Your plan should include a survival kit equipped with the essentials for the initial 72 hours. 

Some items to include in your pet’s emergency survival kit:  

• 72- hour food and water supply  
• Blankets/towels, cleaning supplies, waste bags and a litter box  
• Toys   
• Leash, muzzle, harness or collar    
• Pet carrier for each animal   
• Medications, medical records and your veterinarian’s name and contact number  
• A pet first aid kit  
• ID tags and microchip number   
• Current photo of your pet along with their name, address and brief description, including unique markings that would help identify them  

For a full list of items to include, see ‘Promise to Prepare’ below.  

Store emergency kit supplies in a waterproof container that’s easily accessible and transportable, such as a sealable plastic bin. Remember to check and update your kit twice a year, replenishing any items that have been used. Keep it stocked with fresh water, food, medication, and other essentials for your family’s safety. 

Promise to Prepare 

Promise to Prepare by visiting ontariospca.ca/ep and you’ll be entered in a draw to win a pet first aid kit and receive our free digital 72hr Emergency Preparedness Workbook outlining everything you need to include when assembling your pet’s survival kit.  

Prepare your evacuation plan 

Prioritize your pets:  

Ensure the safety of your pets by taking them with you when evacuating, provided it’s safe to do so. The Ontario SPCA emphasizes the importance of having a well-prepared evacuation plan in place. This plan should include arrangements for a secure location for your furry companion and a reliable method of transportation to safety. 

Explore evacuation options: 

Check with your municipality for information on evacuation centre locations and pet-related policies. Reach out to hotels and motels outside your immediate area to confirm their policies on accommodating animals during emergencies. Additionally, consider asking friends or relatives outside your vicinity if they could provide shelter for your pets during an emergency. 

Early evacuation: 

In the face of an imminent emergency, such as a tornado or other natural disasters, evacuate early. Avoid waiting for mandatory evacuation orders, which can complicate the process of evacuating with pets. Departing before conditions worsen not only ensures everyone’s safety but also helps reduce stress levels for both you and your pets. 

Don’t forget your survival kit:  

Remember to pack your survival kit to ensure you have all the essential supplies needed during evacuation.

As we observe Emergency Preparedness Week, now is the perfect time to prepare. Having an emergency preparedness plan that includes our companion animals is essential. So, let’s promise to prepare, explore evacuation options, and embrace early evacuation if necessary, knowing that we’ve done everything possible to protect our cherished furry family members.  

For more emergency planning resources, and to take the promise to prepare, visit ontariospca.ca/ep 

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Diet 

One of the most significant ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by choosing sustainable pet food and treat options. Opting for brands that use ethically sourced ingredients, have minimal packaging, and prioritize environmentally friendly production methods can make a big difference. Always talk to your veterinarian to ensure your animal’s daily nutritional needs are met.  

Waste management 

Another area where animal lovers can make a positive impact is in waste management. Instead of using plastic bags to dispose of animal waste, consider switching to biodegradable or compostable bags. Additionally, investing in a quality litter box and choosing eco-friendly cat litter made from materials like recycled paper or corn can help reduce landfill waste. 

Accessories 

When it comes to pet accessories and toys, choose durable, long-lasting products made from sustainable materials. Avoiding single-use items and opting for toys made from recycled materials or natural fibers can help minimize your fur baby’s environmental footprint. You might even want to consider repurposing old toys and accessories to save them from the landfill. 

Check out our blog for some DIY toys for animal 

Transportation 

Lastly, reducing transportation-related emissions is another way pet parents can shrink their carbon footprint. Whenever possible, opt for walking when traveling with your pet. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also provides exercise and stimulation for both you and your furry friend. 

Being a responsible animal parent means considering the environmental impact of our furry companions and taking steps to minimize their carbon footprint. Luckily, there are an increasing number of options available to help us on our eco-friendly journey. By making conscious choices about pet food, waste management, accessories, and transportation, we can reduce the environmental pawprint of our beloved pets while still providing them with the love and care they need. 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 

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Arm & Hammer

Our mission is to change the lives of animals in need and keep pets with the people who love them. One of the most common reasons that cats are brought to our animal centres for rehoming is due to litter box issues, and the Ontario SPCA and Arm & Hammer Cat Litter want to combat those issues by providing tips and tricks to help keep your cat happy and healthy. 

Litter Box Best Practices: 

To help ensure you have happy, healthy, box-abiding cats, you must create an environment that falls in line with their natural instincts: 

• Uncovered versus covered litter boxes: Most pet parents believe cats prefer privacy and therefore have covered litter boxes. However, it is better to keep your litter box uncovered so you may give your cat several ways to escape if they feel threatened, making them less likely to urinate where they feel safer, like your couch or other unwanted area. 
• Odour-trapping litter: Cats are very sensitive to smell and texture. Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Cat Litter has all the important elements to make cats happy about using their litter box. It’s hypoallergenic and excludes 26 known allergies. It also traps odours with a 7-day odour-free guarantee, is dust-free and the soft texture is easy on their paws. No stinky odours make for happy paws and happier pet parents! 
• Number of litter boxes: Pet parents should have one box per cat plus one more.  For instance, two cats need three litter boxes. Tight on space? Having multiple litter box locations is better than having many boxes in one space.  
• Amount of light: Contrary to belief, cats do need some light to see. Try placing a night light near their litter box and turning it on in the evenings so they feel safe and can navigate to their box easily. 
• Food and water location: Cats prefer their food and water away from where they urinate and defecate. Ensure they are in separate spaces to avoid accidents. 
• Frequency of changing litter: Cats will often stop covering urine or stool when finished if the cat litter hasn’t been cleaned properly. It’s recommended that the litter be scooped 1 to 2 times daily, and the litter be completely changed and the box cleaned thoroughly every 30 days, which may be daunting for most cat parents. One option is Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Cat Litter. Its patented EZ Clean Technology* means used litter slides right out! With its moisture-activated micro-granules that form a tight seal around cat waste and create rock-hard clumps for easy scooping, there’s no need to worry about any more scrubbing or scraping the bottom of the box.  

Arm & Hammer Cat Litter knows how important cat litter is to the integration process and maintaining good litter box hygiene and wants to make sure that anyone who adopts a cat from an Ontario SPCA animal centre in April will receive a box of of Arm & Hammer Slide or Arm & Hammer Clump and Seal or Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Cat Litter, PLUS a coupon, while supplies last. To view animals available for adoption with the Ontario SPCA, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt 

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Changing their environment 

The quickest and easiest thing you can do to change up their routine is to rearrange items in your friend’s living environment. Moving items to the opposite corner makes them think about its change of location; they may even try to move it around to place it where they want it. Introducing different “furniture pieces” such as branches and bedding can create a different environment. Introduce only one item at a time to prevent fear and stress. 

It is important to note that small animals rearrange their furniture how they like it- so if there is an item that they keep moving to a certain area, it’s best to leave it where they are placing it to avoid stressing them out. It’s similar to someone coming in and constantly redecorating your house – a little change is good, but if there’s a certain item that you like in a certain spot, it’s very frustrating if people keep moving it! 

Other ways to change their environment: 

Cardboard – boxes with holes cut into them are great for hiding spaces and a change of environment. Cardboard tubes can also be stuffed with hay and healthy treats for added enrichment. 

Tunnels – plastic and fabric tunnels can be purchased at your local pet store or online, or you can make your own tunnels from cardboard boxes or tubes with wide diameters. When it comes to choosing a tunnel for your small animal to play in, always ensure that it is big enough for them to enter and turn around in – we don’t want anyone getting stuck in a tunnel that’s too small! 

Mirrors – these can offer comfort for female rabbits. The effects can be short-lived, so this is recommended for temporary relief of loneliness. 

Digging opportunities – domestic rabbits will perform this behaviour so you can try providing them with a “digging box.” Safe places to dig are large plant pots or litter trays filled with earth, cardboard boxes filled with shredded paper and sandpits filled with child and animal-friendly sand. 

Toys and objects 

Toys that allow animals to perform normal behaviours, such as digging, chewing, chin marking and jumping keep them mentally stimulated. 

The RSPCA suggests these great toys: 

• Objects to manipulate or throw, such as untreated straw or balls. Solid plastic baby toys like key rings, rattles and stacking cups can make great rabbit toys. 
• Let them shred paper such as newspapers. A great idea is to wrap your rabbit’s favourite food in brown paper and let them unwrap it. 
• Again, cardboard is a great object for them to play with. Tubes can be stuffed with hay or healthy treats to rotate their routine. 
• Toys such as balls, rings, and chewing blocks are great for entertainment. You can also think of things they may want to carry, push, bury or hide. 

Ensure there are no small parts that can be swallowed and you are supervising the use of these toys. 

Read How to enrich your small animal’s environment for more ideas. 

Let’s keep our small animals active and stimulated! 

Help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 

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“I have always had pets since I was a child on the farm in England,” says Juliet. “I immigrated to Canada from England to settle in Kingston in 1969.” 

Juliet’s journey as a donor with the Ontario SPCA started in 1991, shortly after she and her husband adopted their first cat while residing in Canada. Currently, Juliet shares her home with a cherished grey cat named Smokey. 

Over the years, Juliet’s support has remained steadfast, fueled by the Ontario SPCA’s informative newsletters that once filled her mailbox with heartwarming stories and updates. Now, through email, Juliet stays connected to the latest news, maintaining a deep sense of involvement with the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts. 

“I have a huge respect for all organizations like the Ontario SPCA that work tirelessly for all creatures who can’t speak for themselves and can be so thoughtlessly and cruelly treated by unthinking people,” says Juliet. 

Juliet’s impactful contribution 

In 2023, Juliet’s commitment soared to new heights with an extraordinary $10,000 donation. This generous contribution was made specifically for the renovations of the cat prep room at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre. 

“As I am, in particular, a cat-lover, I guess the needs of cats are my first choice,” says Juliet. 

The cat prep room, crucial for maintaining the well-being of our feline friends, received substantial improvements, courtesy of Juliet’s generous donation. These enhancements include the installation of new flooring and an industrial stainless-steel sink. The upgraded space functions as a dedicated area for team members and volunteers to wash and sanitize cat litter pans and trays, an important practice for maintaining the health of the cats and kittens at the animal centre and preventing the spread of illnesses. 

To honor Juliet’s generosity, the room proudly features a plaque that reads, “Cat Prep Room Generously Donated by: Juliet Milsome.” 

Her remarkable contribution to the cat prep room not only transformed the space for the well-being of our feline friends but also elevated her total giving to an impressive sum of over $50,000 since she began her support in 1991. 

Although Juliet’s passion for feline companions is evident, her compassion for animals extends beyond her love for cats. She says, “I was delighted to read and learn about the new Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre for dogs and would be happy to support that as well.”  

This facility focuses on addressing the individualized needs of dogs most difficult to adopt – dogs who need more care and support than an animal centre can provide. 

As we celebrate Juliet’s dedication and generous contributions, we extend our gratitude to her and to all those who continue to support the Ontario SPCA. Together, we can create a brighter future for countless animals in need. 

How you can help  

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, we rely on the compassion and generosity of individuals like you who make it possible to provide urgently needed care and shelter for thousands of vulnerable animals each year. To make a donation to help change the lives of animals, please visit our website: ontariospca.ca/donate 

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Unlike their canine rivals, they can rotate their palms to the sky. They can reach for objects and even grasp them. These physical attributes make them gifted climbers and expert hunters. It is no wonder why cats strut about with pride. But as they age, their movement starts to slow, and they lose that feline finesse. Have you ever wondered why?   

Osteoarthritis in cats 

With aging comes the insidious progression of a debilitating and painful disease – osteoarthritis. Few realize how common osteoarthritis is in cats and how painful it can be.  

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, progresses with time. It starts with cartilage, found within every joint. Cartilage prevents bones from rubbing together. With age, it wears thin. New bone forms, causing friction and inflammation. Arthritic joints can feel swollen and bulky to the touch and often have a shorter range of motion. Knees, hips, elbows, and the spine all fall victim to this deterioration.   

What are the signs? 

Pain from osteoarthritis tends to appear gradually, and it doesn’t usually cause limping in cats like it would in dogs. Cats also tend to be stoic by nature and hide their pain well. All these reasons may explain why the disease is difficult to spot!   

The trick is to draw attention to changes in behaviour by contrasting the way they currently act to how they once acted as young adults. But even that is not as easy as it seems.   

For instance, cats in pain may hide or withdraw from social interaction. At the same time, some become more affectionate, and this can be a sign of discomfort, as well. Some cats will begin grooming their sore areas excessively, causing bald spots, while others may groom less. Clumps of fur can accumulate in those hard-to-reach places, such as the lower back, because osteoarthritis in the spine limits their flexibility.  

Arthritic cats might play less or hesitate before jumping or using stairs. They may have a stiff walk. Sometimes they shift their weight from the tips of their toes onto the palm of their paws, making them look flatfooted.   

Cats in pain might also stop using their litter box because they find it challenging to jump in. Perhaps the journey to the litter involves overcoming many flights of stairs. Or perhaps it is the litter. It can hurt their arthritic paws because it is an uneven surface that can cause uneven pressure points. Instead, cats may relieve themselves on soft surfaces, such as the couch, mattress, or a blanket.   

With chronic pain, nerve endings become more sensitive. Over time, this leads to a change in brain chemistry. The process is called pain sensitization. In other words, as chronic pain sets in, a cat can become increasingly sensitive, much like a negative feedback loop.   

What’s more, the structures within the brain responsible for detecting chronic pain happen to be those that also deal with aggression. Therefore, we often see aggression and pain in tandem. Increased or new aggression toward family members or other animals may indicate chronic pain.   

If any of these signs exist in your older cat, osteoarthritis may be an underlying factor.   

How to manage it 

While there is no cure, there are many ways to help a cat cope with the disease and feel more comfortable. For starters, we know that excess weight is a risk factor for osteoarthritis progression, and many household cats are overweight. Obesity is an epidemic in cats.   

A healthy weight is the most crucial element in managing degenerative joint diseases. Less weight means less wear and tear on the joints! Cats with ideal body weight are also more active, making them less susceptible to muscle wasting as they age. We want muscles to stay strong because they stabilize and strengthen vulnerable joints.   

Weight loss requires a blend of exercise and calorie control. To increase physical activity, we can use environmental enrichment strategies, such as puzzle feeders or exercise feeders, encourage hunting for hidden kibble, or provide ample climbing opportunities with shelving and cat trees. For more handy pet parents, building an outdoor cat patio – “catio” – can do wonders for stimulating cats to move. Cats can also go on supervised outings outdoors. Again, we want to keep those muscles strong by moving them as much as possible.   

Weight loss in cats usually requires a specialized diet that can be safely calorie-restricted while ensuring appropriate nutrient intake. These diets typically have a unique blend of fibres, which help with satiety and reduce begging behaviour. The aim is a slow and steady weight loss, maintaining muscle mass in the process. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your cat’s weight and, if needed, implement an appropriate weight loss program that is safe and tailored to your cat.   

Ingredients such as green lipped mussel powder, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can help reduce signs of arthritis and inflammation and provide joint support. A safe and affordable combination of these ingredients can be found in specific veterinary therapeutic diets.   

Some cats may benefit from additional veterinary guidance when diet and exercise are insufficient for controlling arthritic pain. Prescribed medications, such as anti-inflammatories, are particularly effective in relieving arthritic pain. Many veterinarians offer complementary treatments such as laser therapy and acupuncture, both of which can be beneficial for remediating pain. Don’t forget the time-tested massage! As with people, massaging knotted muscles can help reduce tension and increase relaxation.   

Osteoarthritis is a common, lifelong, degenerative disease of the joints affecting most cats that can cause pain and discomfort. Chronic pain in cats often appears as subtle changes to their normal behaviour. A healthy weight can help prevent and ease their discomfort. When this is insufficient, many complementary treatment options are available. Be proactive and speak to your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is experiencing discomfort.  Your cat will feel much better and thank you every step of the way! 

Check out our blog for more cat care tips. 

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Cats don’t handle change as well as we do. They become very rooted to their environment, so even the smallest change, like moving furniture within a room, can cause anxiety. Here are some tips to help you manage stress for your furry buddy during a move.  

Get them used to the carrier   

Bring the carrier out early and leave it in your cat’s favourite room. This will allow them to get used to it slowly. Do the same with packing boxes and paper. Bring them out before you start to pack so your cat gets used to these strange items in their environment.  

Keep things familiar on moving day  

On moving day, put your cat in their favourite room with things that smell like them, like couch cushions, a scratching post or a favourite blanket. Move these items last to help surround your cat with familiar items for as long as possible.   

Moving day tips  

When you are ready to move them, spray a stress-reducing product based off pheromones, such as Feliway, on the blanket inside the crate, and let it dissipate for about 10 minutes. Then, gently put your cat inside. For bonded cats, put them in one large carrier so they can comfort each other. Non-bonded cats should go in separate carriers, with the doors facing each other during the trip.  Be sure to cover the carriers with a blanket or towel to minimize visibility for them.  

At the new house, set up their “landing room” with the same items from the old  house and bring their crates, food/water and litter box in before you start moving the rest of your belongings inside.  Open their doors and let them come out on their own when they are ready. Have their favourite person sit with them so that they feel safe. Setting up a pheromone diffuser in the room will help, as well.  

One step at a time  

Set up the rest of the home before letting your cat explore more. Be sure to check on them every 15 minutes or so. They can stay in their landing room until they feel safe enough to explore. Do not rush this process, even if it takes a few days.  

Most importantly, try to stay calm around them. If you’re not stressed, they will be less likely to feel stressed, too. Give lots of cuddles and love when they want it and enjoy your new home together! 

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Meets your rabbit’s needs  

Inside the X-pen are all the things a rabbit will need: A place to hide, a litter box, toys, food dishes and a mounted water bottle. Rabbits can become overweight if they don’t have enough room to move, so an X-pen also allows them space to play and move around.  

Materials required for an X-pen  

FLAT SHEET– Use a flat sheet to cover the X-pen floor. Rabbits can be nervous of slippery floors.  

LITTER BOX– Place the litter box in their most soiled corner. Line the litter box with recycled paper/bedding or aspen shavings. Place their hay inside half of litter box. This promotes litter box use! You can also place a hay net directly above their litter pan. This is just as effective.  

PLACE TO HIDE– Rabbits need a place to hide to provide security. You can make fun cardboard castles. Cardboard is also safe for rabbits to chew and safely wear their teeth.  

CERAMIC DISHES– Use two ceramic dishes for their kibble and water. Rabbits like to move their dishes and the weight of a ceramic dish discourages this.  

WATER BOTTLE– Place a full water bottle on the X-pen. This provides the rabbit with a choice of using the dish or the bottle. If one empties, the rabbit isn’t left without water.  

ENRICHMENT– Place a ball with a bell inside, wooden chew toy and/or small stuffed animal in the X-pen for the rabbit to play with. Rabbits will be attracted to chew hard features on stuffed animals like the eyes or nose, so it’s important that the plushies not have any hard features. Rabbits also love to scratch and dig at flattened cardboard boxes and chew toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay.  

CLIPS– Ensure that all the clips that attach to the X-pen are closed and secure so the rabbit does not escape their safe play area.  

Generally, it is recommended that rabbits have at least one hour outside their X-pen daily for enrichment and to bond with their adopter. 

In addition to providing an X-pen for your rabbit, it is important they spend time outside of the pen. Rabbits are social creatures and need activity. For their health and well-being, it’s important to give them enough room to stretch out and play.   

Read our blog for more tips on caring for your pet rabbit.  

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What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new cat or kitten.

• Kitty-proof your home: Remove any toxic plants and hide any electrical cords that the cat might have access to.
• Create a safe place:
  • Set up your cat’s litter box, bowls (ideally at least 3 ft. from the litter), scratching post and toys in a quiet, safe place for the first week or two and allow them to come out at their own pace.
  • Place your cat into the litter box in any new location so they know where it is.
  • Cats may feel nervous/stressed when in a new environment. Offer vertical space where they can climb/jump and places to hide that are still accessible to you.
  • Familiar scents can help with the stress of moving to a new home. Have a towel/blanket that was given to you from the animal centre close by the cat in this space. The use of pheromones can also help ease stress levels.
  • When a cat is adopted, their “cat cabin” from the animal centre transforms into a temporary carrier that the cat can travel home in. Once home, adopters are encouraged to reassemble the cabin, as it has the cat’s scent on it and helps ease their transition into their new home by offering a familiar place to perch, sleep, hide and rub
• We recommend keeping cats indoors. If your cat is curious about the outdoors or you want to give the cats access to a safe outdoor area, consider installing a fenced-in enclosure or allowing supervised access to your yard on a harness and leash.

Disease Testing

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a virus that is transmitted between cats. There is a test for this virus. If you have a multi-cat household, testing prior to introducing your new cat should be discussed with your veterinarian. You should also ask your veterinarian about vaccination for FeLV. This is not something your new cat has received yet and, based on lifestyle and age, may be recommended by your veterinarian. More information on FeLV.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is also transmitted between cats. The main differences between these two viruses is that FIV is less contagious, and many cats with FIV go on to live normal lives. Like FeLV, testing should be considered prior to introducing your new cat to a multi-cat household. Currently vaccination for FIV is not recommended. More information on FIV.

Internal and External Parasites
Your new furry friend has received routine deworming and flea prevention prior to adoption, but further doses may be required. Fecal (poop sample) testing is recommended since some parasites can be zoonotic, which means humans can be infected. Talk to your veterinarian about future testing and prevention. We also recommend that other family pets be tested and treated for internal and external parasites prior to bringing your new furry friend home. For more information, please visit canadianveterinarians.net and avma.org

Veterinary Visits After Adoption

A check-in with your family veterinarian within the first week after adoption is critical to ensure continuity of care for your new friend, and to create a preventative health care plan tailored to their specific needs and to your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care.

Preventative care includes important measures such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support and vaccinations and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this vet check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-exiting concerns to ensure that your new furry family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new furry friend’s medical history can be shared with your veterinarian.

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting your new cat or kitten from diseases, as well as keeping other furry and human family members safe.

Vaccines

• Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP (feline herpes virus, calicivirus & panleukopenia) and rabies. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement. All cats adopted from the Ontario SPCA have received their rabies vaccination, provided they are old enough to receive it at the time of adoption. If they are too young to receive their rabies vaccination while in our care, this will need to be done through your family veterinarian. Your vet may recommend additional vaccines based on your cat or kitten’s lifestyle.
• Kittens are very susceptible and require more frequent booster vaccinations until they are approximately 18 weeks old. Vaccines must be boostered over the course of your cat’s life (not just during kittenhood) to ensure adequate protection.
• Other furry family members should be up to date on their vaccinations prior to bringing a new furry friend home.
• A vaccine schedule has been started for your new cat or kitten. Note that it may not be complete by the time of adoption and follow-up with your family veterinarian is required to ensure adequate protection is achieved. For more information, visit catvets.com and canadianveterinarians.net

Healing After Surgery

Your new furry friend may have had surgery prior to adoption. In addition to following any specific post-op instructions given to you, it will be important to note the following:

• Give any post-op medication as prescribed.
• Utilize an e-collar (cone) or a onesie to help protect their incision site, as prescribed.
• Monitor the incision site daily for swelling, discharge and/or holes in the incision line.
• Keep your cat or kitten calm, and restrict their exercise (i.e., no jumping on/off surfaces, climbing stairs or going outside).
• Watch them closely to ensure they are comfortable, eating and drinking well, and using their litter box without issue.

If your cat or kitten is not eating well, is quiet or lethargic, not using their litter box, and/or if you see any concerns with their incision site, please contact your family veterinarian for support. More information can be found here.

Cat-to-Cat Introductions

If introductions are done slowly and properly, this could potentially head off any future problematic behaviours. It can sometimes take cats months to adjust to a new friend so you may need to be patient!

• It is important to give the new cat a separate space/safe haven, set up with all the necessities to adjust on his/her own.
• Allow the cats to smell and hear one another at first, but not see or touch.
• Gradually increase access to one another by sight and eventually allow supervised interactions if they remain positive. A baby gate could act as a helpful tool to allow a visual interaction, but still be kept apart from one another.
• Continue to separate the cats at night during the initial days.
• If you are bringing a new cat into a multi-cat household, introduce them individually. Click here for more information.

Cat-to-Dog Introductions

With time, many cats and dogs can learn to coexist peacefully and may even become friends!

• Have two people on hand; one to handle the dog and the other to monitor the cat’s behaviour.
• Ensure your dog is on leash in the cat’s presence and that the cat has a safe place to retreat, if needed.
• Take the dog outside for a walk or play prior to greeting to reduce energy levels.
• Have high value treats for both the dog and cat to reward good behaviour.
• Monitor both the cat and dog for emotional distress at all times. Watch your dog for signs of elevated prey drive (hunting-related behaviours) to ensure the safety of your new cat. Click here for more detailed information.

We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local SPCA here.

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Your new cat or kitten is likely experiencing an abundance of emotions and it’s important to make the transition to their new home as smooth as possible. Luckily, when you adopt from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we get you started on the right track.  

Cute cat cabins that are as fun as they are functional  

Each cat who comes into our care gets their very own private cat cabin, courtesy of the Pet Valu Companions for Change program. The cabins keep the animals comfortable and help them feel safe by enabling them to express their natural behaviours, including hiding, perching and scent marking. When a cat is adopted, their cat cabin transforms into a temporary carrier for travelling home, and adopters are encouraged to reassemble it so that their cat has a familiar place to hide in their new environment.   

Setting up base camp  

Place the cat cabin, (or other crate), in a small room where your new feline friend can safely stay for a few days as you introduce them to their new world. The room should have their food and water placed to one side, and a litter box on the opposite side. Open their carrier and quietly sit on the floor and wait.  If your feline is feeling frisky, they might come out right away, but often cats are a little timid and will venture out once they feel it’s safe to explore.   

It is important to remember that your new little friend may have had a rough journey prior to coming into the care of the Ontario SPCA. Change can be frightening, so give your cat the time and space they need to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Their cat cabins can provide them with a safe haven while they adjust to their new life.  

Building a life-long bond  

Change can be a scary thing. You will be eager to comfort and bond with your new friend, but as excited as you are to give them the grand tour, the best thing you can do is leave them in their designated room for a few days.   

Visit the room often and bring healthy treats and toys each time. If you have other family members in the household, encourage them to do the same, but not all at once. Sit on the floor and invite your cat to explore the goodies you brought.  

Wait for your cat to come to you. Talk to them reassuringly to try coaxing them out, but have patience. It may feel like baby steps, but building that trust is important.   

Making friends with current residents  

Ensuring that everyone has a turn spending quiet bonding time will help your cat to feel more connected to the entire family. If your household consists of other furry residents, you will want to take separate steps to ensure a safe and stress-free introduction.   

Tips on cat to dog introductions  

Helping your adopted cat and existing pet to accept each other  

Tips to introduce a cat to your home  

Ready to explore   

Take your cues from your cat. When they are ready to venture to the rest of the house, they’ll tell you by slipping their paws under the doorway or trying to escape. Once they are ready, let them explore at their own rate and make sure they have easy access back to their cat cabin. If they get scared, they will want to run back to safety.   

Your cat will start creating new habits and routines as they feel more and more comfortable. It shouldn’t take too long before they are exploring every nook and cranny of your home. If you feel that the transition is not progressing, talk to your veterinarian. The Ontario SPCA animal centre team is also only a call or email away.    

Visit our blog as a resource to learn more about keeping your cat healthy and safe. 

The post Taking your newly adopted cat home – tips to help with the transition appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.