After years of admiring cats on the internet, you’ve decided to get one of your own. You might have adopted one from a rescue shelter, or perhaps you went and got a kitten from an acquaintance of a friend of your Aunt Nancy. Either way, you’re ready to have a little more feline loving’ in your life, and you want to make sure your cat feels like he or she can call your place home. The adjustment period might be a little terrifying for your cat, but there are a few tricks that will help your cat feel a little more at home in your home.
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Bring them home in a carrier
This is especially important if you’re driving home. If you let your cat roam free in the car, your cat will freak out and will try to escape. Your cat might feel trapped in the carrier at first, but it’s healthier for the emotional stability for your cat. Put some treats and comfy bedding inside the carrier so your cat feels more comfortable inside the carrier. Plus, it’s nice to have the carrier for future trips to the veterinarian, family visits, and is generally useful for all other transportation needs. If you need help getting your cat used to a carrier check out these useful tips here on Katzenworld.
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Give them the space they need in a place of their own
For the first few days, your cat will be uneasy and intimidated by your home. Try to clear out a space they can call their own. Some good places to start are the laundry room or the bathroom. These places are easy to clean up. It’s also wise to restrict your cat to one room at first, especially if you have a larger house with children.
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Have a litter box ready
Show your cat where the litter box is when you first bring him or her home. Have some water available, although don’t feed your cat just yet, no matter how excited you are to watch your cat eat. The litter box will be extremely useful for your overexcited cat to use, and will be a good way to train your cat immediately, in order to avoid any continuous accidents. When you lay out food and water for your cat, make sure it is not near the litter box.
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Spend time with your cat
Try to spend at least one hour (if not two) with your cat when you first bring him or her home. This will help soothe your cat from the traumatizing experience of moving to an unknown place. Your cat will also feel your love, and will be able to settle in more smoothly. It gives your cat the time to get to know you, and know that you are not a threat.
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Provide your cat a new bed
It doesn’t have to be fancy. You don’t need to shell out the big bucks if you can’t afford it. A bed can be as simple as a cozy box with comfortable, durable bedding inside it. Make sure the bedding can be easily washed. If you provide your cat his or her own bed, it will ideally discourage your cat from sleeping on the furniture. If your cat likes to sleep on furniture, simply put a cover such as a small blanket or towel over the spots your cat frequents the most, in case your cat has an accident.
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If you have other animals present, be patient
Sometimes it can be a little scary for your other pets to meet your new cat. If you have another cat, that one may feel the need to assert dominance. If they’re fighting too much, separate them for a period of time. Give them their own separate spaces that neither one can infiltrate. They’ll take some time to get used to each other. If you have a dog, do not let your dog be aggressive with your cat. Make sure your dog is gentle.
Overall, while it may be stressful in the beginning, your cat will be able to adjust to its new home with ease. As long as you give it space, provide amenities and other things, your cat will settle in nicely.
Nice and informative post and I simply adored your little cats in the pic.
I’m not really a cat person, I don’t dislike them or love them. But this picture is so cute. I’m going to see if I can copy and send it to my sister.
Please do share it with her. 🙂
Have you ever seen an ugly kitten?
No! 😀
Great post! Cute picture! Bringing a new cat or any pet requires preparation. I talk about bringing home my cat, Cino, and our first weeks together in one of my Tuesday Tales. You can get to the story by checking out this week’s Tuesday Tale. 🙂 Would love to hear about your pets.
Cats are people too – and some have a combat record. See: http://queenbeeedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Scheherazade-Cat-Book-10-Page-Teaser-Preview.pdf
sweet kitties
Adorable ?mignons ???
Very good article! Thanks for the info
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This is so helpful. My cat is with us for some months now but she is still hiding when my kids are around just because they are so loud. Poor thing is all scared. A few nights ago she came and slept next to me for the first time. I was soooo happy I was barely breathing so she doesn’t leave. ????
What great tips! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
very cute kitties..
Reblogged this on ZodiacImmortal.
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