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If you’re considering adopting an adult cat, you’re in for a treat. Adult cats tend to be calmer, better trained, and less hyperactive than kittens. Shelters often have a significantly higher population of adult cats and would really appreciate you taking one (or two) into your home. Or you may find yourself in a position to help out a friend or neighbor who has to give up their cat because of their own age or illness. However you approach it, cat adoption is a rewarding experience.
We’ve put together some information that will help you and your new adult cat get off to a good start.
The Benefits of Adult Cat Adoption
You’ll have a sense of their personality. Your adult cat has already gone through the challenges of growing up and you can get a good indication of their personality pretty quickly. (Though a cat from a shelter or a difficult situation may initially seem shy, expect them to open up quite a bit in the security of your home post-adoption.)
If you want an active cat, look for a cat that loves toys. If lazy cats are more your type, you’ll want one that happily snoozes. If you are looking for a cuddler or a lap cat, see how the cat reacts to being picked up and held.
You know how big they’ll get. Unlike that fuzzy little kitten that could turn out to be a 20-pound Maine Coon, there are no size surprises when you adopt an adult cat. By two years of age, your cat is fully grown.
They’ll be healthier. Adult cats have stronger immune systems than kittens. Kittens are still building vital protections against diseases, and their nutritional needs are more demanding, according to PetMD. Grown cats (excluding seniors) don’t get sick as often and their digestive systems are stronger. This means you’ll have fewer trips to the vet, and can spend more time cuddling and less time worrying.
They’re usually litter-box trained. If your adult cat lived indoors, it will have learned the skills needed for home life, such as litter box training, either from their previous owner, or at the shelter. Be sure to give the adopted cat their own litter box (in a multi-cat household) and scoop daily so they’ll be happy using the box.
They get into less trouble. Kittens lack common sense, but most grown cats have learned what’s safe and what isn’t. They’re less likely to get into a jam. You’ll still need to cat-proof your home, but your new pet’s common sense should give you peace of mind.
You save a vulnerable pet. Adult and senior cats are more likely to be put down than a kitten. Afraid that you’ll only have a few years left once you’ve adopted your feline companion? Cats live into their teens—sometimes into their 20s. You’ll have plenty of years filled with a pet’s love—what could be better than that?
Even if you have your heart set on a kitten, give adult cat adoption a chance. You may find one with a personality you just can’t resist.
iStock/Adene Sanchez
Consider the Routes to Cat Adoption
The three most common ways people adopt cats are by receiving a cat from friends or relatives, taking in a stray, or selecting a cat from a shelter. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.2 million cats enter shelters every year, including owner surrenders, feral adults, and lost cats rescued from the streets.
You can use websites like Petfinder and Adopt A Pet to check out the cat adoption options from most of the shelters in your area. (If you have a favorite shelter, they probably have their own web listings.)
You can also contact your local shelter and tell them the type of cat you are looking to adopt, including personality, size, and medical needs. They’ll probably want to know how many people live in your home and what other pets you have.
Once you’ve found a cat that you like to bring home, ask the shelter associate to arrange a private space for the two of you to meet each other. You want to make absolutely certain that you connect before committing to pet ownership. (If you’re a dog owner, the shelter may want to conduct a “cat test” to see if your dog will play nicely with this particular cat.)
Preparing Your Home for Your Adult Cat
Congratulations! You’ve adopted a wonderful cat! To make the transition to home life as smooth as possible and provide them with a sense of stability, assemble the key items they’ll need before you bring your new cat home.
The checklist below includes links to articles, reviews, and a variety of recommended products. We’ve also included the cost range of these items, courtesy of our Cost of Pet Parenthood Survey, so you can also budget for your cat’s homecoming.
- An appropriately-sized, sturdy cat carrier — $20-140
- Litter, a litter box, and a scooper — $10-560
- Food bowl and water bowl. Try to find glass or ceramic ones; according to International Cat Care, plastic bowls produce an odor your cat may not like. — $1-170
- Food formulated for adult cats. Ask the shelter what brand they use and start with that familiar food. Wet food is recommended for most cats, along with some dry food or crunchy treats to help maintain dental health. — $10-160
- A scratching surface. Cats will wear their nails down with whatever is available—don’t let it be your couch. Provide a scratching post or other style of scratcher and reward them for using it. — $10-90
- A cat bed. Be sure to select one roomy enough for an adult cat. — $10-70
- Soothing spray. These sprays contain artificial versions of cat pheromones used for territorial marking. Spray the surrounding doorways or baseboards daily (though not in their eating area) until your new cat feels confident that your house is their home. These pheromone sprays can also be used to discourage furniture scratching.
- A wand toy. Giving the cat entertainment and exercise will cheer them up, plus encourage them to sleep at night. — $1-40
iStock/Yamac Beyter
Making Your Cat Comfortable in Their New Home
Cats are territorial and defensive by nature. A new space is a shock to them, and they need your help to turn this weird new post-adoption environment into a home.
Luckily, you’ve already got everything you need. First, take your new cat carrier when you head to the shelter. This will make your adopted cat’s ride home feel safe and comfy, and it’s much more secure than a box. You can fill the structure with a blanket, some toys, or catnip so, as PetMD notes, your pet will come to see the carrier as a safe space. Plus, as your cat gets familiar with the carrier, it’ll be easier to place them inside when it’s time for a vet visit.
Once your cat is home, place the carrier in a private spot in a quiet room where the cat will not encounter any other pets. Leave the carrier door open, but don’t force them to come out. They’ll get used to the smells of the house and eventually emerge to investigate on their own. If you have a guest room or workroom, try to give the cat a room of their own for the first few days.
Set up your cat’s food and water bowls in a sheltered space where they’ll feel safe eating. Cats can be picky eaters, so it may take you some time to figure out their favorite meals. Start by giving them the same food they ate at the shelter. The familiar taste will comfort them and help them acclimate.
If you want to switch to a different brand of food, cat expert and veterinary professor Tony Buffington tells PetMD that you should gradually mix it into their food in increasing amounts until the new food completely replaces the old. Also, make sure they have constant access to fresh, clean water.
Keep in mind that your cat might not want to eat at first, as the stress of moving may ruin their appetite. Give them time. Contact a vet if they don’t eat or drink after a day or two.
Helping Your Cat Adjust After Adoption
Have patience, and be confident that your new cat will get used to your home in time. Here are a few tips to help in the first weeks after your cat adoption. These have the added benefit of helping the two of you bond.
- Provide hiding spaces. After adoption, your new cat wants a safe place to observe the scene until they’re comfortable enough to explore. Make sure these spaces are pet-safe; you don’t want them getting stuck in a wall.
- Give your cat space. You may be tempted to smother them with love, but it’s best if you let your new pet come to you first. Adoption to a new environment is stressful, and you may cause negative associations if you push yourself forward too much. It’s tough, but resist the urge to scoop up the cat—this is great with kittens, but most older cats would prefer you to wait until they’re comfortable.
- Learn your cat’s language. This will tell you whether or not they’re ready to be held. Dilated pupils, flattened ears, and a rapidly twitching tail are signs that the cat is still nervous. You’ll know they’re ready when they rub up against you or put out a playful paw.
- Keep a routine. Cats love routine when it comes to feeding, medicine, and hanging out with you on the couch! Research shows that even a healthy feline may act sick if their schedule is disrupted by changes in household activities. They may vomit, refuse to eat, or decline to use their litter box! To avoid this, for the first few weeks try to feed them at the same time every day and keep the same caregivers.
- Spend time near them—with a wand toy within reach. Your cat needs your presence to get familiar with you, but at a distance. Respect their boundaries by keeping yourself in the same room as your cat without invading their personal bubble. You can read a book, stream your favorite show, or take a phone call (many cats are reassured by voices). Eventually, your adopted cat will come to understand that you are safe. When they wander out to explore, swish the wand to activate their predatory nature. Playtime is not only great for exercise, but it’s a terrific bonding activity.
- Feed your cat. Yes, it’s true. The quickest way to get a cat to adopt you is to feed them. We’ve covered the basics of scheduling meals and transitioning from shelter food, but treats are great, too! Dental treats have the added benefit of improving your cat’s oral health and keeping their breath fresh.
Keeping Your Cat Healthy and Happy
Once your cat feels safe with you, you’ll have established a bond that can never be broken.
A few more tips for people new to cat adoption:
- Play with them every day to encourage bonding and fitness.
- Set up an appointment with a veterinary clinic so you’ll know who to call if something goes wrong. The clinic will set up a schedule for vaccinations and, if your cat is a senior, testing.
- Use whatever works to keep their teeth clean at home. Some cats will patiently allow you to brush their teeth, while others prefer dental chews only.
- Get your cat microchipped. Most vets do it inexpensively done, and this way they’ll be easy to identify should they get out of the house. Many shelters include microchipping in their adoption fees, and any veterinary practice will be able to scan the chip and return the cat to you.
If you ever need a cat sitter for your new housemate, Rover has got your back. Search through our qualified sitters and find the perfect guardian for your furry friend.
