Start by letting your cat loose in a small room. Give him/her time to adjust to this room. A bedroom works well where you are going to sleep - keep other cats and dogs and loud children away for the first few days.

Ideal isolation from an existing pet is 10 days. Introduce them slowly by switching rooms (letting existing pet into the room where the new cat was, putting the new cat into a room where the existing cat was). Smell is key for both old and new residents to have a chance to smell where the other cat has been.

Make sure kitty litter box is really easy to find in the beginning. These cats are all trained to the box but in a new place they sometimes are so frightened they can't find it or are afraid to try. If they are hiding under the bed, for example, you might put the cat's pan right next to the bed. Then as they get used to you you slowly move it to where you would like to keep it.

Don't expect miracles! Remember these cats are stressed from
a) being given up by their owner
b) spending time in a loud noisy shelter
c) travelling long distances to a new place
d) spending time in a rescue
e) seeing a vet on several occasions
f) travelling again and
g) being in a new place all over.

Average settling in time is one month. Please bear with them. They are frightened.

After about a week, or sooner if you are concerned, it is a good idea for the cat to see a vet near you. This not only allows you to set up a record for this cat with your vet, but also allows a second opinion and a thorough checkover so you can be aware of anything that needs to be taken care of on your cat. Copies of vet records are included with your cat. Please give these to your vet.

Stress can bring on runny eyes and or some sneezing. This is fairly common. I wouldn't worry unless you see colored drainage from the eyes or nose, or if they drainage persists past the first few days.

We would love to have your new baby's picture on the 'meezer site'. If you would like us to include a picture of your new family member, please visit www.meezer.org and sign up as a SICC member.

Please read all of the attached information accompanying your new pet carefully. And stay in touch! We love to hear the updates!