New Cat Owner's Guide

Begin training your cat as early as possible with love, patience, and rewards to teach litter box use and scratching posts, and avoid punishment.

Address litter box problems by checking cleanliness, box size and placement, and rewarding correct use while gradually using pads or alternatives to train cats and prevent urinary issues.

Cats scratch to mark territory with scent glands, exercise, and for pleasure. Train them to scratch the post instead of furniture with a tall cat tree, suspended toys, and rewards.

Reprogram your cat's nocturnal activity by gradually shifting playtime away from late night, using the cat's preferred games like laser pointers and treats, and consider a second cat if needed.

Discover techniques to help two cats accept each other, including gradual introductions, cage time, treats, and patience, to turn resident and new cats into companions.

Help your new cat overcome fear with early socialization, crate and leash training, positive reinforcement, and gradual exposure to people, other animals, and car rides, never punish.

Learn humane cat training with rewards over punishment, manage litter box habits, gradual house acclimation, and recognize urinary tract infection risk and other fear-related behaviors from rescue work.