If you know you are going to be adopting a new cat, you should start purchasing the items listed on the New Cat Shopping List [note: insert link to shopping list]. You may want to choose not to buy cat food until you find out what type of food the cat has been eating. Go ahead and set up Kitty's litter box and food/water bowls in your house.
Decide what veterinarian you want to use. You can ask friends and coworkers who they go to. It is a good idea to find a vet that you are comfortable with as your new pet's health will depend in part on the quality of care that he receives. In addition, if the same vet sees and treats your pet over the course of years, they will be more likely to notice abnormalities if they arise. Even if your new cat is up to date on routine vet care, it is a good idea to make a vet appointment as soon as you can, just for a quick exam to check up on the cat's health.
Ask us as many questions as you want about the cat you are adopting. Find out what food the cat has been eating. Find out if the cat is litter trained. If you intend to let the cat outside, ask if the cat is used to going out or if it has always been an indoor cat. Ask about the cat's vaccination or vet record - find out if you can get a copy of the vet record if one exists. Learn if the cat has a favorite treat or toy. Ask questions about the cat's temperament - should you be expecting a lap cat or a playful cat?
If you intend to switch the cat's food from one brand to another, you should still buy a small amount of the old brand. Mix the old and new food together for about a week and then you can switch the cat completely over to the new food. This allows the cat's digestive system time to deal with the new food and should help prevent diarrhea.
If you keep valuable or breakable items out on your dining room table, kitchen counters, shelves, and such, it is highly recommended that you put these items somewhere safe. You may find that Kitty is already trained not to jump on the table or that Kitty is graceful enough to jump on your shelves without knocking over the crystal vase, but better safe than sorry!
When you bring the new cat home, it is a good idea to take Kitty out of the carrier in the same room as the litter box. Make sure that the cat knows where a litter box is kept so it knows where to return when it needs to use one.
Give the cat time to explore. If you already have pets, read the information on introducing a new cat [insert link here] for advice on peaceful introductions. Most cats are quite stressed from being moved from one place to another. It will take time for them to get used to the new sights, sounds, and smells. If the cat goes into hiding for a while (under the couch or behind the entertainment center), don't worry. As Kitty adjusts, she will come out more and more. Some cats adjust quickly and won't bother hiding - they seem to automatically just "fit" in any home. But most cats are a bit more shy and reserved.
If Kitty is a young kitten, then plan on keeping Kitty in one room for the first few days or so. Think about just how big Kitty's new world is. An adult cat will likely want to explore the house to find territory to call its own. A tiny kitten does not yet know about "owning" territory and can easily get lost in a large space. Choose a room that the litter box can be kept in long term and that can be Kitty's "home base" - a bedroom or study works great for this! Let Kitty have the run of that room and learn the sights, sounds, and smells, as well as the location of the litter box, food, and water. Then you can let Kitty explore more of the house.
If Kitty is a bit shy at first, spend time in the room that he is in just quietly doing your own thing. Talk to Kitty (or to yourself) so that Kitty gets used to hearing your voice. Read a book or watch a movie or talk on the phone. The idea is to just get Kitty used to your presence. If Kitty comes up to smell you, go slowly. Though cats should generally not be fed table scraps, if you snack near Kitty the smell may draw her out, especially if you are eating meat or dairy products. Play with the cat using toys that let the cat keep some space between you and the cat such as the feather on a stick toys. Make sure that Kitty sees you putting her cat food in the food bowl so she knows that you are the new "food fairy".
Have fun! As you learn Kitty's personality and Kitty learns about your personality, there will eventually be some adjustments made on both sides.
