rendered":"A 5-Step Guide to First Time Cat Adoption"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adopt a New Kitty? Here Are Some First Time Cat Owner Tips<\/h2>\n

Adopting a new pet is a big responsibility, especially if you’re a\u00a0new cat owner<\/a>. That where reading up on first time cat owner tips comes in handy!<\/p>\n

First off, thank you for rescuing an animal. Second, it’s time to get ready to bring your new cat to their furever home! Make a list and hit the pet store for all the kitty essentials!<\/p>\n

If you have adopted a cat for the first time, take a look at the following five best practices for taking care of your new furry family member.<\/p>\n

1. Before You Bring Your New\u00a0Cat\u00a0Home<\/h2>\n
\"new
pc: PetExpress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cats are known to be inadequately socialized as kittens, making new interactions with other animals and people pretty scary! Before bringing them home, allow them time at the shelter or adoption center to familiarize themselves with your scent and to brush their scent on you. This will make their introduction of your home less intimidating and more familiar to them.<\/p>\n

Also consider preparing a small area in a spare bedroom, bathroom or utility room just for them. Furnish the room with basic\u00a0cat amenities<\/a>\u00a0like cat food, water, cat trees, catnip, clumping cat litter, and a litter box as well as a few extras like scratching posts, toys for playtime and blankets for them to curl up in to escape noise and other distractions.<\/p>\n

If you’re bringing a cat to a home that already has house pets, read our post on\u00a0introducing a dog to your cat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. The Ride Home<\/h2>\n

One of the first things you’re likely to discover about your cat is that they HATE to travel. This makes having a\u00a0cat carrier<\/a>\u00a0for the ride home the safest and most comfortable option. Throw a soft blanket in there to give your new feline friend some extra comfort and snuggles.<\/p>\n

3. Their First Moments in Their New Home<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Upon entering your home, place their cat\u00a0carrier on the floor, slowly sit next to the carrier, and open the gate. Let your cat come to you and allow them to become acquainted with you and their new environment on their own time. Don’t force it.<\/p>\n

4. Introducing Your Cat to Other Pets<\/h2>\n

\"introducing<\/p>\n

How does a pet parent introduce a new cat to your dog(s) and have it go well? They don\u2019t have to be instant friends, but you do want to manage safety and keep the stress levels low.<\/p>\n

If you’re introducing your dog to his\/her new feline sister\/brother,\u00a0Paws.org<\/a>\u00a0has some helpful tips as well:<\/p>\n