If you’re getting ready to welcome a new feline into your home, take a few steps to ensure you’ll both have the best experience. Before you finalize your cat adoption, here are five tips veterinarians recommend to care for your new pet and help them adjust with ease.

5 Pet Care Tips for New Cat Owners

1. Provide Safe Hiding Spaces

Cats can take a while to adjust to their new homes, especially if kids or other pets are present. To help them acclimate, give them a safe room where they can quietly explore. Once they start getting more comfortable, offer other hiding spaces, such as cat houses and scratching posts with platforms.

2. Make Food & Water Available

While you’ll want to establish set mealtimes for your cat, keep food and water available at all times in the beginning. Some felines may be slow to start eating or drinking when they adjust to a new home. If you’re unsure which foods are best for your new pet, consult your veterinarian.

3. Offer Multiple Litter Box Options  

Cats can be trained to take care of their own bathroom business. However, if you want to avoid accidents, make sure they always have access to a clean, open, and properly sized litter box. Since you won’t know where your pet will feel comfortable using the bathroom, place a few litter boxes throughout the house so they can choose.

4. Schedule Quality Time

Spending time with your new cat will help you establish a bond that allows them to trust and love you. Apart from petting, give them daily grooming sessions and play with toys that stimulate their natural hunting behaviors.

5. Visit a Veterinarian

Even if your cat seems healthy, visit a veterinarian as soon as you can after the adoption. During this visit, they’ll provide a pet health exam to give you an idea of your pet’s condition and recommend lifestyle tips and treatments if necessary. They’ll also make sure your feline is up to date on pet vaccines and has the right tick and flea medicine.

When you want to create the best life for your new cat, Kokua Pet Clinic has the resources to help. As an experienced veterinary clinic in Honolulu, HI, since 2000, these professionals are equipped to prevent, diagnose, and treat feline health issues. For more information on these services, visit this Oahu veterinarian online. To schedule a pet health exam, call (808) 843-8382.