How to Bring Cats Into a Home

Bringing kittens or new cats into your home can be a traumatic experience for the cats and those around them, but it doesn't have to be. For rescue kitties, the freedom of being able to get away from the confinement of a closed space at the shelter should be a liberating experience for them. Acclimation to a new environment should be done slowly, especially if you have children or other pets in your home already. Giving the cats a space to call their own, at least initially, can make the transition go smoothly.

Things You'll Need

  • Food and water bowls
  • Cat food
  • Litter boxes
  • Cat litter
  • Cat beds
  • Scratching post
  • Cat toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure that all of the preparations are made prior to bringing the cats home. Have food and water bowls already bought and filled. Set up at least one litter box in a private, convenient area. Purchase cat beds so the cats do not feel inclined to sleep on the furniture and a scratching post to help preserve the furniture. Get some cat toys as well for the cats to play with and for you and your family to use to play with the cats.

    • 2

      Cat-proof your home. Keep small items that your cats could possibly choke on put away in drawers. Keep any toxic chemicals, such as cleaning solvents, in a high cabinet or in the garage.

    • 3

      Keep the cats isolated at first, until they get used to the new surroundings. Assign a room for the cats to stay in for a few days. Allow them out for longer periods of time until about the end of the first week, when the kitties can have the run of the house. Keep any other animals or young children away for the first couple of days, then slowly introduce the cats to the other members of the family.

    • 4

      Have the cats checked by your veterinarian after about a week to make sure there are no health issues.