Preparing for a New Cat or Kitten

Tips on creating a safe space, getting supplies, cat-proofing your home, and making introductions.

Create a safe space

Before bringing your new baby home, set aside one room to make a home base for your newcomer. This is the first area you should cat-proof. This can be done even if your new cat is already home. It should be a small room with a floor that is easy to clean and a door that closes completely. Make the room comfortable for a cat by furnishing a litter box, food and water, bedding (towels or blankets if you don’t have a pet bed), safe toys (small mice and balls), and a scratching post. Please place the litter box as far away from the cat’s food as possible.

Supplies Checklist

Prepare to bring your new friend home by making sure you have all of the basics.

Litter box and litter
At Tenth Life, we love clumping clay litter and nice, big, open litter boxes. Keep in mind that some cats may prefer different types of litter and litter boxes and it may take some trial and error to find the types that your cat prefers. A litter box that is too small or litter that isn’t comfortable for their paws, can lead to inappropriate elimination.
Comfy place to sleep
While some cats will prefer to sleep in your bed with you, others do enjoy a bed of their own. Be sure to consider your cat’s size when choosing a bed for them to try!
Scratching post
Help prevent your cat from scratching furniture or carpet by offering them appropriate surfaces to scratch. At Tenth Life, we love tall, sturdy scratching posts as well as flat, cardboard scratching pads. There are many options available to purchase and it may take some trial and error to find what your cat prefers.
Cat carrier
Be sure to consider your cat’s size when purchasing a carrier. They come in many sizes and you’ll want your cat to fit comfortably. At Tenth Life, we love hard-sided, top entry carriers! Remember that soft-sided carriers may not be as safe during travel and may be easier to escape from.

Food & water bowls
Keep in mind that cats may experience whisker fatigue if their whiskers hit their bowls when they are eating or drinking and plastic materials can cause feline acne or other skin issues. At Tenth Life, we love elevated, large, ceramic bowls.
Toys & Enrichment
Remember, boredom can lead to behavior issues so you’ll want to ensure that your cat has plenty to do! At Tenth Life, we love catnip toys, wand toys, and interactive toys that encourage solo play.
Collar & ID tag
When choosing a collar, consider that break-away collars are a safe option to ensure that your cat cannot harm themselves should their collar get stuck on something. And, an ID tag with their name, address, phone number, and how to contact their owner can ensure that if ever missing, your cat will make their way home safely to you.
Food
Consider your cat’s age and size when making food choices. Your veterinarian will also be able to make custom suggestions!

Cat-proof your home

Keep in mind that once your cat is comfortable in her home-base room and with being around you, she will be ready to explore the rest of your home. So, take advantage of the time that your cat is acclimating in his/her home base to prepare the rest of your house.

Poisonous or toxic plants

If you think your cat (or dog) may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local vet, animal emergency room, or the ASPCA’s emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. The ASPCA has provided a great, searchable list of plants that may be toxic for your pets. Please check your home for these plants. If you find them, give them to a friend, or place them in a place or room where your cat cannot reach them:

Philodendron
Ficus
Snake Plant
Schefflera
Croton
Aloe Vera
Poinsettia
Corn Plant

Ivy
Norfolk Pine
Peace Lily
Antherium
Bleeding Heart
Chinese Evergreen
Elephant Ear

Plastic bags

This includes any kind of plastic bag, such as lunch bags, trash bags, and even grocery bags. Many cats like to chew on plastic bags, and the bits they swallow can become lodged in their digestive systems, and can require major surgery by your veterinarian in order for the cat to survive. Cats can also become entangled in handles of bags, panic, and really harm themselves in a frenzy to get free.

Small Items

There are many small and chewable (or swallowable) items that you should keep out of your cat’s reach. These include string, floss, rubber bands, loose buttons, small children’s toys (such as LEGOs), small pieces from games, earrings, paper clips, thumb tacks, broken balloons, and Christmas tree tinsel. A general rule of thumb is that if something is small enough to fit in their mouth, it is best to keep it out of the cat’s reach.

Household Cleaners or Pest Poisons

Many of the household cleaners you use can be poisonous to cats. It is best to keep these put away behind closed doors (such as in a cabinet), where your cat cannot have access to them. At the same time, many chemicals used to control insects or rodents are poisonous to cats, and should not be left out once you bring your cat home. Finally, if you are going to have any major cleaning done (such as having your carpets cleaned), or use any type of “pest bombs” in your home, be sure you remove your cats when this is done. If you have any questions, please call your veterinarian.

Off-limits rooms

Never let your cat into the garage – there are far too many hazardous materials housed there. You may also consider keeping your baby’s room restricted. It’s certainly not necessary, but many parents feel better keeping their new baby’s door closed.

Hanging blinds cords

Cats of all ages love to play with hanging blinds cords. These are NOT good toys for cats. The cat can get tangled up in the cord and choke to death. Please tie the cords up out of reach.

Strings

Floss, yarn, thread, cords, etc. all pose hazards to cats and kittens. Not only can felines get tangled in these items and choke, but the greater risk is that they will swallow these items. Strings can find their way into kitties’ stomachs and intestines and cause great discomfort, which can lead to the cat not eating. X-rays cannot detect these items. Gone untreated, this can be lethal to kitties.

Electrical and phone cords

Electric cords are also a dangerous temptation for a cat of any age. One way to solve this issue is to invest in a cord management system, or tape the cords together and try to put them out of reach. Phone cords should also be managed.

Secure valuables & breakables

Breakables and items with sentimental value should be placed out of reach or behind a closed door. If you have particularly beloved furniture or precious fabrics, try to keep them out of your new cat’s reach if possible. If not, double-sided tape applied to the items you want protected should do the trick!

Make a final pass

Once you have done your best to kitten-proof according to the suggestions above, take a moment to look at your home from the kitten’s perspective. Get on your hands and knees and look around. You may notice things like an M&M (toxic!) or a sewing needle that you didn’t see while standing. And even if you think everything has been secured, monitor your kitten as he explores so that you can tend to issues as they arise.

A quiet homecoming

Remind the family that a new kitty needs a quiet homecoming in his home base. Of course, you’re excited! But to have a successful introduction to his new life, your cat will appreciate if you let him come to you, not the other way around.

Do not force affection on your cat, but rather have plenty of toys and treats on hand.
Expect to let your new kitten stay in his home base for a minimum of one week. Once he seems comfortable and acclimated, it’s time to progress to integration into the rest of the house.
After a few days in the kitty’s home base, allow her to explore the rest of the house, with the other pets closed up in a room. Be sure to supervise so she doesn’t hide.
Once the cat is comfortable, place the food, water, and litter box in their permanent spots. Be sure to show them where these items are!
Don’t forget to call your vet to schedule an appointment for a checkup, feeding ideas, and any vaccinations he/she may need. Even if the shelter provided medical care, it’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Introductions

After your cat or kitten feels secure in their environment, it’s time to slowly integrate them with the rest of the family.