Set Up a Safe Room First
- Choose a quiet room as a decompression zone.
- Place litter box, food, water, and a hiding spot in that room.
- Keep the door closed for the first few days.
- Visit often — sit quietly and let the cat approach you.
- Resist the urge to force interaction. Patience builds trust.
Essential Supplies
- Litter box (one per cat, plus one extra)
- Unscented clumping litter
- Food and water bowls (ceramic or stainless)
- Age-appropriate cat food (ask us what they're eating)
- Carrier with familiar-smelling bedding
- Scratching post — at least one per room
- Interactive toys (wand, puzzle feeder)
Schedule a Vet Visit
- Schedule a wellness appointment within the first week.
- Bring all medical records we provide at adoption.
- Discuss indoor-only lifestyle with your vet.
- Ask about microchip registration transfer.
- Set up ongoing preventive care schedule.
Introducing to Other Cats
- Keep the new cat fully separated for 1–2 weeks.
- Swap bedding so cats smell each other safely.
- Introduce scent under a closed door before visual contact.
- Use a baby gate or cracked door for supervised visual introduction.
- Never force face-to-face meetings. Go slowly.
Adopting a Shy Cat? Read This First.
Shy cats often take 4–8 weeks to fully decompress in a new environment. This is completely normal — it doesn't mean the adoption is failing.
- →Don't force petting or handling during the first weeks.
- →Sit on the floor near the cat and read or talk softly — let them watch you.
- →Use slow-blink eye contact to communicate safety.
- →Never corner a frightened cat.
- →Call us anytime — we offer behavior support for all adopters.
Have questions about preparing for a specific cat?
Contact the Shelter