How to Adopt a Cat
Say yes to love.
You’ve just made a great decision: to adopt a fuzzy, lifelong companion. You’ll be saving an animal’s life — and adding so much love to your own. Now what? Here’s what you can expect when you’re expecting to adopt a cat — and a checklist to make sure your home is ready for your new friend.
The Adoption Process:
Every shelter has different requirements, but they’ll all want to make sure of a few basic things:
- If you’re renting, will your landlord allow a cat? If not, that new friend of yours might be headed right back to the shelter, and that’s no good for anyone.
- Did you choose the right cat for you? An older, shy cat might prefer a quiet house, while a kitten might be great for a household with kids to play with.
- Can you provide food, litter and vet visits for your new family member? While cats are generally low-maintenance, they are an added expense (we can help offset the cost of litter a bit with the Paw Points® program.
You can often look at a shelter’s website to see which cats are up for adoption. They’ll often tell you how old the cat is, any behavior issues, and what type of temperament the cat has. Once you’ve landed on a few beautiful faces, don’t swipe right! Go to the shelter and meet a few cats in person. You’re bound to fall in love with at least one. Shelter staff will be able to answer any questions you have and steer you toward the right cat for you. Then you’ll have to answer a few questions, fill out a few forms, usually pay an adoption fee, and then you’ll be headed home with your new buddy.
Prepping for Kitty’s arrival.
Your cat will be looking forward to discovering her forever home. But there are a few supplies you want to make sure you have before she sets a paw in the place. This checklist makes it easy to get ready for your new feline:
Welcome home, Kitty!
- Appropriate size litter box be bigger than Kitty’s length)
- Fresh Step® litter
- Litter scooper
- Cat carrier
- Delicious and healthy cat food and treats (make sure you’re getting kitten food if you just adopted a kitten)
- Dishes for food and water
- Fun and fascinating toys
- Brush or comb
- Kitty nail clipper
- Scratching pad or tree Cat bed or box with a warm blanket or towel
Your new cat might be a bit shy for the first few weeks. It’s best to confine her to a single room (like a bathroom) for a couple of days, with food and litter. If you think she’s open to exploring and not scared, make sure she has access to a quiet place to escape to if she gets nervous. Finally, give her lots of love and time to come out of her shell. It’s a lot of change very fast for a little cat. Soon she’ll be snoozing, snuggling, playing and generally owning her new territory — and your heart.
Prepping for Kitty's Arrival
Your cat will be looking forward to discovering her forever home. But there are a few supplies you want to make sure you have before she sets a paw in the place. This checklist makes it easy to get ready for your new feline:
Welcome home, Kitty!
Appropriate size litter box (may be bigger than Kitty’s length)
- Fresh Step® litter
- Litter scooper
- Cat carrier
- Delicious and healthy cat food and treats (make sure you’re getting kitten food if you just adopted a kitten)
- Dishes for food and water
- Fun and fascinating toys
- Brush or comb
- Kitty nail clipper
- Scratching pad or tree
- Cat bed or box with a warm blanket or towel
Your new cat might be a bit shy for the first few weeks. It’s best to confine her to a single room (like a bathroom) for a couple of days, with food and litter. If you think she’s open to exploring and not scared, make sure she has access to a quiet place to escape to if she gets nervous. Finally, give her lots of love and time to come out of her shell. It’s a lot of change very fast for a little cat. Soon she’ll be snoozing, snuggling, playing and generally owning her new territory — and your heart.
Cats Can't Read, But You Can
New to the world of catdom? There are so many resources online to help you out — many of them right here on the Fresh Step site. We’re kind of cat nerds, and we love to share everything we know about how to help you and your cat live your best lives.
Supplies You'll Need
- Appropriate size litter box (may be bigger than Kitty’s length)
- Fresh Step® litter
- Litter scooper
- Cat carrier
- Delicious and quality cat food and treats (make sure you’re getting kitten food if you just adopted a kitten)
- Dishes for food and water
- Fun and fascinating toys
- Brush or comb
- Kitty nail clipper
- Scratching pad or tree
- Cat bed or box with a warm blanket or towel
Step By Step
Get the Essentials
- Gather supplies like a litter box, Fresh Step® litter, food and water dishes, a scratching post, and a cozy bed.
- Choose high-quality cat food and treats (kitten food if adopting a kitten).
- Have a sturdy cat carrier ready for transport.
Set Up a Safe Space
- Designate a quiet room where your cat can adjust to their new surroundings.
- Provide a litter box, food, water, toys, and a comfy hiding spot.
- Keep the environment calm and allow your cat time to explore at their own pace.
Prepare the Litter Box
- Use an uncovered, spacious litter box.
- Place it in a quiet, accessible area—away from food and water.
- Fill with about 3 inches of Fresh Step® litter for easy digging and covering.
Introduce Your Cat Gradually
- Keep your cat in their safe space for a few days before giving them full access to your home.
- Allow them to explore new areas at their own pace.
- Make sure they always know where their litter box is.
Provide Proper Enrichment
- Offer a variety of toys for play and mental stimulation.
- Set up scratching posts to satisfy natural instincts and protect furniture.
- Spend time bonding with your cat through gentle petting and interactive play.
Monitor and Adjust As Needed
- Keep an eye on eating, drinking, and litter box habits to ensure a smooth transition.
- Give your cat plenty of time and patience to feel comfortable in their new home.
- Schedule a vet check-up within the first few weeks to ensure their health and well-being.