Whether your new cat came from a shelter, a house, a city street, or a country barn, the first twenty-four hours are critical. It’s a good idea to understand about how cats interact with their surroundings before bringing a new cat into your life.
By following these new kitten guidelines, you may help your new companion adapt more smoothly and avoid problems:
Before You Bring A New Cat Into Your Home:
- A cat’s territory is very significant. They consider their territory as most of us regard our clothes; without them, we feel naked and unprotected. The bulk of us would try to conceal if we were naked in a room full of strangers! Cats, whether from homes or the streets, usually seek sanctuary in strange places. Cats who are overly sensitive or under-socialized may hide for a week or more! For the first few days or weeks, give them a small space to call their own. It would be excellent to have a bathroom or laundry room.
- Fill a litter box with one or two inches of litter and place it in their room where they will not be disturbed. After all, everyone deserves a little privacy when it comes to pottying, and providing it will help prevent litter container aversion. Not sure which litter to get? See How to Choose Cat Litter for more information.
- Make a feeding station with food and water bowls. Take it out of the litter box. More information about cat food and nutrition can be found in our Pet Nutrition section.
- Cats like to hide in small locations to get away from it all, and you might provide one for your new cat as their own personal safe haven. That might be a good idea if they come in a cat carrier. You can also make one by cutting a hole in the end of a box. If you like, you can get a covered cat bed from a pet store. In either scenario, make sure the space is large enough for the cat to stand up and spin around. Cat “feng shui” probably demands that he or she be able to see the door to the room from where they are hiding in order to avoid being surprised.
- A cat’s claws must be worn down by scratching. If you don’t want your cat clawing your chairs and sofa, get him a socially acceptable scratching post. Some are made of corrugated cardboard and lie on the floor, while others are posts that must be tall enough for the cat to scrape upward with his claws. Spraying catnip on the pole or stringing a toy from the top can encourage your cat to use it. They’ll get the idea. Put a scratching post in each room with soft furnishings, maybe blocking access to it. Apply sticky tape (available at pet supply stores) to the edges of upholstered furniture to deter scratching. Don’t miss our tips for reducing feline scratching, selecting a scratching post, and learning about declawing cats.
- Examine your home through the eyes of a curious cat to see where it can climb and explore. When your cat gets used to your house, you might be surprised to see them on top of the upper kitchen cupboards, so make sure there’s nothing on display there or on any high shelves that could be broken or pushed off.
- Cover any openings or registers where ductwork can be seen. A kitten may readily access one of them. You don’t want firefighters jackhammering the concrete floor to extract your cat.
- If at all feasible, get your new family member a cat tree. Cats like viewing their surroundings, thus a high perch is a popular resting site.
- Discuss your new pet’s ground rules with any other human family members. Remind them not to catch them off guard and to keep their room door closed.
- Learn how to socialize your cat with other animals. Keep their door closed and prevent letting your other pet in unexpectedly. Living with Cats and Dogs and New Cat Introductions are also recommended.
The Very First Day:
You’re now ready for your kitty to return. If possible, transport them in a cat carrier. It will make them feel more secure. They’ve seen a lot of excitement, so get them to their new room as soon as possible. (If they’re going to acclimate in your bathroom, make sure the toilet lid is closed.) Close the restroom door before opening the carrier. Try not to drag the cat out.
Allow him or her to go out on their own to explore their new surroundings. Leave the room right now. Yes, go… Keep in mind that you are allowing them time to acclimate. Make a small amount of high-quality cat food. Place it next to the water dish discreetly. You should try to limit their exposure to the rest of the family, but everyone will naturally want to see them. Remind everyone of the ground rules you’ve set.
- As you sit on the floor, let the cat to approach you. If the cat is actively asking love, eating, and not hiding, you can open the door and offer them another area. Allow them to get to know one other on their own time. If the cat does not approach, let them alone and try again later. Some cats are afraid and may retreat to their hiding spot rather than come out when you are present. They might only show up at night, when the place is quiet. Give them some space.
- Your newly adopted cat may not eat much or at all at first. It is common for re-homed cats to refuse to eat for many days. Don’t put pressure on them. Rep until the cat has been introduced to all of the rooms of their new home. Make certain that their water is replaced on a regular basis and that they are drinking.
In the coming weeks:
It could take a week or two for your cat to adjust. Please bear with us.
- Within a week of adoption, take your newly adopted cat to the veterinarian for an initial wellness checkup. Bring any immunization documents you obtained from the shelter. Do you lack a veterinarian? Check out these recommendations for the finest veterinarian for you and your cat.
- While acclimating, your cat will show signs of wanting to explore outside of their safe zone. Make certain that no other pets or family members will shock them as they progressively expand their area. If they are ready to play, you can bring some toys. Many cats appreciate pet store feather wands, but homemade toys are typically preferred. Batting a wad of tissue paper about or hiding in a paper bag might be amusing. More ideas for keeping your cat entertained can be found at Keeping Your Cat From Boring.
Congratulations! You’ll be well on your way to having a happy feline family member if you follow these new cat owner tips.
Wondering about Catfoodsite’s Top Ten Tips for Contented Cats? Check it out on our latest post!
