Is it difficult to adopt a rescue cat? A veterinarian explains how to care for them after official adoption.

Most rescue cats are adults. You may have heard the saying, "cats are attached to the house." Will a rescue cat get used to a new environment?

This article explains how to care for your rescue cat so they can settle into their new home smoothly after the official adoption.

What you need to care for a rescue cat

Since many rescue cats are adults, it takes time for them to adjust to a new environment. Once the official adoption is finalized, gather the necessary supplies to welcome them home.

Cat Food

Choose food labeled "complete nutritional diet." This is food that provides everything a cat needs to survive, along with water. Asking the shelter about the type of food, feeding amounts, and frequency of feedings will be helpful for the future.

Cat Litter Box + Litter

Litter boxes range from open boxes to those with lids. Litter also comes in various materials, such as paper or mineral, and in different pellet sizes. Choose based on the cat's preferences and ease of cleaning. If you get some used litter from the shelter that contains the cat's scent and mix it into the new litter, the cat may find it easier to use the toilet despite the change in environment.

Scratching Post

These come in various types, including sisal rope or cardboard, and can be floor-standing or upright. Scratching posts are essential not just for claw care, but also for stress relief and marking territory with their scent. Provide one so they can claim their own territory in the new environment and feel secure.

Food and Water Bowls

Stainless steel is common, but you can also find ceramic or plastic options. Choose according to the cat's preferences. If you are away often, an automatic feeder is convenient, but wait until the cat has adjusted to your home, as the mechanical noise may startle them.

Cage

After the official adoption, the cat will live in a cage for a while to help them adjust to their new environment. Choose a size that allows for vertical movement, such as a two- or three-story model, with enough space for a litter box and food bowls. You might also consider placing a bed inside.

Carrier Bag

This is necessary for vet visits and transport. Options include shoulder bags and backpacks. If it has doors on both the front and back, it is easier to get the cat in and out, and it can also serve as a safe hiding spot.

You can also prepare a cat tree, toys, and brushes, but these can wait until the rescue cat has settled into their new environment.

Things to keep in mind after bringing your rescue cat home

I'm sure you are happy that the adoption is official and the rescue cat has safely arrived at your home. You may be eager to touch or play with them, but if you rush, the cat may not open up to you. Here are some guidelines to follow after bringing them home.

Live in a Cage

Keep the cat in a cage for the first two weeks after they arrive at your home. If the cat is very wary, you can cover the cage with a towel to help them feel calm.

When the cat starts showing interest in the outside of the cage, let them out into the room for short periods, starting with about 15 minutes.

Block off hiding spots and potential escape routes

For a while after the rescue cat arrives, there is a risk of them trying to escape. Even if they are living in a cage, there is a possibility they might get out while you are feeding them or cleaning the litter box. The cat might rush and hide in a tight space, or escape through a balcony or window. Cats can squeeze into incredibly narrow spaces or escape quickly. Check your home thoroughly before the cat arrives. Also, be sure to keep windows closed whenever you are taking care of them.

Do not overwhelm them

You might be so happy to have the rescue cat home that you want to touch them. If there are small children in the house, the likelihood of the cat being touched forcibly is high. Before bringing the cat home, it is a good idea to establish the following rules:

Do not touch them when they are scared or trying to get away.
If they approach you, you may pet them gently while giving them a treat.
Do not pick them up by force or chase them.

If these rules are not followed, the cat will start to feel fear.

Provide daily care

You must handle feedings and litter box cleaning every single day. Even if they aren't eating much, replace the food and water with fresh portions at every meal. Old food and water are not hygienic. Cats prefer a clean litter box. A dirty litter box can also cause urinary tract diseases.

Also, check their appetite and the condition of their waste; if anything seems off, be sure to take them to a veterinary clinic.

Visit the Vet

A cat may become ill within about two weeks of arriving at a new home. This is caused by the cat struggling to keep up with the changes in their environment. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and urinary problems. If you notice even the slightest change in their health, take them to the vet immediately.

Even if there are no changes in their health,take them for a check-up about two weeks after they arrive. Also, make sure to get them vaccinated and treated for parasites.

If the stress of environmental change is high, medication or supplements to calm the cat may be suggested. Veterinary clinics specializing in cats often recommend feline facial pheromone products (sprays or diffusers), which can be purchased at the clinic.

Summary

The way you handle things after bringing the cat home depends on the rescue cat's personality. Friendly cats will adapt to their new environment quickly, but timid cats will need much more time. Rushing to build a bond is counterproductive. Let's build trust step by step.

Before bringing the cat home, ask the shelter about the cat's personality and how they behaved at the facility; this will serve as a reference for how to interact with them. If you have any concerns, consult with the shelter or a veterinarian.