1. Preparing Your Home for a New Cat

• • Safe Space: Choose a small, quiet room where your cat can stay for the first few days. Include a soft bed, a few hiding spots, food and water bowls, a litter box, and some toys.

• • Adjusting Slowly: Let your cat relax and adjust at their own pace. Limit their space at first and gradually let them explore more as they become comfortable.

• • Litter Box Placement: Ensure the litter box is easily accessible but not placed near their food, water, or sleeping area.

• • Hiding is Normal: It’s common for cats to hide and eat very little during the first 2–3 days. Keep things calm and give them time to feel safe.

• • Scratching Posts & Hiding Spots: Cats need to scratch and hide. Offer both to prevent stress and furniture damage.

Toxic Plants Warning⚠️:

Make sure to remove or place out of reach any houseplants that may be toxic to cats. Common toxic plants include lilies, aloe vera, pothos, monstera, dieffenbachia, and philodendron. Even small ingestions can be harmful. Always double-check plant safety before bringing any new plants home. For more info check here : https://shorturl.at/swhst

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2. First Days at Home: What to Expect

• Let Them Explore: Let your cat settle at their own pace. Don’t force interaction.

• Body Language: Tail up = happy; flattened ears or hiding = nervous. Be patient.

• Introducing Other Pets: Keep them separated at first. Gradually let them sniff through doors, then have short, supervised meetings.

• After 10 Days:
  If your cats are no longer hiding when you are around, you can begin introducing them to the rest of your home. However, avoid letting them into the garden or outdoor spaces until they are fully settled and adjusted.

3. Feeding 101

• • Food Types: A mix of wet and dry food is usually best. Consult your vet for recommendations.

• • Transitioning Food: To transition your cat to a new food, gradually mix the new food with the old food over 7–10 days:
    

     

    • • Days 1–2: 75% old food + 25% new food
    • • Days 3–4: 50% old food + 50% new food
    • • Days 5–6: 25% old food + 75% new food
    • • Days 7–10: 100% new food
    • • Monitor your cat for any stomach issues (vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat). If necessary, slow down the transition process. Some cats may take longer to adjust.

• • Fresh Water: Always have clean water available. Some cats prefer running water—try a fountain!

Suggested Food :

• • Dry Food: This is the dry food we suggest and feed our cats in the shelter: Suggested Dry Food.

• • Wet Food: This is the wet food we recommend: Suggested Wet Food.

4. Litter Box Tips

• • Litter Choice: Unscented clumping litter is a safe bet.

• • Cleanliness: Scoop daily, wash weekly.

• • Location: Avoid loud appliances or high-traffic areas.

• • Suggested Litter Box: This is the litter box we recommend for your cats: Suggested Litter Box.

5. Play & Enrichment

• • Toys: Wand toys, balls, and puzzle feeders keep cats active.

• • Routine Play: Play with your cat daily to keep them engaged and reduce boredom. It’s a good idea to play with your cat before bedtime to help tire them out. This will prevent them from getting a burst of energy (commonly known as “zoomies”) during the night, when they might run around the house at full speed.

• • Zoomies Explained: Zoomies are short bursts of high-energy activity that cats experience, often at night or early in the morning. It’s completely normal, but providing plenty of playtime earlier in the evening can help minimize this behavior.

• • Vertical Space: Cat trees or shelves give them a place to climb and observe. It’s best if the cat tree faces a window, as cats love watching the outside world. The view can help keep them entertained and satisfied.

6. Vet Visits & Preventative Care

• • First Vet Check: There’s no need for an immediate vet visit, as all our cats are examined by a vet prior to their flight to the Netherlands.

• • Vaccines & Sterilization: Make sure your cat stays up-to-date. The next vet visit will only be needed for their annual vaccination.

• • Ongoing Care: Our rescue group works with our own trusted vet, who can help consult on minor health issues like a cold or stomach upset. In all cases (unless it’s an emergency), please consult with us first.

• • Microchipping: Essential for safety if your cat gets lost. Once your cat is microchipped, send us your contact information so we can update the ownership details in the official Greek pet database.

7. Bonding with Your Cat

• • Let Them Come to You: Sit quietly and let them approach.

• • Gentle Touch: Before petting, offer your fist for the cat to sniff. Each cat has different preferences—some love belly rubs, others don’t.

• • Ask for Advice: You can always ask our consultant via WhatsApp to learn what type of petting your new cat prefers.

• • Respect Their Space: Don’t force cuddles—let trust grow naturally.

8. The Rule of 3s: 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Months

• • 3 Days: Your cat is overwhelmed and may hide, eat less, or be unsure of their surroundings.

• • 3 Weeks: They are beginning to settle in, learn your routines, and feel more secure.

• • 3 Months: Your cat should feel fully at home, have built trust, and be part of your daily life.

Building a bond takes time. Be patient and allow your cat to adjust at their own pace. Trust must be earned slowly with love and consistency.

If you truly believe the cat is not a good match for your home, please contact us immediately. We will find a new adopter.
We do not have a shelter in the Netherlands, so your patience is appreciated while we look for a new family.