I reached out to PDSA vet Anna Ewers Clark to have a chat about how we can make our new best friend cats feel right at home when we pick them up from our local animal shelter. Anna was kind enough to share her expertise with Bored Panda. These tips and tricks help the cat feel more comfortable and less stressed.

“Pheromone diffusers or sprays can help make your cat feel more at home from the moment they come through the door,” vet Anna said. “Continuing with the same food for a few weeks can also help, to avoid making sudden changes to the diet that could upset their tummies. So ask the rescue center or breeder for the name ahead of time.”

The PSDA vet continued: “Set up a safe space or den for your cat. Your cat will often need some time to adjust to their new family and surroundings, so think about setting up their own private room with everything they need and let them join you when they’re ready.”

Anna suggested to Bored Panda that when bringing home a new rescue catto, we ought to give it time to acclimate to its new surroundings. Change is hard on all of us, especially on pets who weren’t loved in the past as much as they deserved to be.

“Keep your cat indoors for the first few weeks, as it’s easy for cats to get lost or confused in a new place. Giving them time to get used to the sights, sounds, and smells in your home can help them feel more confident when you start letting them venture out and help them find their way back to you. When you do begin letting them out, start with short trips into the garden and give them a tasty treat or meal when they come back inside,” the animal health expert explained to Bored Panda.

You also need to start thinking about your new cat’s veterinary and healthcare needs as soon as possible. “Make sure you register your new cat with a local vet and think about pet insurance from the day you bring them home so you can be reassured that they’re covered if they ever become ill or injured. You’ll also need to think about neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping which are all really important to keep your cat safe and happy.”

And there you have it, dear Readers—that’s how you can make your companion feel at ease and well cared for from the moment they enter your home. Love might be the most important thing, but don’t forget how vital all these practical details are, either! See you in a month for August’s edition of rescue pet pics, Pandas!