Cat Care
Here you can find the basics about caring for your cats and kittens.
We advise you have a read through before considering adopting a cat from Stray Cat Rescue.
Cat Info
Cats are now our most popular domestic pet. Some people acquire a cat almost by accident but if you make a conscious decision to adopt one you should think carefully before going ahead.
A cat needs lots of love and care, including regular worming, flea treatment, vaccinations and dental care. You will also need to keep an eye out for ticks, fleas and ear mites. If your new kitten or cat hasn't been neutered or chipped, you will also need to make arrangements for your pet to be done by your vet.
Don't forget that cats need somewhere warm to sleep, a litter tray, a constant supply of fresh water, feeding daily and toys to play with. Food, litter, veterinary care and pet insurance are the regular costs but there will be occasional costs including emergency vet bills, buying a litter tray, cattery charges.
Cats can live up to 20 years and longer, over this time your cat will expect lots of care, companionship, time for play and grooming. Being able to provide all of this will ensure you and your cat make the most of your time together.
Neutering
We really cannot stress enough how important it is to get your cats neutered as the UK is overflowing with unwanted cats and kittens. Please read why neutering is essential and good for your cat and saves you vet bills.
Every year thousands of healthy animals are destroyed because good homes cannot be found for them. It is important not to add to this pool of unwanted cats. This includes pedigree cats too, there are many in rescue shelters and there are even shelters specialising in certain breeds. Stray Cat Rescue will never put a cat down unless in extreme cases under veterinary advise but sadly this is not the case of all animal rescue centres. Even if you manage to find homes for your kittens, you will have taken those valuable homes away from the many unwanted cats and kittens.
Don’t forget that an unneutered tom will also be responsible for reproducing many litters. Neutering is usually carried out at 6 months of age for both males (castration) and females (spaying). It will cost about £60 to spay a female cat and about £50 to castrate a male cat. Please consider this expense before you take on a kitten. Neutered cats will be less likely to wander and get lost or hit by a car. They will stay closer to home and be a better companion. Males will be less likely to mark his territory by spraying strong smelling urine around the house and garden.
Male and females will not mate or have many territorial fights with other cats, preventing injury and potentially lethal infectious diseases such as FIV and Felv.
Both male and female cats become calmer, more affectionate after neutering. Unneutered females are more likely to develop breast and ovary and uterine cancers.
There is absolutely no benefit from allowing your female cat to have her ‘first’ litter. It will not make her calmer and it could put her health at risk. For all the information you need on neutering contact your local vet. Stray Cat Rescue neuter all cats in our care over the age of 6 months. Any exception to this and you will be informed before adoption.
Dental Care
It is often said that dry food will clean your cats' teeth. However, this is no longer considered true. Imagine a human eating nothing but biscuits and never brushing their teeth! Tooth disease would be certain.
Dental problems are as agonising for cats as for us, but cats hide pain very well. So, without regular dental checkups you will have no idea your cat is suffering.
If your cat has never had a dental checkup, it is vital to book one before starting to brush their teeth. This is to make sure there is no decay already present, which would make brushing very painful.
The only way to keep your cat's teeth clean is to brush them. You can get a vet to do this, but it will save you money and your cat stress if you do it. The first time just hold your cat on your lap or between your legs, facing away from you, and brush the outside of their teeth. The inside does not need brushing. Your cat will not like this but will get used to it if done regularly, if you do it calmly and if she gets a treat and fuss straight after. Choose a time when the house and your cat is calm and quiet. Find more information and advice here.
Kittens
Most people's first experience of cat ownership is with a kitten. However, kittens need a lot of time and attention and care. If you are not home most of the day you cannot keep your kitten out of trouble and the kitten will be bored and miss out on bonding and socialising. Kittens eat and poo a lot for their size as they grow fast. They get under your feet and climb curtains and mantelpieces; they get into everything! If this is too much for you then an older cat makes a better pet. Adult cats come already neutered by the shelter too and often chipped too. It is easier to find a cat with the personality that suits you and any other pets if you choose an adult. Kittens are fun but all grow into different personalities. For first time cat owners adults are much better than kittens.
Vaccination
Vaccination against Cat Flu (herpes and calicivirus) and Feline Enteritis are needed for all cats even if they are not going outside. Cats that will be allowed outdoors should also be vaccinated against lethal Feline Leukaemia virus(FeLV). Kittens and cats whose vaccinations have lapsed need two vaccinations, 3-4 weeks apart. Thereafter an annual booster injection is needed to maintain the level of immunity.
Your vet will know which vaccinations your cat needs. Please ask the vet to inject the vaccine into your cats leg. There is some small evidence that vaccines can cause tumors. Tumors on legs can be removed easily neck tumors are fatal. This is very rare though and vaccinations are still essential to save your cats life.
Microchipping
A microchip is a way to permanently identify your cat so that you can be reunited if they get handed in as a stray or after being injured. Unlike a collar, the microchip cannot be lost. Implanting a microchip can be done from a young age in a normal appointment slot at your local vets. The chip contains all the owner's details including address and contact number which will need updating if you move or change your phone number. It can be done cheaply at all vets and many vets offer discount days. Adult cats from shelters will often already be chipped.
Worming
Kittens should be wormed at the time of the first and second vaccinations. After this, on an average cats should be wormed every 3 months, less often if 6 your cat is not allowed outdoors. This is because worms are caught from the prey that cats hunt and other local cats and from the fleas that live on them. If you have young children you should consider worming every 3 months as roundworms may pose health risks to children and people with weak immunity.
Vet approved worming tablets can be purchased from supermarkets, vets, pet stores but tend to be cheaper on vet approved websites. You can worm your cat yourself. If you find worming difficult then contact your local vets and they will be happy to help.
Powders that go on the food are available, but it is hard to make sure all is eaten. Spot-ons for the back of the neck are easier, and tablets work best as long as you make sure the cat does not spit it out. Using a pill popper is cheap and makes this a lot easier.
We recommend VetUK or Animed, and strongly advise you do not use Bob Martin, Beaphar or similar cheap or permethrin products. They do not work well and can be lethal to your cat and harm children. Vet approved products are safer and much better value. Like Panacur, Droncit, Drontal.
Remember that using dog worm treatment on a cat can harm or kill. Also use the correct dose for your cat's size.
Fleas, Ticks, Mites
Fleas are external parasites. They drink blood so cats with broken, unhealthy skin are more at risk. The healthier the cat and their skin the better. Regular grooming enables you to keep an eye out for fleas and their eggs. Cat fleas bite people but cannot live on us. Fleas can cause severe anaemia in kittens and skin disease in all cats.
Flea treatments can be purchased from your vets, supermarkets or local pet stores and vet approved websites like VetUK and Animed.
It is always best to contact your vets before purchasing flea treatments as they can offer advice on the use, effectiveness and safeness.
Powders that go on the food are available, but it is hard to make sure all is eaten. Spot-ons for the back of the neck are easier, and tablets work best as long as you make sure the cat does not spit it out. Using a pill popper helps.
It is best to treat your cat for fleas monthly, hoover often and spray the house with vet approved flea spray yearly. Indoor cats will need treating less often, this is because fleas are caught from other outdoor cats and from the prey that cats kill. Fleas carry worm eggs so controlling fleas is important to control worms.
We strongly advise you do not use Bob martin, Beaphar or similar cheap products. They do not work well and can be lethal to your cat and harm children. Vet approved products are safer and much better value, like Advocate, Effipro, Frontline.
Remember that using dog flea treatment on a cat can harm or kill. As can using too high a dose for a small cat. Many flea treatments also kill ticks and ear mites but not all. Ticks can give your cat fatal Lyme disease and ear mites are incredibly stressful for your cat and cause infection. Tick removers are cheap to buy. If you suspect your cat has ticks or mites get your vet to check them over.
Diet
It is important to feed your cat a diet which is designed for cats. This means high in meat (animal protein, not plant protein) and moisture.
Cats are obligate carnivores they need meat and only meat. So please choose food with the highest percentage of animal protein/meat.
It is important that fresh water is available to your cat at all times.
It is not natural or necessary or healthy for cats (or any animal) to drink milk unless they are kittens and then only their mother's milk. Giving an adult cat any milk can cause diarrhea and therefore dehydration. In kittens this can be fatal.
Wet cat food is the best way to ensure adequate hydration as in the wild cat species got most of their moisture from their prey. Dry food is therefore a bad idea.
Today more cats than ever are suffering from obesity, which hugely reduces life expectancy and leads to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Dry food leads to diabetes and obesity. Do not feed your cat between meals or leave food out constantly. Encourage exercise through play with interactive toys and climbing posts.
Litter boxes
Litter boxes are good for outdoor cats too. Your cat may not always be happy to go outdoors at night or in the rain or cold or if a neighbour's cat is around. This can lead to your cat holding it in, which is painful and causes illness, until they poo or wee on your floor. If this happens get your vet to rule out & treat any medical cause.
The bigger the box the better and multiple cat homes need multiple trays. Some cats like covered trays, some do not.
Place trays throughout the house, not next to each other, in places where they do not feel cornered and not next to loud noises like washing machines.
Cats do not like dirty litter boxes: Poo and urine needs to be scooped out as soon as you see it. Any smears to the plastic can be wiped off with boiled water and pet safe disinfectant. Clumping litter is important as it means all the urine has been removed. The whole tray should be emptied and scrubbed clean with boiling water and pet safe disinfectant every 2 weeks or more depending on how many cats you own.
A good litter box can prevent all kinds of unwanted behavior and need not be expensive or take up much time at all to keep clean.
Providing a litter box is also a hugely useful way to monitor your cat's health. Cats hide pain and illness well.
Changes in poo, urine and their litter tray behavior can indicate problems early.
For human hygiene keep the litter tray out of the kitchen and wash your hands well after touching it and/or use gloves.
Lillies and other toxic flowers
Lilies are poisonous to cats and should not enter the house or garden of a cat owner. All parts of the plant are deadly to a cat. A cat simply has to brush past a Lily then lick their fur to become very ill and maybe die. Spread the word to other cat owners and your local florists. If you think your cat has come into contact with this plant, then contact your vets immediately.
A list of toxic plants can be found here.
Anti-freeze and salt
Ethylene glycol is a common cause of poisoning in cats & a leading cause of acute kidney failure. It is a clear, odorless liquid with a sweet taste which is attractive to cats. It is most commonly found in antifreeze but is also in many other products. Even as little as a teaspoon or two is enough to kill a cat & ingestion of ethylene glycol is always a medical emergency, and you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. Road grit contains antifreeze but also salt which can dehydrate your cat if ingested. We recommend you keep your cats indoors when road grit is out or at least was their feet when they come indoors.
Other dangers
Cats, especially kittens, can climb inside ovens, washing machines or dryers. Keep them closed and check before use.
They will explore cupboards, fridges and work surfaces where poisonous substances like mothballs, food toxic to cats, bleach, antifreeze etc. is.
Cleaning products safe for humans are often toxic to cats, using white vinegar, water, bicarbonate soda etc is cheaper, safer and just as effective.
Kittens can drown in baths or toilets left with the lid up. They should not be left unsupervised around balconies, open upstairs windows, uncovered fires, paper shredders, knives etc.
More info and a guide to discouraging your cat from exploring dangers here.
Playing with wool, cotton, string, hairbands seem cute. But it is common for the cat to swallow them, they tangle round the guts and cause severe pain and damage. Cats can die without surgery. Similarly toys on string should not be left out when you are not around. If you see any string sticking out your cat's anus do not pull it, or you can rip the intestines. Get your cat to a vet asap.
Indoor cats
Keeping a cat indoors 24/7 does not mean you do not need to neuter or treat for fleas or worms. Vaccination can be done less often and not all will be needed. But discuss this with your vet. Also an unneutered cat will always manage to escape as they will be desperate to mate. They will also call often and loudly and be restless and agitated.
There is lots of advice and information in these friendly Facebook groups about keeping cats indoors: And lots of information here:
Taking your new cat/kitten home
The most important thing is not to let your cat outdoors for at least a month, this includes cats you already own as they may run away before they are used to the new cat. Do not let unneutered cats or kittens outdoors at all, not even in a garden you consider safe. Make sure they are vaccinated and microchipped before letting them explore the garden gradually.
After adopting a cat, especially for first time owners, it is important to remember that cats are not animals that like change. It may take a cat a while to settle in and feel comfortable in a new home.
A simple way is to put the new cat in one room with its litter tray, food and water and leave it to settle overnight.
Over a few days, go in and let it get used to you, stroke it and let it get to know every member of the family.
Your other cats will smell and hear the new cat. Feed the new and current cats either side of a door at set mealtimes so they associate food with each other. After a day or so, open the door slightly (or use a baby gate) so the current cats can see the new one.
When there is no longer hissing, which may take days, let the new cat out to explore in its own time. Have supervised playtime with your new and current cats in the same room.
Put the new cat back in its room at night. Once the new cat and current cats are ok with each other let the new cat roam the house 24/7.
See the following video for more helpful advice on introducing your new cat:
We advise you have a read through before considering adopting a cat from Stray Cat Rescue.
Cat Info
Cats are now our most popular domestic pet. Some people acquire a cat almost by accident but if you make a conscious decision to adopt one you should think carefully before going ahead.
A cat needs lots of love and care, including regular worming, flea treatment, vaccinations and dental care. You will also need to keep an eye out for ticks, fleas and ear mites. If your new kitten or cat hasn't been neutered or chipped, you will also need to make arrangements for your pet to be done by your vet.
Don't forget that cats need somewhere warm to sleep, a litter tray, a constant supply of fresh water, feeding daily and toys to play with. Food, litter, veterinary care and pet insurance are the regular costs but there will be occasional costs including emergency vet bills, buying a litter tray, cattery charges.
Cats can live up to 20 years and longer, over this time your cat will expect lots of care, companionship, time for play and grooming. Being able to provide all of this will ensure you and your cat make the most of your time together.
Neutering
We really cannot stress enough how important it is to get your cats neutered as the UK is overflowing with unwanted cats and kittens. Please read why neutering is essential and good for your cat and saves you vet bills.
Every year thousands of healthy animals are destroyed because good homes cannot be found for them. It is important not to add to this pool of unwanted cats. This includes pedigree cats too, there are many in rescue shelters and there are even shelters specialising in certain breeds. Stray Cat Rescue will never put a cat down unless in extreme cases under veterinary advise but sadly this is not the case of all animal rescue centres. Even if you manage to find homes for your kittens, you will have taken those valuable homes away from the many unwanted cats and kittens.
Don’t forget that an unneutered tom will also be responsible for reproducing many litters. Neutering is usually carried out at 6 months of age for both males (castration) and females (spaying). It will cost about £60 to spay a female cat and about £50 to castrate a male cat. Please consider this expense before you take on a kitten. Neutered cats will be less likely to wander and get lost or hit by a car. They will stay closer to home and be a better companion. Males will be less likely to mark his territory by spraying strong smelling urine around the house and garden.
Male and females will not mate or have many territorial fights with other cats, preventing injury and potentially lethal infectious diseases such as FIV and Felv.
Both male and female cats become calmer, more affectionate after neutering. Unneutered females are more likely to develop breast and ovary and uterine cancers.
There is absolutely no benefit from allowing your female cat to have her ‘first’ litter. It will not make her calmer and it could put her health at risk. For all the information you need on neutering contact your local vet. Stray Cat Rescue neuter all cats in our care over the age of 6 months. Any exception to this and you will be informed before adoption.
Dental Care
It is often said that dry food will clean your cats' teeth. However, this is no longer considered true. Imagine a human eating nothing but biscuits and never brushing their teeth! Tooth disease would be certain.
Dental problems are as agonising for cats as for us, but cats hide pain very well. So, without regular dental checkups you will have no idea your cat is suffering.
If your cat has never had a dental checkup, it is vital to book one before starting to brush their teeth. This is to make sure there is no decay already present, which would make brushing very painful.
The only way to keep your cat's teeth clean is to brush them. You can get a vet to do this, but it will save you money and your cat stress if you do it. The first time just hold your cat on your lap or between your legs, facing away from you, and brush the outside of their teeth. The inside does not need brushing. Your cat will not like this but will get used to it if done regularly, if you do it calmly and if she gets a treat and fuss straight after. Choose a time when the house and your cat is calm and quiet. Find more information and advice here.
Kittens
Most people's first experience of cat ownership is with a kitten. However, kittens need a lot of time and attention and care. If you are not home most of the day you cannot keep your kitten out of trouble and the kitten will be bored and miss out on bonding and socialising. Kittens eat and poo a lot for their size as they grow fast. They get under your feet and climb curtains and mantelpieces; they get into everything! If this is too much for you then an older cat makes a better pet. Adult cats come already neutered by the shelter too and often chipped too. It is easier to find a cat with the personality that suits you and any other pets if you choose an adult. Kittens are fun but all grow into different personalities. For first time cat owners adults are much better than kittens.
Vaccination
Vaccination against Cat Flu (herpes and calicivirus) and Feline Enteritis are needed for all cats even if they are not going outside. Cats that will be allowed outdoors should also be vaccinated against lethal Feline Leukaemia virus(FeLV). Kittens and cats whose vaccinations have lapsed need two vaccinations, 3-4 weeks apart. Thereafter an annual booster injection is needed to maintain the level of immunity.
Your vet will know which vaccinations your cat needs. Please ask the vet to inject the vaccine into your cats leg. There is some small evidence that vaccines can cause tumors. Tumors on legs can be removed easily neck tumors are fatal. This is very rare though and vaccinations are still essential to save your cats life.
Microchipping
A microchip is a way to permanently identify your cat so that you can be reunited if they get handed in as a stray or after being injured. Unlike a collar, the microchip cannot be lost. Implanting a microchip can be done from a young age in a normal appointment slot at your local vets. The chip contains all the owner's details including address and contact number which will need updating if you move or change your phone number. It can be done cheaply at all vets and many vets offer discount days. Adult cats from shelters will often already be chipped.
Worming
Kittens should be wormed at the time of the first and second vaccinations. After this, on an average cats should be wormed every 3 months, less often if 6 your cat is not allowed outdoors. This is because worms are caught from the prey that cats hunt and other local cats and from the fleas that live on them. If you have young children you should consider worming every 3 months as roundworms may pose health risks to children and people with weak immunity.
Vet approved worming tablets can be purchased from supermarkets, vets, pet stores but tend to be cheaper on vet approved websites. You can worm your cat yourself. If you find worming difficult then contact your local vets and they will be happy to help.
Powders that go on the food are available, but it is hard to make sure all is eaten. Spot-ons for the back of the neck are easier, and tablets work best as long as you make sure the cat does not spit it out. Using a pill popper is cheap and makes this a lot easier.
We recommend VetUK or Animed, and strongly advise you do not use Bob Martin, Beaphar or similar cheap or permethrin products. They do not work well and can be lethal to your cat and harm children. Vet approved products are safer and much better value. Like Panacur, Droncit, Drontal.
Remember that using dog worm treatment on a cat can harm or kill. Also use the correct dose for your cat's size.
Fleas, Ticks, Mites
Fleas are external parasites. They drink blood so cats with broken, unhealthy skin are more at risk. The healthier the cat and their skin the better. Regular grooming enables you to keep an eye out for fleas and their eggs. Cat fleas bite people but cannot live on us. Fleas can cause severe anaemia in kittens and skin disease in all cats.
Flea treatments can be purchased from your vets, supermarkets or local pet stores and vet approved websites like VetUK and Animed.
It is always best to contact your vets before purchasing flea treatments as they can offer advice on the use, effectiveness and safeness.
Powders that go on the food are available, but it is hard to make sure all is eaten. Spot-ons for the back of the neck are easier, and tablets work best as long as you make sure the cat does not spit it out. Using a pill popper helps.
It is best to treat your cat for fleas monthly, hoover often and spray the house with vet approved flea spray yearly. Indoor cats will need treating less often, this is because fleas are caught from other outdoor cats and from the prey that cats kill. Fleas carry worm eggs so controlling fleas is important to control worms.
We strongly advise you do not use Bob martin, Beaphar or similar cheap products. They do not work well and can be lethal to your cat and harm children. Vet approved products are safer and much better value, like Advocate, Effipro, Frontline.
Remember that using dog flea treatment on a cat can harm or kill. As can using too high a dose for a small cat. Many flea treatments also kill ticks and ear mites but not all. Ticks can give your cat fatal Lyme disease and ear mites are incredibly stressful for your cat and cause infection. Tick removers are cheap to buy. If you suspect your cat has ticks or mites get your vet to check them over.
Diet
It is important to feed your cat a diet which is designed for cats. This means high in meat (animal protein, not plant protein) and moisture.
Cats are obligate carnivores they need meat and only meat. So please choose food with the highest percentage of animal protein/meat.
It is important that fresh water is available to your cat at all times.
It is not natural or necessary or healthy for cats (or any animal) to drink milk unless they are kittens and then only their mother's milk. Giving an adult cat any milk can cause diarrhea and therefore dehydration. In kittens this can be fatal.
Wet cat food is the best way to ensure adequate hydration as in the wild cat species got most of their moisture from their prey. Dry food is therefore a bad idea.
Today more cats than ever are suffering from obesity, which hugely reduces life expectancy and leads to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Dry food leads to diabetes and obesity. Do not feed your cat between meals or leave food out constantly. Encourage exercise through play with interactive toys and climbing posts.
Litter boxes
Litter boxes are good for outdoor cats too. Your cat may not always be happy to go outdoors at night or in the rain or cold or if a neighbour's cat is around. This can lead to your cat holding it in, which is painful and causes illness, until they poo or wee on your floor. If this happens get your vet to rule out & treat any medical cause.
The bigger the box the better and multiple cat homes need multiple trays. Some cats like covered trays, some do not.
Place trays throughout the house, not next to each other, in places where they do not feel cornered and not next to loud noises like washing machines.
Cats do not like dirty litter boxes: Poo and urine needs to be scooped out as soon as you see it. Any smears to the plastic can be wiped off with boiled water and pet safe disinfectant. Clumping litter is important as it means all the urine has been removed. The whole tray should be emptied and scrubbed clean with boiling water and pet safe disinfectant every 2 weeks or more depending on how many cats you own.
A good litter box can prevent all kinds of unwanted behavior and need not be expensive or take up much time at all to keep clean.
Providing a litter box is also a hugely useful way to monitor your cat's health. Cats hide pain and illness well.
Changes in poo, urine and their litter tray behavior can indicate problems early.
For human hygiene keep the litter tray out of the kitchen and wash your hands well after touching it and/or use gloves.
Lillies and other toxic flowers
Lilies are poisonous to cats and should not enter the house or garden of a cat owner. All parts of the plant are deadly to a cat. A cat simply has to brush past a Lily then lick their fur to become very ill and maybe die. Spread the word to other cat owners and your local florists. If you think your cat has come into contact with this plant, then contact your vets immediately.
A list of toxic plants can be found here.
Anti-freeze and salt
Ethylene glycol is a common cause of poisoning in cats & a leading cause of acute kidney failure. It is a clear, odorless liquid with a sweet taste which is attractive to cats. It is most commonly found in antifreeze but is also in many other products. Even as little as a teaspoon or two is enough to kill a cat & ingestion of ethylene glycol is always a medical emergency, and you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. Road grit contains antifreeze but also salt which can dehydrate your cat if ingested. We recommend you keep your cats indoors when road grit is out or at least was their feet when they come indoors.
Other dangers
Cats, especially kittens, can climb inside ovens, washing machines or dryers. Keep them closed and check before use.
They will explore cupboards, fridges and work surfaces where poisonous substances like mothballs, food toxic to cats, bleach, antifreeze etc. is.
Cleaning products safe for humans are often toxic to cats, using white vinegar, water, bicarbonate soda etc is cheaper, safer and just as effective.
Kittens can drown in baths or toilets left with the lid up. They should not be left unsupervised around balconies, open upstairs windows, uncovered fires, paper shredders, knives etc.
More info and a guide to discouraging your cat from exploring dangers here.
Playing with wool, cotton, string, hairbands seem cute. But it is common for the cat to swallow them, they tangle round the guts and cause severe pain and damage. Cats can die without surgery. Similarly toys on string should not be left out when you are not around. If you see any string sticking out your cat's anus do not pull it, or you can rip the intestines. Get your cat to a vet asap.
Indoor cats
Keeping a cat indoors 24/7 does not mean you do not need to neuter or treat for fleas or worms. Vaccination can be done less often and not all will be needed. But discuss this with your vet. Also an unneutered cat will always manage to escape as they will be desperate to mate. They will also call often and loudly and be restless and agitated.
There is lots of advice and information in these friendly Facebook groups about keeping cats indoors: And lots of information here:
Taking your new cat/kitten home
The most important thing is not to let your cat outdoors for at least a month, this includes cats you already own as they may run away before they are used to the new cat. Do not let unneutered cats or kittens outdoors at all, not even in a garden you consider safe. Make sure they are vaccinated and microchipped before letting them explore the garden gradually.
After adopting a cat, especially for first time owners, it is important to remember that cats are not animals that like change. It may take a cat a while to settle in and feel comfortable in a new home.
A simple way is to put the new cat in one room with its litter tray, food and water and leave it to settle overnight.
Over a few days, go in and let it get used to you, stroke it and let it get to know every member of the family.
Your other cats will smell and hear the new cat. Feed the new and current cats either side of a door at set mealtimes so they associate food with each other. After a day or so, open the door slightly (or use a baby gate) so the current cats can see the new one.
When there is no longer hissing, which may take days, let the new cat out to explore in its own time. Have supervised playtime with your new and current cats in the same room.
Put the new cat back in its room at night. Once the new cat and current cats are ok with each other let the new cat roam the house 24/7.
See the following video for more helpful advice on introducing your new cat:
It is important to remember that you are not alone, and you can always contact Stray Cat Rescue for help or advice as well as your local vets.