Health and safety
Choose one room in your house to start with and release your cat in the prepared room when the house is quiet. Slowly increase the areas they can access over several days.
Secure windows and doors to prevent escape!
Keep your cat contained to your property to keep them safe and healthy.
This will:
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Reduce the risk of them getting sick, being hurt or dying in an accident.
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Reduce the risk they will stray and be lost or impounded by the council.
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Minimise the risk they will harm or kill other animals.
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Avoiding cat-related problems with your neighbours.
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Give them the best chance to live a long, healthy life.
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Remember that some commonly found house plants, such as lilies, are toxic to cats
See a vet
Schedule a visit with your vet for a thorough health check and to discuss vaccinations.
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Discuss microchipping and desexing for their health and safety.
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Protect your furry friend from flea & worm prevention with appropriate treatments.
- Consider brushing or dental treats to prevent dental disease.
Nutrition
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Feed a high-quality age-appropriate commercial food for proper nutrition.
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Cats are lactose intolerant, so just stick to fresh, clean water.
Bedding
Provide a cosy bed in a peaceful spot and make sure it’s and comfortable by choosing bedding that’s easy to clean and dry.
Litter trays
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Place the litter tray in a quiet, private area.
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Keep it clean to encourage regular use.
Play time!
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Play with your new furry friend.
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Rotate different toys like chase-and-catch, treat puzzles, and wand toys.
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Puzzle feeders and games keep them mentally stimulated.
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Provide scratching posts to help maintain their nails and discourage furniture scratching.
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Cats love climbing and observing from high vantage points.
Grooming
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Begin gentle brushing early and reward your cat with a tasty treat to make it a positive experience.
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Use round edged scissors carefully for trimming any tangles.
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Avoid giving your cat a bath unless recommended by your vet, as they find it quite stressful.
Reward-based training
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Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or pats.
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Ignore anything you don’t want to encourage – for example, playtime should end if scratching or biting gets too rough.
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Avoid punishment or yelling as it will scare your kitty and cause confusion.
Check out your local cat laws
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There is no statewide law regarding keeping cats as pets – each local government will have its own, so check out what you can or can’t do.
Meeting any other furry family members
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Keep new and existing pets apart initially to reduce stress.
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Let them get used to each other's scents before physical introduction.
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Supervised, gradual introduction over days or weeks works best.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a safe, loving, and stimulating environment for your new feline friend. Enjoy every moment of this new adventure!
