Instructions
Schedule a veterinary appointment for your cat. While some shelters and adoption agencies provide veterinary services for their cats, not all of them do. For the health of your cat, your family and your other pets, make sure that your cat's vaccinations are up-to-date and that she does not have any diseases.
Give your new cat something that smells like his former home or owner. Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell, and familiar smells can comfort a stressed cat. Place this object in the cat's carrier for the trip to his new home.
Put your new cat's litter box, food, water and toys in a room with a door. When you arrive home with your cat, place the carrier in the room, shut the door and open the crate. Allow your cat to leave the crate when he is ready. Give your cat several days to become familiar with this one room before giving her access to the rest of your house or apartment.
Keep your cat indoors until he has completely accepted his new home and owner. Cats often search for their lost human companion, and you do not want him to escape outside into an unfamiliar area.
Help your new cat adjust to you by spending time in the same room with her. By being close to your cat, she will become used to your scent. If your cat seems shy, just sit quietly in the room. Let her approach you when she is ready. When she does come up to you, extend your fingers so that she can sniff them. Pet her gently if she seems willing.
Leave an article of your clothing with your cat if you have to leave the house. Some cats who have lost their owners become very attached to their new owners quickly. These cats can become stressed if the new owner leaves their sight. Minimize this stress by leaving an article of your clothing with your scent on it.
Treat your cat by providing food treats and/or new toys. Time the food treats so that they do not correspond to negative behaviors. For example, if your cat has begun over-grooming himself, do not give him a treat as he grooms. You will only be reinforcing this negative behavior. Instead, wait until your cat stops cleaning himself before giving him the treat. Toys, in particular, can help a withdrawn cat come out of his shell. They can also help a clingy cat focus her attention on something besides you.
How to Bring a New Cat Into Your Home and Who Has Lost an Owner
Adopting a cat can be a joyous occasion for the cat's new owner. For the cat, however, the change in scenery and smells causes stress. Cats that have lost an owner present additional challenges. Because cats cannot communicate verbally, it is impossible to know exactly what they are thinking and feeling. Many cats, however, will exhibit behavioral changes in response to loss. Some become withdrawn, while others become clingy. Some grieving cats search for their previous owners. Others refuse to eat or groom themselves. Still others become quite obsessive about cleanliness. After adopting a cat who has lost its owner, observe the cat and alter your behaviors according to his needs. It can take as little as two weeks and as long as six months for your new cat to adjust to her new environment. Patience is key to developing a trusting relationship with your new cat.