Bringing your first cat home is an exciting experience, and you want to do everything you can to ensure it feels comfortable. From picking out the necessary supplies to finding a reputable veterinary clinic, there are a few crucial tasks to cross off your to-do list before you bring your cat home. To ensure you aren’t scrambling on adoption day, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Preparing to Adopt a Cat

1. Create a Comfortable Space

A new home can be overwhelming for your cat and generate stress. To keep it comfortable, offer plenty of hiding spaces where it can escape and feel safe. Old cardboard boxes are a great cost-effective solution. Purchase plenty of toys, water and food bowls, and a scratching post as well. Be patient when the cat arrives and let it explore. Never force it into doing anything. You may also want to limit it to one room for several days so it can get comfortable before letting it explore the whole house.

2. Handle Vaccines

Depending on your new cat’s age, it may require several vaccines. Often, the veterinary clinic can handle the first round of shots before you pick the cat up, but you’ll need to schedule follow-up visits for additional rounds. Kittens should receive their vaccines before 8 weeks, and adult cats should get them immediately upon adoption. Most cats require two doses several weeks apart.

Core vaccines protect against feline herpes, rabies, and leukemia, all of which pose a risk to humans, the cat, and other cats. Non-core vaccines protect against chlamydia, immunodeficiency virus, and bordetella. These aren’t required, but are advised.

3. Get Diet in Order

You also want to ensure that your cat gets all the nutrients it needs throughout the day. Ample protein, the amino acids taurine and arginine, vitamin A, and starch are all essential to feline health. Your new cat may have dietary restrictions, which is why an exam at your veterinary clinic is important in their first few days at home. In addition, food needs to be portioned correctly so you’ll avoid problems like pet obesity and diabetes. On average, healthy cats require about 30 calories per pound a day. For adult cats, that averages to about 240 calories — roughly a cup of dry food or one can of wet food. If you have a kitten, consider spacing out these meals three times a day, as they’re growing quickly and have high energy levels. After 6 months, you can cut down to two feedings a day.

Are you ready to adopt your first pet? Turn to Tanner Veterinary Hospital in Russellville, AR. They’ve partnered with Russellville Animal Shelter to ensure pets throughout the state find loving homes. They also offer comprehensive pet care services at their veterinary clinic, so your new friend can get their necessary exams and vaccines. Whether your companion needs a general exam or more extensive surgery, they’ll take every step to keep them comfortable and healthy. Call (479) 968-3535 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to explore their services further.