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, "A cat gets attached to its home." Will a rescue cat get used to a new environment?

We will explain how to care for your cat so that it can smoothly adjust to your home after official adoption.

What you need to adopt a rescue cat

保護猫を飼うのに必要な物

Most rescue cats are adults, so it takes time for them to get used to a new environment. Once the official adoption of a rescue cat is decided, gather the necessary items for care and welcome it home.

Cat food

Choose food that says "complete and balanced nutrition." Complete and balanced food is food that allows a cat to live solely on that food and water. It will be helpful to ask the shelter about the type of food, feeding amount, and frequency for future reference.

Cat litter box + cat litter

Litter boxes come in various types, from open boxes to covered ones. Litter types also vary, such as paper or mineral, and the granule size can range from small to large. Choose based on your cat's preference and ease of cleaning. If you get litter with the rescue cat's scent from the shelter and mix it with the new litter, the cat will be able to relieve itself smoothly even in a new environment.

Scratching post

Scratching posts come in various types, such as sisal rope or cardboard, and can be placed on the floor or used upright. Scratching posts are necessary not only for nail care but also for stress relief and marking their scent. Place one for your cat to establish its secure territory in the new environment.

Food bowl, water bowl

Stainless steel is common, but ceramic and plastic options are also available. Choose according to your cat's preference. If you are often away from home, an automatic feeder can be convenient, but it's best to wait until your rescue cat is accustomed to your home, as the mechanical noise might startle it.

Cage

After the official adoption, the cat will live in a cage for a while to get used to the new environment. Choose a spacious cage with two or three levels that allows for vertical movement and can accommodate a litter box and food bowls. You can also place a bed inside.

Carrier bag

A carrier bag is necessary for trips to the vet or for travel. There are shoulder bag types and backpack types. If it has doors at the front and back, it will be easier to get the rescue cat in and out, and it can also serve as an escape route.

In addition, you may want to prepare a cat tree, toys, and brushes, but these can wait until the rescue cat has adjusted to the new environment.

What to observe after welcoming a rescue cat

保護猫をお迎えしてから守って欲しいこと

You're probably happy that your rescue cat has been officially adopted and is safely in your home. You might be eager to touch and play with it, but if you rush, the rescue cat won't open its heart to you. Here's what you should observe after welcoming your cat.

Live in a cage

Let the rescue cat stay in the cage for the first two weeks after coming home. If the cat is very wary, cover the cage with a towel to help it calm down.

When the cat starts to show interest outside the cage, let it out into the room for short periods, starting with about 15 minutes.

Block off areas where the cat can hide or escape

For a while after the rescue cat comes home, there's a possibility it might try to escape. Even if it stays in the cage, it might try to get out when you're feeding it or cleaning the litter box. The cat might panic and squeeze into a gap or escape from a balcony or window. Cats can squeeze into very narrow spaces and escape. Check thoroughly before bringing your cat home. Also, be sure to close windows when caring for your cat.

Don't over-interact

When a rescue cat comes home, you might be so happy that you want to touch it. Especially if there are small children, there's a high chance they might try to force contact. It's a good idea to set rules like these before bringing the cat home:

Do not touch the cat if it is scared or trying to run away.
If the cat approaches, you can give it a treat and then gently pet it a little.
Do not force cuddles or chase the cat.

If these rules are not followed, the cat will become fearful.

Care for them daily

Be sure to provide daily care such as feeding and cleaning the litter box. Even if the cat doesn't eat much, replace the food and water with fresh ones at every meal. Old food and water are not hygienic. Cats prefer clean litter boxes. A dirty litter box can also cause urinary tract diseases.

Also, check the cat's appetite and stool condition, and if anything seems unusual, be sure to visit the vet.

Go to the vet

Cats can fall ill within approximately two weeks of coming home. This is due to the cat not being able to cope with the change in environment. Common symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and urinary difficulties. If there is any change in your cat's condition, take it to the vet immediately.

Even if there are no changes in condition, you should have a health check-up around two weeks after coming home. Also, be sure to vaccinate and deworm your cat.

If your cat is under severe stress due to environmental changes, calming medications or supplements can be suggested. Cat-specialty hospitals recommend cat facial pheromone products (sprays or diffusers), which can be purchased at the veterinary clinic.

Summary

まとめ

The way you care for a rescue cat after bringing it home will vary depending on its personality. Friendly cats will adapt to a new environment quickly, but timid cats will need a considerable amount of time to adjust. Rushing to close the distance will be counterproductive. Build trust little by little.

Before bringing your cat home, it is helpful to ask the shelter about the cat's personality and how it behaved at the facility, as this will guide your interactions. Also, if you have any concerns, consult the shelter or a veterinarian.