Adoption Handbook – Cat

Thinking of adopting a cat? Download the SF SPCA adoption handbook to learn more.

Learn how to meet the needs of your new four-legged friend to ensure everyone’s safety, health and comfort. This guide will inform you of all the equipment and adjustments to expect with cat-ownership so that you can enjoy your new life with a loving feline companion. The following topics are covered in the Cat Adoption Handbook:

Set Up for Success

  • Meeting your cat’s needs (supplies checklist)
  • Setting up your home
  • For a happy and healthy cat (mental and physical stimulation, environmental enrichment)
  • Cat care (grooming, food and water, medical concerns, etc.)

Arriving Home with Your Cat

  • The first hour
  • The first few days
  • The bedtime routine

Litter Box A to Z

  • Litter box do’s and don’ts
  • Litter box problems
  • Troubleshooting litter box problems

Entertaining and Training Your Cat

  • Indoor vs. outdoor
  • Preventing escapes
  • How to play with your cat
  • Environmental enrichment
  • Training your cat
  • Positive reinforcement and why it works
  • A word on punishment and unwanted behaviors

When Problems Arise

  • Troubleshooting problem behavior (litter box issues, play aggression and overstimulation, scratching objects)

Common Misconceptions

Additional Resources

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