New Friend Checklist

• First and foremost, be sure you are ready to make a long-term commitment to love and care for a cat and can also afford to do so.
• Use a cat carrier to bring the cat home. No exceptions.
• Prepare a room where the cat can live for the first few days to get acclimated to you and your home. Provide a litter box, cat bed, water bowl, and good quality cat food.
• Do not make too many demands on your new cat until it has a chance to get used to you and the new home.
• Prepare any children by reminding them to speak softly and to be gentle with the cat. Introduce them to the new cat one child at a time.
• If you already have another cat, do not force the two of them to interact. Do not leave them alone together until they have made their peace with each other.
• Each cat should have their own litter box, food, and water.
• Give your first cat extra attention to minimize any jealousy.
• Provide several scratching posts and keep claws trimmed.
• Find a good vet to spay or neuter your cat (if not already) & to provide preventive health care.
• Love and enjoy your cat.