Cat Adoption FAQs
General Cat Adoption Questions
What do I need before bringing a cat home?
You’ll need essentials like a litter tray and litter, food and water bowls, dry and wet food (the same brand the cat is currently on preferably), a bed, a scratching post, and some toys. It’s also good to have a safe, quiet space ready where your new cat can settle in.
Can I adopt a cat if I live in rented accommodation?
Yes, as long as you have written permission from your landlord allowing pets. We’ll need to see this before the adoption can proceed.
What is the adoption donation and what does it cover?
The adoption donation helps cover vet checks, neutering, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, and vaccinations for the cats that we take in.
Do I need to get pet insurance for my new cat?
While it’s not mandatory, we strongly recommend having pet insurance in place from day one. Vet bills can quickly become expensive. even a simple visit for an upset stomach or minor injury can cost over £100, and more serious conditions like dental issues, infections, or accidents can run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
To give you peace of mind, all cats adopted from Peterborough Cat Rescue come with 4 weeks of free insurance from Petplan. This trial period starts from the day your cat goes home with you. At the end of the 4 weeks, Petplan will offer you a quote to continue the cover without a break in protection.
If you choose to take out a policy, it not only helps you cover unexpected costs, it also supports our rescue, as we receive a small referral fee for each continued policy. This helps us care for more cats in need.
Insurance isn’t the only option, some owners prefer to set aside a vet fund, but we’ve seen first-hand how insurance can make a real difference when a cat needs urgent care.
Settling Your Cat Into Their New Home
How long will it take my new cat to settle in?
Every cat is different. Some settle in within a couple of days, others take weeks.
Give them time, space, and patience. Let them come to you when they’re ready.
My cat is hiding - should I be worried?
Not at all. It’s very normal for cats to hide at first. Just make sure they have food, water, a litter tray, and a comfy hiding spot nearby. They’ll come out when they feel safe.
Should I keep my new cat indoors?
Yes, for at least the first 4–6 weeks to help them adjust and bond with their new environment.
For kittens (until they are old enough and neutered) and indoor-only cats, this will be permanent.
Items That Help Cats Settle In
What items help a new cat feel safe and comfortable?
Feliway Diffuser: Mimics calming pheromones and can reduce stress.
Hideaways & Cat Caves: Safe spaces help nervous cats feel secure.
Interactive Toys: Wand toys, treat puzzles, and feather teasers help burn off nervous energy.
Scratching Posts: Essential for territory marking and claw care.
Behaviour & Home Environment
Another cat is coming into my home through the cat flap - what should I do?
This is a surprisingly common situation. Some bold neighbourhood cats will take advantage of an open cat flap and quickly learn where food is available. This isn’t your fault, and it doesn’t mean your cat’s progress has been lost.
For a nervous or previously shy cat, the home is their safe space. Having another cat enter that space can be very unsettling and may cause anxiety, hiding, agitation, or a loss of confidence. These reactions are a normal response to feeling threatened.
The most important step is to stop the other cat gaining access to the house. Until this happens, the stress is likely to continue.
We strongly recommend using a microchip-activated cat flap so that only your cat can enter. In the meantime, locking the flap overnight, feeding earlier in the evening to reduce food scents, and feeding in a quiet or enclosed area (such as upstairs) can all help.
Once the intruding cat can no longer access the house, most nervous cats begin to settle again. It can take a little time for confidence to rebuild, but this is very common. A calming diffuser may also help during this period.
Introducing Your Cat to Other Pets
Introducing a Cat to a Dog
Can I adopt a cat if I already have a dog?
Yes- ideally, your dog should be calm around cats or already cat-tested. We can guide you through the process. Each of our adoptees have information if they have been tested with dogs.
What’s the safest way to introduce them?
Start by letting them smell each other under a door. Then try visual introductions using a baby gate. Keep your dog on a lead at all times.
Use positive reinforcement and go slow.
What signs should I watch for?
A wagging tail and relaxed posture are good signs in dogs. If your dog barks, lunges, or fixates, go back a step. For cats, puffed fur or growling means they’re uncomfortable.
Introducing Cats to Each Other
How do I introduce a new cat to my existing cat?
Do it slowly. Start by keeping them in separate rooms. Swap bedding so they get used to each other’s scent.
Then allow supervised visits through a cracked door or baby gate. Gradually build up from there.
They hiss at each other – should I separate them?
A little hissing is normal. It’s how cats communicate boundaries. Only separate if there’s actual aggression (swatting, chasing, or fighting).
How long does it take cats to get along?
Some cats get on within days; others might take weeks or months. Go at their pace.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure about anything or need support after adopting, we’re always here to help! Contact us via our contact form or message us on social media.