Phase 3

Phase 3

Getting the cat ready for adoption

The advanced phase continues to focus on and refine skills that adopters look for, such as being able to walk up to and pet the cat without any treats. Nail clipping isn’t absolutely required, but it is less stressful for the cat to get his nails clipped at home vs. at the vet.

Now that you’ve finished Phase 2, the cat is almost a bonafide lap cat or “beside you” cat. As long as you have treats, you’re able to pet the cat all over, and you’ve maybe even found they have a favorite cheek rub or scritching spot. They are still skittish when you walk towards them and they aren’t comfortable with pets without treats, but they’re comfortable being around you.

Let’s get this cat through finishing school and onto adoption! Let’s get this cat just like any other amazingly loving cat with people they trust. Chances are you’ve seen great progress and might be tempted to stop there, but it’s key to go through the whole process including Phase 3. That way, she’ll be comfortable with approach and pets without treats, which almost any purr parent is looking for. Once they’re done with this Phase, it will only take 2-4 weeks for them to adjust to a new adopter.

Step 5: Approach Sequence

Step 6: Petting without Treats

Step 7: Nail Clipping