Please note we do not provide emergency trapping services. Please call Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission at 414-649-8640.
Cats At Large
Go-home Guide
Congratulations on adopting your new feline overlord! This guide will provide you with essential information to help your new ruler settle in and ensure a smooth transition for both of you. Brace yourself for a lifetime of furry shenanigans!
Before Bringing Your Cat Home
Supplies You Will Need
- Litter box and litter: Your cat’s personal throne—make sure it’s pristine and fit for royalty. More boxes are better, especially in the beginning. Our felines can be finicky about where and how they like to potty, so offering them boxes in multiple locations sets them up for greater success.
- Food and water dishes: Choose dishes fit for your cat's refined tastes. We recommend using glass, ceramic, or steel dishes that can be sanitized. Plastic dishes can harbor bacteria that can mar your cat's pristine complexion with cat acne.
- High-quality cat food: Only the best for your new master. Start with the same food the cats has been receiving in foster and transition slowly if you plan to change their gourmet diet. Avoid cat foods that include red dye. Purina One is an option that is a good balance between quality and value and is widely available at grocery stores and other retailers.
- Scratching posts and pads: These are your cat’s gym equipment. Get ready for some serious kitty workouts. And we'd all rather they scratched where they are supposed to rather than on our furniture!
- Toys: A variety of toys to keep your cat entertained and to prevent boredom-induced mischief. Interactive toys like wands are a must for building cat confidence and bonding with your pet.
- Bed or blankets: A cozy spot for your cat to rest and dream of world domination.
- Carrier: For chauffeuring your cat to the vet and other regal outings.
- Grooming tools: Brushes, nail clippers, and other grooming essentials to keep your cat looking fabulous.
- Identification: Collar with ID tag in case your cat decides to explore beyond their kingdom. Your cat will be microchipped for identification as well.
Preparing Your Home
- Designate a basecamp: A quiet room where your cat can plan their takeover in peace.
(Mobile users click here to view video: https://youtu.be/_Mr2uOdZj9c)
- Cat-proof your home: Remove or secure items that could be harmful or tempt your cat’s curiosity.
- Set up the litter box: In a quiet, low-traffic area, fit for a king or queen.
- Introduce gradually: If you have other pets, introduce them slowly and under supervision to avoid a royal rumble.
(Mobile users click here to view 2 videos:
The First Few Days
Arrival Day
- Quiet and calm: Keep the environment as serene as a catnap.
- Allow exploration: Let your cat inspect their new domain at their own pace.
- Provide comfort: Spend time in the room with your cat, but let them come to you (they’ll decide when you’re worthy).
Feeding
- Maintain consistency: Use the same food your cat is used to and transition slowly if needed to avoid a feline food strike.
- Fresh water: Always provide fresh water, because your cat is too fabulous for anything less.
- Feed one a schedule: royalty demands a reliable routine.
Litter Box
- Show the location: Gently place your cat in the litter box so they know where to do their business.
- Maintain cleanliness: Scoop daily and change litter regularly to avoid any royal displeasure.
- More litterboxes are better, especially at first. Once all your cats have been integrated together, we recommend one box per cat plus one.
Settling In
Routine and Structure
- Regular feeding times: Establish a consistent feeding schedule to avoid the wrath of a hangry cat.
- Playtime: Interactive play sessions to build trust and burn off energy—prepare for pounce attacks!
(Mobile users click here to view video: https://youtu.be/M7w8pDCo30M)
- Quiet time: Allow your cat to retreat and rest when needed. Even rulers need their beauty sleep.
Health and Wellness
- Vet check-up: Your cat has received age-appropriate medical care, spay/neuter, and vaccinations. Schedule a visit to your vet within the 2-3 weeks to ensure your cat’s royal health and to schedule any additional vaccines that are needed.
- Monitor behavior: Watch for any signs of stress, illness, or plotting.
- Vaccinations and treatments: Keep up with necessary vaccinations, flea treatments, and other preventative care to keep your cat in top form.
Bonding and Socialization
- Patience and time: Allow your cat to approach you and build trust at their own pace—no royal decree can rush this.
-Remember the rule of 3s: 3 days for the initial decompression phase, 3 weeks for them to get used to their new routines, and 3 months for them to feel completely at home.
- Positive interactions: Use treats and praise to reinforce positive behavior (bribery works wonders).
- Socialization: Gradually introduce new people, pets, and environments to your cat’s growing kingdom.
Long-Term Care
Nutrition
- Balanced diet: Provide a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for your cat’s age and health—no fast food for this feline! Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
- Healthy treats: Use treats in moderation to keep your cat trim and fit for rule.
Grooming
- Regular brushing: Especially important for long-haired cats to prevent matting and keep them looking like royalty.
- Nail trimming: Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and protect your furniture from claw tyranny.
- Dental care: Consider dental treats or brushing your cat’s teeth—your cat’s royal smile will thank you. Dental infections can be dangerous, so follow your veterinarian's recommended professional cleaning schedule to keep your cat safe.
Enrichment
- Toys and activities: Rotate toys and provide new challenges to keep your cat entertained and mentally sharp.
- Scratching options: Maintain scratching posts and pads to satisfy your cat’s need to sharpen their claws (and their wit).
- Interactive play: Continue regular interactive play sessions to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Health Monitoring
- Regular vet visits: Annual check-ups and as needed for health concerns—your cat deserves the best medical care.
- Behavior changes: Report any significant changes in behavior to your vet—your cat’s well-being is paramount.
Additional Tips
- Be patient: Adjusting to a new home can take time—your cat will warm up to you eventually (probably).
- Remember 3-3-3: 3 days for your cat to decompress, 3 weeks for them to become comfortable with new routines, and 3 months to feel completely at home in their new space.
- Observe and adapt: Pay attention to your cat’s preferences and adjust their environment accordingly.
- Love and care: Provide plenty of love, attention, and care to ensure a happy, healthy life for your new companion.
********If you experience behavioral problems with your cat, please contact us right away! We can work together as a team to address issues before they get out of hand. Check out our favorite behavior videos here for reference:
Thank you for adopting and giving a cat a loving home! Enjoy your journey together and may your days be filled with purrs and playful antics.