Creating a Warm Home for Your New Cat: Tips and Tricks
To celebrate Adopt a Shelter Cat Month—an event we believe should occur throughout the year—our team aims to facilitate the process of introducing a new cat to your household. Cats possess a delicate nature, and transitioning into an unfamiliar setting can induce stress, particularly when other animals have already established their presence.
If you’re bringing home a new cat—or two or three—follow these tips from our team to help them feel welcome.
#1: Create a safe space for your new cat
It can take several days for your new cat to feel comfortable around you, and much longer for them to integrate into your household if you have other pets. Help your cat feel safe and secure in their new environment by providing them with their own set of resources. Confine your feline friend to a large room with their own litter box, food and water, scratching post, and bedding so they don’t have to compete for the essentials. Spend plenty of time playing with, petting, and interacting with your new cat to help them become accustomed to your presence, but give them space to explore on their own uninterrupted.
#2: Stick to the same diet
Relocating to a fresh environment can disrupt a cat’s sensitive digestive system, leading to discomfort. To minimize additional stress, it is advisable to continue feeding your cat the same food they were accustomed to. If you intend to transition them to a different diet, allow them a few days to adjust to their existing food before gradually introducing the new food over the course of a week.
#3: Give your new cat time to settle in
Allow your new cat a period of one to two weeks to acclimate to their unfamiliar abode before arranging introductions with family and friends. It’s important to prioritize their comfort and familiarity with both you and their surroundings. However, it is crucial to promptly schedule a meet-and-greet with your trusted veterinarian to ensure your cat’s overall health and verify that they are up to date on preventive care. Considering that additional trips soon after the initial journey can induce stress, it is advisable to grant your cat another week of relaxation before proceeding with any further introductions.
Congratulations on your family’s feline addition! Our team can’t wait to meet your newest pet, so give us a call to schedule their wellness visit.