This month we wanted to focus on how to prepare ourselves for cat adoption. As we know, cats can be sweet, but when they are not understood, they can make their guardian's life hell. With that being said, we should all realize that the majority of bad behaviors in cats come either from errors we contribute to, or some health issues they are struggling with. That is why it is so important to study a little bit more about felines and learn how to avoid some mistakes leading to future behavioral issues.

We asked Paulina to tell us more about some common behavioral challenges that newly adopted cats may face, and how owners can address them effectively. She shared with us: “Certainly, introducing a cat to a new environment is a significant challenge. Let's remember that despite our efforts to provide the cat with plenty of entertainment, cat furniture, and toys, it can still be difficult for them. They enter a place they don't know and start living with people they don't trust. This can lead to various behaviors such as meowing, scratching furniture, marking territory and leaving their scent. Even in human-to-human relationships, things may not be perfect right away. The cat may hide under the couch and refuse to come out because they are so frightened, and any attempts to touch them may result in hissing. Therefore, it's best not to have any expectations of the cat initially and simply allow them to be. Often, we want to show them love at all costs and make them feel safe in our home, but overwhelming the cat with love can have the opposite effect. It's similar to a child who is afraid of getting a shot — will they actually feel better and more secure if we keep telling them, ‘It won't hurt’? Not necessarily. After bringing the cat home, I would give them some time in a closed room, such as a bedroom. Leave the cat there and you can sprinkle some treats around. Give them at least 15 minutes before letting them out into the rest of the rooms in the house. This will make the process of familiarizing themselves with the new place smoother. Don't keep following the cat around to check on their every move, as they may perceive it as pressure from your side. Give them time and space to get acquainted with everything around them — their new daily life."

Next, we were wondering if there are any specific factors or traits to consider when adopting a cat to ensure a good match with one's lifestyle and living environment. Andrzejewska explained: “First and foremost, we need to dispel the myth that cats are solitary animals and that they will be perfect companions for us if we work a lot. Cats are incredibly social creatures, and the lack of proper contact with humans can result in behavioral problems in the future. The second issue is the decision between getting a kitten or an adult cat. Personally, I believe that we tend to focus too much on kittens and underestimate the value of adult cats. Adult cats already have some personality traits and maturity, making it easier to predict potential problems or challenges that new owners may face compared to kittens. Properly raising a kitten is a tremendous responsibility, and ultimately, the outcome depends on factors such as the traits inherited from their parents and the environment they experienced in their early days.

Therefore, we don't have complete control over what kind of cat they will become in the future. It's worth visiting a shelter and spending some time with the cat before adopting them, especially in the case of adult cats. These places are usually filled with cats, and volunteers often won't be able to tell us about the cat's character or preferences. The cat may also behave differently during the first meeting compared to their behavior at home, so it's a good idea to give yourself 3-4 days when you visit the shelter for half an hour or an hour each day to bond with the cat. This will make it easier for them to acclimate to their new home later on.”

Asked how fresh cat parents can establish a successful integration process between their new cat and any existing pets in the household, Paulina Andrzejewska said: “Having a separate space at the beginning is crucial. Each animal should feel safe in the presence of the other. This situation is difficult for both of them: the new cat enters a place with existing smells and other animals, which makes it feel threatened. On the other hand, for the resident animal, it seems like someone is violating its boundaries and intruding into its space. That's why it's always necessary to separate the animals at the beginning. If we have a cat at home and we're adopting another one, we need to implement what is called socialization with isolation. There are plenty of guides available online on how to do this while respecting the boundaries of each animal. This process takes time, and we need to be aware that cats rarely just look at each other and immediately embrace or start grooming each other. In the case of dogs, it's a bit more challenging because they often fear sudden movements like jumping, for example.

Additionally, many breeds have a strong hunting instinct, which can lead to problems with the dog chasing the cat. Fortunately, having a cat and a dog in the same house is no longer a sensation but rather a common occurrence, so the approach to the topic has changed. Safety gates can be helpful in separating spaces for the dog and the cat, even in a small apartment. Furthermore, the appropriate arrangement of space, such as shelves for the cat to jump on and hide from the dog, can be very helpful. The gradual introduction of the animals to each other involves initially exchanging scents (for example, bringing an item that belongs to the dog to the shelter where the cat is, and vice versa). Later, we can put the dog on a harness and leash and allow it to approach the cat (if the cat is willing, of course). The leash ensures safety and doesn't restrict the dog's space. Treats can be used for both animals, but only from a distance, to build positive associations between them. Sometimes, food can disrupt communication, so it's better not to rely too heavily on it when building relationships between animals.”

Lastly, we wanted to know if there are any particular behavioral considerations to keep in mind when adopting an adult cat versus a kitten. She told us: “I believe that every cat is different, and we shouldn't generalize that one cat will be better or worse behaved than another. Each cat can have behavioral problems, which are not only influenced by the environment it lives in or lived in, but also by its health, how we react to different situations and unwanted behaviors, and simply genetics and the characteristics of its parents. With adult cats, it takes more time to open up to people again. With kittens, this happens faster, but they bite very intensively, which adult cats don't do. The entire kittenhood period requires a lot of work: growing teeth, unlearning biting hands, learning to interact with humans, discovering dietary preferences, learning to use the litter box, and an endless amount of energy. Adult cats have passed that stage and face other challenges, such as building a bond with their caregivers and establishing a sense of security in a new home. But the most important thing is accepting the adult cat for who it is. We often adopt adult cats because they are already trained, but then we try to force them to change, play more and better, be more open, or sit on our laps. These are animals that already have their habits and characteristics, and we can't turn a fearful cat into a super brave one by force. It's essential to keep this in mind.”