A game of cat and house: Prospective pet parents shouldn't take the feline adoption process lightly

An estimated 43% of cats have been adopted from a rescue group or animal shelter, according to the Humane Society of the United States. When adopted, their new owners introduce them to a new environment, where they’re met with unfamiliar smells.

Adopting a cat is a serious process that prospective pet parents shouldn’t take lightly. All parties involved can expect to undergo some degree of stress, which can be mitigated by thoroughly planning the arrival of the latest member of the family.

Bringing home a new arrival

Although some adoptions are spur of the moment, it’s best to plan to adopt a new friend. Cats are known for being remarkably self-sufficient, but they still require basic supplies and an environment tailored for their arrival. Before even dealing with the shelter, new cat parents must purchase a litter box with litter, a scoop, food, food dishes, a water bowl, a few toys and a bed.

There’s no guarantee that the cat will sleep in its new bed, especially since cat sleeping habits are something unique altogether. But new feline companions need to have things of their own that they find comfort in upon arrival. Homeowners and new adoptees must also prepare a quiet room where the cat will stay as it decompresses and acclimates to its environment.

The first stop for the new owner and cat should be the vet’s office. Most cats adopted from a reputable rescue have seen the vet to be spayed or neutered and to receive all necessary vaccines. However, it’s a good idea to establish a place to bring the new family member should it exhibit unusual sleep behaviors or isn’t eating or drinking. A vet may also want to perform a thorough check-up and order bloodwork to ensure it hasn’t contracted any common illnesses from the shelter.

If the veterinarian gives the go-ahead to bring the new kitty home, it can be introduced to its new home. Even with food, water, a bed, and a litter box, cats may not take to their new location immediately, and it may take some time and patience before they’re comfortable. If it’s a smaller kitten, isolate it in the room until it’s comfortable with everyone’s presence. Then, let it explore the rest of the house at its pace.

Not the only one?

If there’s already another cat in the house, it’s crucial that the newcomer remain in their private space, isolated from other animals. Cats are territorial and may not immediately accept a new roommate. It’s best to keep them separate for several days, allowing them to inspect one another under a door.

Feline expert Jackson Galaxy advocates keeping cats separate for several days. He has a step-by-step method for safely introducing new and resident cats that involves feeding them in separate rooms with a closed door between them and allowing them to switch rooms so they can smell each other and become accustomed to the new scents.

Even with a vet’s clean bill of health, a cat in a rescue or shelter situation can have health issues, so the isolation period is crucial for keeping the resident cats healthy, too. Respiratory conditions are common in shelter animals and can be passed to domesticated cats if they’re not isolated during the period of infection. Separating them also allows the owner to keep track of any food intolerance or other conditions the new cat may have and to make changes accordingly.

Part of the family

Once the newcomer has met the other family members, a pet owner may have to referee the occasional squabble. If they continue to fight, an additional period of isolation may be necessary. The cats need time to establish a hierarchy and determine their territories. Once they’ve done this, they should be able to live together more or less peacefully. Sometimes, an owner will get lucky, and the new cat will bond with one of the residents almost immediately, making the relationship much happier.

If the owner notices the newcomer has allergy-like symptoms, it may be time for another vet visit. Cats have similar symptoms as humans: runny eyes, sneezing, and itching. Many people don’t realize cats, just like humans, can have allergies, and this condition has gained more recognition in recent years. Like human allergies, there are remedies available for cats to help reduce the reaction to things in the home like carpets, food, or other cat dander.

Trey Ferro, CEO of Spot Pet Insurance, says, “As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to be mindful of pet allergies, provide proper care, and recognize signs of distress.”

Medication can help allergies, as can food formulated for cats with sensitive skin. Most major pet food companies have a sensitive skin/stomach formulation in dry and canned food. The most important thing is to ensure the cats have regular veterinarian checks to keep them healthy.

In cats especially, getting ahead of a problem before it becomes serious is much easier than treating the animal after secondary symptoms occur. It also allows them to recover quicker, so they can return to their quirky habits, like constantly lying on their owner’s legs.