Introducing a Cat to a New Home
Your
new feline friend needs time to adjust to a new environment. Cats are
creatures of habit and do not like change, even if it is a change for the
better! So it is best to take it slow and let them acclimate in their own
time frame.
Set
up a room away from the main activity centers of the home, a bathroom or
spare room is good. Put their litter box, food, water, and a bed in there.
(Place all these items with some distance between them. After all, you do
not eat, sleep and eliminate all in the same small space.) Also place some
toys in there. Let them acclimate to this room first. Spend some time in
there with them and play with them to start establishing a bond. String
toys should only be used under supervision, and put away after the play
session is over.
If
possible find out what type of litter the cat is used to, and provide that
type, be it regular or scoopable. Most cats do like scoopable litter
because of the finer texture. You may also have to experiment with
different types of boxes such as covered or open. In any case most cats
will adapt to a different box and litter as long as it is clean, and kept
clean.
Also
try to find out what brand of food the cat has been eating. Sometimes
switching food too quickly can cause diarrhea. You should provide a
premium cat food like Hills, Iams or ProPlan to promote good health. Cats
on premium diets exhibit a lush glossy coat that is an indicator of
overall good health.
Grooming
is another way of bonding with your new cat. If the cat enjoys being
petted chances are he or she will enjoy being brushed. Choose a grooming
tool appropriate to the length of the fur. Start out slowly and gently and
just do a little at a time. Let your cat guide you. If your lucky they
will rub up against the brush and start purring and won’t want you to
stop. Depending on the length of the coat, establish a regular grooming
schedule. Longhaired cats such as Persians may need to be brushed daily.
Shorthaired cats may only need a quick brushing once a week. If possible,
inquire about the cat’s grooming needs before you adopt. Make sure you
can make the time commitment.
After
a couple of days allow the cat out to explore the new home. Continue to
allow easy access to the haven if the cat gets nervous and needs to
retreat. If you wish to move the litter box and food and water dishes to
another permanent location, set up a second box and dishes in the
permanent location and keep both available for a few days. Remove the old
when you are sure your cat is using the new area.
Cat
proof your home the same way you would toddler proof it, with the
exception that cats can jump about five feet in the air. For the most
part, cats are highly agile and graceful, but it is best not to leave a
priceless heirloom out where it might accidentally get knocked over.
If
you have young children or dogs, make sure the cat can retreat to a safe
area, where it is not trapped. Use
baby gates to create a safe space if necessary.
Buy
a sturdy scratching post, and show it to your cat. A vertical post with a
perch on top and an inexpensive horizontal corrugated cardboard scratcher
are two good investments. The cat is bound to use one. If the cardboard is
preferred, you still have a nice perch for kitty. If the perch is
preferred, the cardboard scratcher was inexpensive. The cardboard
scratchers come with catnip. If your cat responds to catnip, rub the
vertical post with it to encourage its use.
Some people may think that taking these steps is a lot of trouble. But by providing a proper introduction to your home you create a happy, stress free environment for your new cat and yourself.