3° Sanicat Feline Barometer: over 60% of cats in Italy come from rescues or adoptions

Sanicat has captured the relationship between Italians and their pets through the 3° Feline Barometer, analysing daily habits, concerns and challenges related to living together.

Origins

The survey reveals a clear picture: the choice to welcome a cat reflects growing sensitivity towards animal welfare. As many as 40% of owners say they took in their cat from the street, while 24% adopted it from a shelter. Rescue and responsible adoption are therefore the main ways felines enter Italian homes.

However, adapting to a new environment is not always immediate: almost 30% of respondents report that their cat took several weeks to get used to its new surroundings, while for 9% the settling-in process was even more gradual, requiring several months.

Care

When it comes to care, attention remains focused mainly on physical aspects: 25% prioritise diet and nutrition, while 21% focus on general health and prevention. In contrast, the psychological and emotional dimension still seems to be underestimated: only 14% consider reducing stress and anxiety a priority, and just 7% pay focused attention to the cat's interaction with people and other animals in the home.

Advice

For this reason, carefully preparing for the arrival of a four-legged friend is essential to protect their health and well-being, both physical and emotional. Creating a peaceful environment, having everything necessary and respecting the cat's timetable are the keys to helping it feel at home straight away. Sanicat shares 5 practical tips for welcoming a new feline into the family:

• Create a safe and secure space: Before it arrives, prepare a quiet room with food and water bowls and a comfortable bed. It is advisable to place the litter tray a suitable distance from the bowls and bed, to ensure maximum hygiene and comfort. This will be its safe haven during the first few days, allowing it to gradually get used to its new surroundings.
• Choose the most suitable litter tray and litter: Cats are extremely demanding when it comes to cleanliness. For kittens, Sanicat Kitten is specially designed for their delicate paws and enriched with valerian to encourage them to get used to using the litter tray. For adult cats, clumping litters such as Sanicat Clumping or Sanicat Active White provide effective odour control and form compact clumps that are easy to remove. If you are unsure about your cat's preferences, mineral litters are a safe choice, as they recreate the feel of natural soil.
• Plan a first visit to the vet: Having the cat examined in the first few days after arrival is essential to assess its general state of health, establish its vaccination plan and carry out parasite treatments and deworming. The vet will also be able to provide tailored advice based on the cat's age, breed and characteristics.
• Respect its timetable: Let the cat explore the space at its own pace, giving it the time it needs to feel comfortable in its new surroundings. Every cat is unique and reacts differently: giving it independence and space is the best way to earn its trust.
• Build a reassuring routine: Cats feel more secure when they have a consistent routine. Establishing regular times for meals, play and rest will help reduce stress and make it easier to adapt to the new environment. In addition, spending time playing together every day helps strengthen the bond of affection and companionship with the new family.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.