Care & Guidance from a FelineVMA Cat Friendly Practice®–Certified Clinic

Congratulations! Bringing a new cat into your home is an exciting transition. The first few weeks are especially important for building trust, confidence, and positive routines. This guide will help you create a calm, supportive environment and prepare your cat for stress-free veterinary care.

Our clinic is FelineVMA Cat Friendly Practice®–Gold certified, meaning your cat’s emotional and physical well-being guide every part of their care.

Regular veterinary care plays an important role in helping your Kitten grow into a healthy adult. Vaccinations protect against serious preventable diseases, while routine deworming and flea and tick prevention help guard against common parasites. Ongoing dental care supports lifelong comfort and health, and annual wellness exams allow your veterinarian to monitor development and address concerns early. For more details on each of these topics, please visit the other client information sections on our website.

Setting Up Your Cat’s Space

Cats adjust best when their environment feels predictable and secure.

Your cat should have:

• A quiet personal area for rest and retreat
• A comfortable sleeping space
• Separate food and water bowls
• At least one clean litter box (one per cat, plus one extra)
  • If you live somewhere with multiple floors, litter boxes should be spread out across multiple floors
• Scratching and climbing options
• Safe toys for play and enrichment
• Safe perch to observe the world

Food and litter boxes should be placed in low-traffic areas where your cat will not feel startled or watched.

Understanding How Cats Learn

Cats learn through positive experiences, not punishment.

• Physical punishment and delayed reprimands are ineffective and increase fear.
• Cats respond best to praise, treats, and gentle redirection.
• If unwanted behavior occurs, redirect your cat calmly to an appropriate alternative.

Early positive experiences build confidence and strengthen your bond.

Play, Toys & Daily Enrichment

Play is essential for physical health and emotional well-being.

• Schedule daily interactive play sessions
• Simple toys work well: paper balls, cardboard boxes, paper bags (handles removed)
• Avoid string, ribbon, foil, or small objects that could be swallowed
• Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest

Play supports natural hunting behavior and reduces stress.

Scratching & Climbing Are Essential

Scratching and climbing are normal and necessary behaviors.

Why Cats Scratch

• Stretch and strengthen muscles
• Maintain claw health
• Relieve stress
• Leave familiar scent markers

Providing Appropriate Options

• Offer both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces
• Sisal and cardboard are commonly preferred
• Posts should be stable and tall enough for full stretching
  • 3 feet or 36 inches
• Place scratching posts near sleeping areas and commonly used rooms
• Provide multiple options in multi-cat households

Teaching Your Cat to Be Comfortable with the Carrier

The carrier should be a safe, familiar space, not something your cat fears.

Creating Positive Carrier Experiences

• Leave the carrier out at all times with the door open
• Add soft bedding and familiar scents
• Offer treats, toys, or meals inside the carrier
• Use feline facial pheromone sprays if helpful
• Avoid using the carrier only for veterinary visits

Positive carrier training greatly reduces travel and appointment stress.

Preparing for a Calm Veterinary Visit

What you do at home helps support a successful visit.

Before the Appointment

• Practice carrier training regularly
• Cover the carrier during transport
• Use pheromone sprays 15–30 minutes before travel
• Schedule quieter appointment times when possible

After the Appointment

• Provide a calm, quiet space at home
• Offer familiar bedding, food, and routines
• Allow time for decompression

Stress reduction supports better health outcomes and more positive future visits.

Litter Box Setup & Urinary Health Awareness

Proper litter box management is essential, especially during transitions.

Litter Box Guidelines

• Provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra
• Keep boxes clean and in quiet locations
• Avoid sudden changes in litter type or box style

Watch for Changes

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Straining or vocalizing while urinating
• Frequent litter box visits
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Blood in the urine

Early intervention is key.

Supporting a Happy Indoor Life

Cats thrive in environments that offer choice and enrichment.

Helpful strategies include:

• Vertical spaces and window perches
• Predictable routines
• Daily interactive play
• Multiple resting and hiding areas

Our Commitment to You and Your Cat

As a FelineVMA Cat Friendly Practice®–certified clinic, we are committed to:

• Respecting feline behavior and emotional health
• Minimizing stress through thoughtful handling and environments
• Partnering with caregivers through education and support

If you have any questions about helping your new cat adjust at home or preparing for veterinary visits, our team is always happy to help.

 

What FelineVMA Cat Friendly Practice® Certification Means for Your Visit

Our FelineVMA Cat Friendly Practice® certification means we have taken additional steps to understand feline behavior and reduce stress at every stage of care.