Dos and Don'ts When Bringing Home a New Rescue Cat

This new transition can be challenging, but welcoming a new family member is absolutely worth it! Our certified behaviorist – who has years of experience working with rescued animals of all ages and behavioral needs – has compiled the following recommendations to help make this transition as easy as possible.

DO: 

1. Follow the golden rule of one of every resource for each cat plus one spare. That means, for one cat: two litter boxes, two tall and sturdy scratching posts, two hiding spaces, two food bowls, and two water sources. Timeline: get this set up right away to get things off to a great start with your cat, and if you are having any issue with elimination outside of the litterbox or any conflicts between cats in a multi-cat home make sure you have enough of each resource in different locations –and contact us! 
2. Provide the perfect litter box. The ideal box is large (one and a half times the size of your cat—lots of turning room), low for ease of entry, uncovered, has no liner, is located in a quiet place in the house away from other resources, and is scooped at least once per day. Timeline: Always, and especially if your cat is not using their box! 
3. Provide a safe room and/or crate for the cat to acclimatize in. Give the cat a safe room where they can adjust to the new smells of the house before they get the run of the house. Timeline: first few days, and then let them explore from this secure base the first few weeks, at the cat’s pace.
4. Go at the cat’s pace. Slower is faster with cats, and especially with fearful cats. And remember, though we’re used to streaming everything, cats are still on biological time (i.e. much slower than we’re used to). Timeline: At the cat’s pace! 
5. Watch your cat’s body language. Look for relaxed, loose body language when you are interacting with your cat and pay attention to any signs of stress. Timeline: Always a great approach.
   Watch this video from Fear Free Happy Homes on reading cat body language.
6. Leave your cat’s crate out. Put your cat’s crate in a nice location with comfortable bedding inside and place treats and catnip in the back of the crate and sometimes feed your cat there. Let your cat relax in their crate. If you make the crate a place your cat enjoys being, it will be a lot easier to bring your cat to the vet. Timeline: Always, or at least a few weeks before a vet visit.
7. Do slow introductions with other dogs and cats. Start by giving each animal their own safe space and exchanging smells. Then, let the animals swap rooms so they can explore and smell without the other around. Next, allow sniffs through a gate or barrier. Provide lots of high-up spaces and hiding areas for the cats. And in the case of dog-cat introductions, always go at the cat’s pace and let the cat choose whether to interact (or not!). Timeline: At the cat’s pace.
8. Find out your cat’s favorite treat and provide enrichment. Is it Churu, Bonito flakes, Temptations, or wet food? Does your cat prefer catnip or silvervine? Do they like food puzzles? 
9. Train your cat. Reward behaviors you like (and DO use food!). If you pay behaviors you like with attention, praise, and treats, you’ll get more of those behaviors. You can also help your cat by practicing and rewarding handling (ear, tail, mouth, and paw touches). Timeline: A training session with a cat lasts about 2-3 minutes tops and you can reward on the go as you see behaviors you like
   See additional videos here.
10. Find out your cat’s favorite toy and play with your cat! Let them take time to stalk and sometimes catch “their prey.” This is one of the best things you can do for your cat. Timeline: Forever, and it’s especially helpful to do before bedtime if you have a rambunctious cat 
11. Schedule a vet exam to establish care. Let your cat get settled in first before the visit, but get an appointment on the calendar (since most vets are booked out). You will need this to continue any prescription foods and medicines for your cat. 

DON’T:

1. Pick your cat up and force them to interact with a new person, dog, or cat. Let the cat choose to approach in their own time. Timeline: Always is the best approach.
2. Play with the cat with your hands. Unless everyone in the household really doesn’t mind scratches and bites, it’s better to use a toy. Timeline: Always, especially important with kittens! 
3. Ignore love bites. Usually this indicates the cat is not comfortable with the interaction – or that they are just done! Timeline: Until you’ve learned your cat’s body language and preferences 
4. Pet your cat’s belly. Some cats are an exception, but for many cats rolling over to show their belly is an expression of trust (the opposite of an invitation to touch!). Timeline: Until you’ve learned your cat’s preferences.
5. Let your cat roam outside. Outdoor cats have a significantly shorter lifespan. It’s dangerous out there. And your new cat may not return to you if they get out. Timeline: Until you’ve trained them on a harness or provided a secure catio! 
6. Accidentally reward behaviors you don’t like (or may not like in the future).  Pay no attention to things you don’t like. Wait for a pause and reward an alternate behavior. Or ask for a different behavior and reward that. Timeline: Always is smart! 
7. Overwhelm your cat with scent and sound. Cats are much more sensitive to smell and sound than we are. Don’t wash your cat’s bedding too frequently. Don’t use strongly scented cleaners in places where the cat frequents. Timeline: Always.
8. Overwhelm your cat with affection. Most cats prefer short, predictable, (and if the cat likes it) frequent interactions. Give your cat the choice to accept pets (or not!). Timeline: Until you know your cat’s body language and preferences.
9. Punish your cat. Don’t use spray bottles or shake cans or expect your cat to understand “No!”or “Off!”. Instead, teach your cat what you want them to do. Timeline: Forever!  
10. Think your cat doesn’t need you. Cats have a reputation for being aloof and independent, but the latest studies show that many cats prefer human interaction to food, playtime, or new smells. Even if your cat isn’t playful or a lap cat, they appreciate your company! Timeline: Forever!
    

If you need additional assistance, reach out – we are happy to help!
Email us at Adoptions@PasadoSafeHaven.org or call Pasado’s Safe Haven at 360-793-9393.