Whether you're fostering or adopting, providing proper care is key to a cat's health, happiness, and successful placement. This guide covers essential topics including health, nutrition, behavior, enrichment, and long-term well-being.
1. Preparing the Environment
Create a safe, calm, and enriching space:
- Quiet introduction area: Use a small room or bathroom when bringing in a new cat.
- Safe hiding spaces: Cardboard boxes, covered beds, or shelves help reduce stress.
- Secure windows and screens: Prevent escape or falls.
- Litter box access: 1 box per cat + 1 extra, in quiet, accessible locations.
- Separate resources for multi-cat homes: Bowls, beds, and litter boxes should be spread out.
2. Nutrition
Feed a balanced, age-appropriate diet:
- Kittens (under 1 year): High-quality kitten food (wet and/or dry).
- Adults (1-7 years): Adult cat food with appropriate protein and fat.
- Seniors (7+ years): Senior formulas may help with joint, kidney, or dental health.
Feeding Tips:
- Wet food supports hydration and urinary health.
- Always provide fresh, clean water.
- Avoid feeding: onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, alcohol, dog food.
3. Hygiene and Grooming
- Litter boxes: Scoop daily, fully clean weekly.
- Brushing: Helps reduce shedding and hairballs—especially for long-haired cats.
- Nail trims: Every 2–4 weeks. Never declaw (see alternatives below).
- Ears and eyes: Wipe gently with a damp cloth if needed.
- Flea prevention: Use vet-approved topical or oral preventatives.
4. Behavioral Health and Socialization
Understanding cat behavior helps build trust:
- Body language: Watch for tail flicks, ear positions, pupil size.
- Let the cat initiate contact. Never force interaction.
- Play therapy: Wand toys, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders help reduce stress.
- Scratching: Provide scratchers (vertical and horizontal). Discourage furniture scratching with deterrent tape or sprays.
5. Enrichment and Play
Cats need mental and physical stimulation daily:
- Interactive toys: Feather wands, tunnels, treat balls.
- Solo toys: Kickers, catnip mice, crinkle balls.
- Climbing: Cat trees, shelves, or window perches.
- Safe outdoor time: Enclosed "catios" or leash training with a harness.
6. Veterinary Care
Routine vet care is essential—especially for rescue cats.
Basic Health Requirements:
- Spay/Neuter: Prevents overpopulation and improves health.
- Vaccinations:
- Core: FVRCP, Rabies
- Optional: FeLV (for kittens or outdoor cats)
- Deworming: Treat for roundworms and tapeworms regularly.
- FIV/FeLV Testing: Especially for new rescues or multi-cat households.
- Microchipping: Permanent ID for lost pets.
7. Emergency Signs to Watch For
Contact a vet immediately if you see:
- Not eating or drinking for >24 hours
- Labored breathing or open-mouth breathing
- Vomiting/diarrhea lasting more than a day
- Straining to urinate or not urinating
- Lethargy, hiding more than usual
- Pale gums or sudden collapse
8. Declawing: Why It's Harmful
Declawing is the amputation of the last toe bone—it's painful and can cause long-term issues like:
- Chronic pain
- Behavior changes (biting, litter box avoidance)
- Arthritis or gait problems
See Declawing information for more information.
9. Compassionate Handling for Rescue Cats
Rescued cats may come from trauma, neglect, or abandonment. Handle them with:
- Patience: Go at their pace—let them come to you.
- Consistency: Routine helps reduce anxiety.
- Empathy: Understand fear-based behaviors and seek solutions, not punishment.
10. Reading Body Language
It may take some time for everyone to adjust. That's normal and OK. It helps to learn some basic cat body language.
Tail flicks:
Tail flicks in cats can have a variety of meanings, depending on the context and the way they're flicking their tail. Here's what those tail flicks usually mean.
- Rapid tail flicks or twitching = Annoyed or irritated.
- Slow tail flicks or twitching at the tip = Focused, excited, or playful.
- Sharp flicks with a low, stiff tail = Aggression or warning.
- Gentle, slow flicking = Contentment or enjoyment.
- Erratic or unsure flicking = Anxiety or indecision.
Slow Blink:
When a cat slowly blinks at you, it's a sign of trust, affection, and comfort.
Ear Position:
Observing your cat's ears can give a lot of insight into how a cat is feeling. Here's what different ear positions typically mean.
- Erratic or unsure flicking = Anxiety or indecision
- Ears forward = Curiosity, focus, or excitement.
- Ears to the side = Relaxed, content, neutral.
- Flat or pinned ears = Fear, anger, aggression, or threat.
- Ears flicking back and forth = Annoyance, irritation, or internal conflict.
- Ears slightly back = Mild irritation or indecision.
- Ears swiveling independently = Alertness to multiple stimuli.
- Ears rotating = High sensory awareness, alertness.
Pupil Size:
Since cats are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk), their pupils are designed to adjust to different lighting conditions and their environment. However, pupil size changes are also a key part of cat communication.
Here's a breakdown of what different pupil sizes can indicate.
- Large, dilated pupils = Excitement, fear, aggression, or low light.
- Narrow, slit-like pupils = Relaxed, focused, or cautious.
- Uneven pupils = Potential medical issue (must consult a vet).
- Slowly dilating pupils = Affection, trust, or invitation for interaction.
- Wide pupils in bright light = Possible health concern (needs vet check).