Cat Considerations: Auburn feline expert shares adoption tips during Adopt-A-Cat Month

While Dr. Diane Delmain fully believes “nothing is cuter than a kitten,” there are other factors to consider when bringing a new cat into your home.

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month, an initiative of the American Humane Society to help cats find loving homes during kitten season.

A clinical professor of community practice in the College of Veterinary Medicine with an advanced certificate in feline behavior, Delmain has a soft spot for soft paws. She shared a few tips for those looking to add a wet nose (or two) to the family:

Follow the three P’s

• Pairs.
  If you plan to have more than one cat in the future, it can be advantageous to get two kittens at the same time, especially siblings. Siblings are pre-bonded pairs and make great playmates that can match each other’s energy levels. This can prevent behavior issues that may come with introducing a new cat into a one-cat household.
• Preparation.
  Make sure you have enough independent resources for the number of cats in your home, including food, water, litter boxes, toys and scratching posts. Cats also need hiding places to feel secure. In multi-cat households, provide separate safe spaces for each cat to rest, hide, eat and use the restroom. Plan a visit to the veterinarian to make sure your new cat has proper vaccines and parasite prevention. If they’re not already, talk to your vet about getting them spayed/neutered and microchipped.
• Patience.
  Getting adjusted to a new space can be a challenge. Delmain said it is key to let your new cat progress at its own pace during this period. Let them explore and don’t force contact with other pets and people. The “Rule of Three” can help manage expectations:
  • First three days: Your cat will likely be stressed and will be adapting to its new home.
  • First three weeks: Your cat will be adjusting to the people and the environment.
  • First three months: Your cat will settle into the routine of its new household.

Learn (and anticipate) their needs

Being aware of the five pillars that make up a healthy environment for cats can also help new cat owners support their pets. Those needs include:

• Safe spaces.
• Multiple and separate resources for all cats (litter boxes, food, water).
• Positive human interactions.
• Opportunities for play and predation that mimics hunting behaviors.
• Recognizing the importance of scent. Cats mark their environment with pheromones by rubbing against or scratching objects. When possible, avoid interfering with a cat’s sense of smell and provide appropriate outlets for scratching. Consider using pheromone diffusers to make your cat more comfortable.

Get ready for fun

Once you are prepared with the basics, Delmain said the next step is having fun and enjoying the variety that cats bring to life.

“Cats are so fun to watch and have such different personalities,” Delmain said. “If a cat bonds with you, there’s nothing like it. It’s the best thing in the world.”

She also encouraged adopters to consider adult cats, as their established personalities make it easier to find the right fit. When choosing a cat, Delmain recommends looking for the telltale sign of cat affection, the “slow blink.”

Find more resources for cat adoption at catfriendly.com.

Community Faculty