Adopting a cat is exciting. It’s also a bit like dating someone who won’t text you back for a week and hides under your couch—but once they love you, it’s for life.
Whether you’re adopting from the Calgary Humane Society, a foster home in Airdrie, or a shelter in Cochrane, here’s how to set your home (and heart) up for a smooth, happy transition.
1. Stock Up on Cat Essentials (Because They’ll Judge You If You Don’t)
Before your rescue cat arrives, make sure you’re not scrambling for supplies like a sleep-deprived contestant on a cooking show.
Here’s your basic feline starter pack:
- Food and water bowls
- Litter box + litter (unscented is safest to start!)
- Cozy bed or fleece blanket
- Scratching post (unless you want your couch destroyed)
- A few toys (fuzzy mice, wand toys, laser pointers—aka feline cardio)
- A carrier for vet trips and dramatic flops to the car
Bonus points if you get a cardboard box. Seriously—they’ll ignore the $40 bed and nap in that instead.
2. Create a “Safe Room” (Introvert Cats Need Quiet Time Too)
Cats are like mysterious houseguests: they need time to scope out the place before they warm up. So, set up a quiet room just for them when they first arrive.
Think of it like a kitty Airbnb with:
- Their litter box
- Food and water
- Soft spots to hide
- Minimal foot traffic (and no other pets barging in)
This gives your new friend time to decompress, feel safe, and plot their eventual world domination—one room at a time.
3. Cat-Proof the House (Yes, You Now Live With a Tiny Parkour Athlete)
Look around your space and ask yourself: “What would I knock over if I were a curious ninja with whiskers?” That’s what your cat is thinking.
Here’s what to check:
- Tuck away cords, hair ties, and tiny swallowable things
- Hide toxic plants (lilies are a hard no!)
- Anchor wobbly furniture
- Keep toilet lids down unless you want paw-prints on your seat
And if you’ve got kids or other pets in the house, introduce them sloooowly. Think diplomatic summit, not reality TV reunion special.
4. Book That Vet Appointment (Even If Your Cat Thinks They’re Fine)
Within the first week or so, schedule a check-up with a local vet. If you’re in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, or Chestermere, many clinics are happy to do new adoption wellness visits.
Here’s what your vet can help with:
- A full health check
- Vaccination and deworming updates
- Questions like “Why is she only awake at 3 a.m.?” or “Is 11 naps a day… normal?” (Answer: yes.)
Bring any shelter or rescue paperwork with you—they’ll appreciate the info, even if your cat does not appreciate the car ride.
5. Be Patient (You’re the Human, Remember?)
Your new cat might not come bouncing into your arms like in the adoption commercials. Some hide. Some hiss. Some stare at you like you’re a suspicious houseplant.
That’s okay. You’ve just changed their whole world.
Give them space, sit nearby, and let them come to you. Use treats and toys to gently encourage them, but don’t force it. Love on cat time is earned—and oh man is it worth it when they finally curl up in your lap.
6. Slow Introductions: Let Them Explore at Their Own Pace
Once your cat seems comfortable in their safe space, it’s time to let them see more of your home.
Pro tip: one room at a time. Let them sniff, climb, and look extremely unimpressed with your furniture choices.
If you’ve got other pets:
- Start with scent swaps (like swapping blankets or toys)
- Use a cracked door or baby gate for early visual intros
- Keep early meetings short, calm, and full of praise
Basically, be the cat version of a chill Airbnb host—available, not hovering, and offering snacks.
7. Love, Affection, and a Routine (Also Known as the Way to a Cat’s Heart)
Once your cat starts feeling at home, start building a routine: regular feeding times, daily play, cozy bedtime cuddles (on their terms, of course).
Every cat is different. Some will follow you around like a puppy, others prefer mysterious disappearances and dramatic 3 a.m. hallway zoomies.
Whichever kind you’ve brought home, they all want the same thing: to feel safe, loved, and accepted—quirks and all.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Adopting a Cat—You’re Gaining a Shadow
Adopting a rescue cat isn’t just about saving a life. It’s about gaining a sidekick, a lap-warmer, a secret keeper, and a furry little comedian with a flair for knocking things off shelves.
By prepping your home and your expectations, you’re setting up a lifelong friendship that starts with a purr and lasts forever.
Bonus Tip: Want to Capture Those First “Welcome Home” Moments?
Your rescue cat’s first days at home are filled with sleepy curiosity, clumsy exploration, and quiet affection. I offer in-home cat photography sessions in Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie, Chestermere, and Cochrane—perfect for capturing these sweet, fleeting moments.
Click here to book your cozy, relaxed cat session and freeze those memories fur-ever.
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