Part 6: Common Mistakes New Cat Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Dear Pet Mom,
No one becomes a perfect cat parent overnight; in fact, mistakes are part of the journey. But there are a few common missteps that can make those first weeks harder for both you and your cat. Thankfully, with a bit of awareness and planning, they’re all easy to avoid.
Here are some of the most frequent pitfalls I’ve seen (and even made myself), plus what to do instead.
Common Mistakes
1. Rushing the Bond
It’s easy to want your new cat to snuggle up to you right away, but building trust takes time. On social media, it’s common to see new pet parents wearing thick gloves as they try to feed, touch, or handle frightened cats, often met with hissing, swatting, or fear-based aggression. While the intention is usually to build a bond, this approach can backfire. Forcing interaction before a cat is ready can damage trust before it’s even had the chance to form. Instead, offer your quiet presence and let your cat come to you on their own terms.
2. Not Including Everyone in the Household
If you live with others, adoption should be a shared decision. One of the most heartbreaking outcomes is when a cat has to be returned because someone in the home is allergic, uncomfortable, or simply didn’t agree to the adoption in the first place.
3. Skipping the Name Tag
Even if your cat is going to live indoors, it’s crucial to put a name tag on them from day one. Cats can and do bolt, especially when they’re still adjusting. Without a visible ID, a lost cat may never make it home, even if they’re microchipped. Not everyone has access to a vet clinic or knows how to check for a chip.
4. Introducing a Second Cat Too Soon or Incorrectly
Adding another cat to the family? Proper introductions matter more than you might think. Cats are territorial, and bringing in a second pet without a structured introduction can lead to stress, aggression, and long-term tension. Read my step-by-step guide to introducing cats here →
5. Letting Young Kids Treat the Cat Like a Toy
Children, especially very young ones, may not understand a cat’s need for space and gentle handling. Loud voices and unpredictable movements can scare your new cat and delay their adjustment. It’s important to establish boundaries for both the pet and the child early on.
6. Traveling Too Soon
Planning a trip right after adoption? You may want to reconsider. Your cat needs stability in the first few weeks. Leaving too soon, especially before they’re fully settled, can cause confusion, anxiety, and delay their adjustment. And it’s not ideal for a sitter to manage a pet who hasn’t had time to bond or establish a routine.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Be patient. Let your cat come to you on their own terms. Bonding happens in quiet moments: reading in the same room, playing gently, offering treats from a distance.
Talk to your household first. Make sure everyone is on board, informed, and prepared for what bringing home a cat really means.
Get a name tag early. Ideally, your cat should wear a collar with an ID tag from day one, even if they never go outside.
Learn how to introduce cats properly. Take time to read up or follow a step-by-step guide before introducing a new cat to your resident feline.
Set clear boundaries with kids. Teach young children how to respect the cat’s space and explain why quiet, gentle behavior matters.
Adopt when your schedule is stable. Avoid planning travel or major life changes during your cat’s first month at home. They’ll need your presence and consistency to feel safe.
📚This post is part of The Cat Adoption Series
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