There are 73 million owned cats in the United States – surpassing dogs in homes by 5 million. If yours is not one of the households already claimed by a cat, or if you’d like to join the ranks of the multiple cat households, June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat month. What better time to add a feline friend to your life?

But before you pounce on the next cute tabby, take a moment to consider that adopting a cat is a long-term commitment. That cute kitten you cuddle today will be growing into a lifelong companion – potentially sharing its life with you for 15-20 years. Properly preparing for your new furry friend can mean the difference between stress and success. Below are some tips to help start you and your cat on the right “paw.”

You’re adopting a cat! What do you need?
Litter Box, at least one per cat. Think simple. Lids, electric sifters, swinging doors – these things might scare kitty away. A nice, big, plastic litter pan with unscented litter will do the trick. “Scoopable” litters are easy, and when cleaned daily, they can be cheaper and less stinky than other kinds. Humans don’t like “port-a-potties” for the same reason cats might not like their litter box – they’re dirty, and if you’re at the county fair, they’re not very private. So place the litter box somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of your home, and make sure you scoop it once a day. Kitty will thank you by using it regularly and leaving your lovely carpets alone.

Scratching Post. Cats have claws, and scratching is a very normal behavior. Your beloved couch can look very appealing – it’s squat, it’s sturdy, and kitty can get a good lean into it (to stretch out those long back muscles). When looking for a good scratching post, consider this “sofa” model. Instead of a tall, wobbly tree (one wobble and kitty may very well ignore this item), look for a version that is squat and stable and capable of providing and enduring a good, solid pulling. An old stump anchored to a bit of plywood provides an ideal scratching post and makes for a rustic conversation piece.

Toys. Your cat is smart, and if you’ve decided to adopt a kitten, you’ve welcomed a tiny freight train into your home. A bored kitty will find something to do. Make a ball of foil, or throw a ping pong ball in the bathtub (no water, of course). Pet supply stores carry a wide variety of feathery trinkets, baubles and catnip-laced goodies to drive a feline wild. Try a few different types, and discover the one your cat enjoys. Never use your hands as a toy. When your kitten grows into a full-fledged feline, those little play bites are going to hurt. If you want to be part of playtime, a simple piece of string can do the trick.

Coming Home
Once kitty is home, give it time. If you have other pets, you’ll want to consider rotating full access to the house between the animals. On day one, provide full access to the new cat, allowing it to roam and explore while confining the others to a secure bedroom or bathroom (with food, water and bedding, of course). On the next day, switch things around, allowing your pets access to the house, while confining the new cat. This rotating schedule will allow all of the animals to explore each other (by scent) without risking a surprise, stressful, face-to-face encounter. You may want to employ this technique for one to two weeks, before adding face time, when you’re home and can let everyone explore together.

First impressions are important for your kitty, so relax and let it investigate. Always monitor these initial meetings, and don’t pressure animals to interact. Have you ever made a best friend in a day? Bonding and friendship takes time. Children should be encouraged to be gentle and move slowly. Lots of cuddling will come later – this is a time for settling in and adjusting.

Remember: Give your new cat time to acclimate, and contact an Animal Behavior Specialist with questions or concerns. The Washington Humane Society has staff available to help. The introduction period can be short or long (or relaxed or bumpy). We have heard it all. So if you have problems during this honeymoon period or beyond, please contact the Washington Humane Society’s NEW Behavior and Learning Center for a consult or send your questions to askthetrainer@washhumane.org.

Bridget Speiser is the WHS CatNiPP program manager, and Hanna Lentz is the WHS adoption coordinator.