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If you’ve made the decision to adopt your first cat or kitten, you won’t regret it! Your life is about to be full of playful moments and furry snuggles. On top of the many incredible benefits, you will be giving a home to a cat who needs a good place to live.
No matter what cuddly companion you choose, there are some important things that you will need to do in order to properly welcome your new addition. VGRRR Pet Food offers some valuable tips for getting ready to bring home your first-ever cat or kitten.
Complete an adoption application and find the right cat/kitten.
Before you can find your new fur baby, you’ll need to fill out an adoption application. This is crucial in helping the shelter connect you with the right cat or kitten. It is especially important for those who currently have other pets in the home.
At this stage, you’ll also learn more about the requirements of adopting. This includes education on the importance of spaying and neutering to lower the increasing cat population. You will also learn why declawing cats is inhumane — and in some places — illegal.
Once approved, you’ll be able to search for and find your first-ever cat or kitten. If you choose to adopt a kitten, he or she will need to stay with their mom until eight to ten weeks of age.
Prior to bringing your new cat or kitten home, you’ll need to get all the required supplies. This includes a litter box (and litter), healthy food, bowls, toys, and anything else that your new pet will need.
Slowly introduce other pets in the home.
It’s finally time to bring your cat home! If you already have other pets, a slow introduction is key. While individual guidance may vary, depending on the age and personality of your cat, start by having them stay in one room of the house. This way, your other pets will be able to hear and see that there has been a new addition to the family. From there, make slow and supervised introductions. If you have questions about the behavior of your pets at this stage, be sure to reach out to an expert for guidance.
Remember too that pets tend to be sensitive to our moods, and your new cat will be nervous anyway. Make sure you set up as serene and soothing an environment as possible.
Begin litter box training.
No matter their age, both cats and kittens will need to learn how to use the litter box in your home. While kittens will be mostly unfamiliar with the concept (and will require actual training from you), older cats will also need to be shown where to go.
Provide plenty of entertainment and room to run/hide.
When thinking about buying toys for a pet, it is more common to think that this is a need for dogs — and not as critical for cats. Although this is true to an extent, cats ( especially kittens) need enrichment to thrive. Be sure to always have toys around for your new pet. A scratching post is also highly recommended if you want to keep your furniture intact. Also, make plenty of space in your home for your cat to run and hide as this is a big part of helping them feel safe and comfortable.
Adopting a cat or kitten is a big yet highly rewarding commitment. Following the above steps will ensure that your new pet thrives for many years to come.
To ensure your new feline fur baby has a healthy diet rich in nutrients, consider giving them VGRRR Pet Food, which is 100% vegan. Check out our shop today!