Write the daily routine, not a personality slogan
“Sweet,” “shy,” or “energetic” may be true but they do not tell an adopter what to do on the first evening. Record meal times, food type, litter preferences, favorite sleeping spots, play windows, and how the cat asks for attention. Concrete routines are easier to reproduce than adjectives.
Document handling boundaries
Note whether the cat enjoys petting, tolerates nail trims, accepts being picked up, or becomes worried when touched in specific areas. Describe what happens before the cat becomes uncomfortable. This helps adopters avoid accidental pressure and prevents normal boundaries from being mistaken for sudden aggression.
Record what helps after stress
If the cat hides after visitors, recovers faster with a covered bed, responds to a specific toy, or prefers meals in a quieter area, write it down. A good handoff explains recovery strategies as well as triggers. This gives adopters something practical to try when the move temporarily changes behavior.
Include medical and administrative details
Provide vaccination and treatment records, medication instructions, microchip information if applicable, and the clinic or rescue contact process for follow-up questions. Do not rely on memory at the doorway. A concise written packet reduces errors when everyone is excited or emotional.
Describe progress over time
A cat that hid for a week and later slept on the sofa has a useful story. Timeline notes help adopters understand that initial withdrawal may not predict the long-term relationship. Share changes without promising an exact outcome. The new home is a new context, and the cat may need to repeat parts of the adjustment process.
This article is educational, not a diagnosis. Sudden appetite loss, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, trouble urinating, severe lethargy, pain, collapse, or other urgent changes need professional veterinary advice.