Ask a Paw

Welcoming a new cat is exciting—but ensuring your home is safe, enriching, and comforting requires foresight. From securing hazards to setting up cozy retreats, proper preparation sets the stage for a smooth transition and a confident, happy cat. Drawing on extensive foster‑home experience, here’s your comprehensive pre‑arrival checklist.

1. Hazard Elimination

• Cord Management: Tuck away or sheath electrical and blind cords to prevent chewing.

• Toxic Plants: Remove lilies, philodendron, and other known toxins; replace with cat‑safe greenery like spider plants.

• Small Objects: Clear floors and surfaces of rubber bands, hair ties, and other choke hazards.

2. Essential Equipment

• Litter Box Setup: One box per cat (or one for your new cat if single‑cat), placed in a quiet corner.

• Food & Water Stations: Non‑tip bowls placed away from the litter area.

• Scratching Posts: Vertical and horizontal options to satisfy scratching instincts.

3. Comfort Zones

• Safe Haven Room: A small bedroom with bedding, toys, and hiding spots for initial adjustment.

• Gradual Exploration: Open doors to other rooms over several days once your cat seems settled.

4. Enrichment & Bonding

• Interactive Toys: Have wand toys and puzzle feeders ready for daily play sessions.

• Scent Familiarization: Rub a cloth on existing resident pets (if any) and place in the newcomer’s room to exchange scents.

5. Health Precautions

• Vet Appointment: Schedule a wellness check within the first week for vaccinations and parasite screening.

• Microchipping & ID Tags: Ensure swift reunion if a curious escape occurs.

6. Family Coordination

• Household Roles: Assign feeding, litter cleaning, and play‑session duties to family members to distribute bonding opportunities.

• Behavior Expectations: Educate children on gentle handling and respecting the cat’s retreat signals.

Takeaway: A well‑prepared home not only protects your new cat but also fosters confidence and trust from day one. By cat‑proofing hazards, setting up comfort zones, and planning enrichment, you’ll create a loving environment where your feline companion can flourish.