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The Preparations
Cats are territorial animals. They mark their territory,
perform daily patrols and know every nook and cranny in and
about their home. Cats are also creatures of habit and do
not take very well to sudden change. They find being moved
from one house and neighborhood to another very stressful.
Imagine what it must be like for the poor cat if she also
has to get to know new owners as well as confronting changes
in food, water, household routines, and rules. It is no
wonder that some cats experience difficulties when they are
introduced into a new home.
Different cats react in different ways to change, but they
all benefit from a gradual introduction to a new household -
especially when other cats are involved. Kittens are usually
more adjustable and young kittens can sometimes make
themselves at home within hours. Older cats that are often
more set in their ways will take longer to adjust.
If you know you're about to bring a new cat into your home,
be it from a breeder, from friends, or a stray from the
street or a shelter, there are a few things you should take
care of in advance to make the transition easier for both
you and your new feline friend.
Getting the
House Ready
Cats are very
curious by nature and will eventually investigate everything
in their new territory. This characteristic can get them
into trouble, and it is up to us to make the house as
cat-safe as possible. This is especially important when the
new arrival is a kitten.
Here is a short list of things to
look for and get out of kitty's way:
Plants
some common household plants can be very toxic for cats.
While most cats tend to leave them alone, a curious kitty or
a cat with a craving for greenery might be tempted. Some
common plants to beware of are poinsettia, ivy, lupine,
azalea, and rhododendron.
Cords and Strings
These are irresistible toys for many kittens, but they can
be extremely dangerous. Chewed electric cords can cause a
deadly electric shock, while swallowed strings or rubber
bands may become entangled in the cat's intestines and cause
severe internal damage.
Open doors and windows
Should the cat get out, she might easily get lost in the
unfamiliar surroundings. Whether you plan to keep your cat
as an indoors-only cat or allow her some access to the
outdoors, make sure kitty cannot get out unsupervised for at
least the first few weeks. Secure all doors and windows and
be sure that no hatch can be opened by a curious cat.
Other hazards
It goes without saying that the usual toxic items, such as
cleaning materials (sprays, fluids, powders) and various
insecticides should be in secure cupboards. Insecticide
containers are required by law to carry warnings about how
their use around animals. Always read labels! Remember also
that what is safe for use around dogs may be harmful to your
new cat.
Other than that, use your common sense and have a look
around, trying to see your home the way a cat would. Remove
breakable objects from shelves and block access to any
places where kitty may manage to squeeze in and get stuck.
Getting Family Members Ready
If you share your home with other people, you should get
them ready as well. First explain the special situation
kitty will be in and the need for patience. Excited family
members will have to give the cat some time to adjust to the
new environment before they can handle her, and this could
take a while, particularly with older cats.
Don't forget to tell everyone about new house rules, such as
making sure doors and windows are shut during kitty's
settling in period, not leaving food on tables and kitchen
counters, and double checking before turning on the washer
and drier.
The rules the cat will have to live by, such as not getting
table scraps or not jumping onto certain places, are best
reinforced when everyone in the house sticks to them, so
make sure these are clear and agreed upon.
The Sanctuary Room
Allowing the cat access to the whole house from Day One may
be too overwhelming and create stress. For the at least the
first few days, the cat is best off confined to one area or
space.
Set aside one room that will serve as the "sanctuary room"
before you bring kitty home. The room should be a quiet one
with little or no human traffic. Make sure that the door can
be locked, to avoid accidental intrusions or escapes and
that all windows are well shut, so that your cat won't climb
her way out.
Place the cat's feeding and water bowls In one corner of the
room and a litter box some distance away. This is important
because cats do not like to use a litter box in close
proximity to their sleeping or eating places, and they may
choose to use another place in the room for elimination
purposes to keep their feeding area uncontaminated.
Add some cat toys and make sure that kitty has several safe
hiding places. Under the bed is a good spot, but a cat
carrier with its door removed or a cardboard box turned on
its side can give your new friend an added sense of safety,
especially if you put a warm blanket inside. (Don't forget
that cats are fastidious creatures and like their bedding
changed frequently.)
Bringing Kitty Home
Always bring a kitten or cat in a secure cat carrier. Never
let the cat loose in the car or carry her in your arms into
your home. Even the most docile cat can suddenly become
frightened and claw her way out of your arms. The carrier
makes kitty feel more secure - she can look at the outside
world while being protected from it.
As you enter your home, avoid having excited family members
greet the newcomer with loud voices and attempts to touch or
hold it. Introductions can be made later on when the cat is
more relaxed. This is especially true if you have other
pets. Ignore their curiosity and walk with the carrier
straight into the sanctuary room.
Once at the room, put the carrier down in a corner and open
its hatch. Then get out of the room and let the cat get out
of the carrier in her own time and explore the room. The
cat's first priority is getting to know the new territory.
Only after she's comfortable in the room, will she be able
to meet and positively interact with people and other animal
inhabitants of her new place.
Check on her every few hours to see how she is doing. Some
cats will walk out of the carrier and make themselves at
home within minutes. Others will take a few hours or even
days before they feel comfortable enough to welcome you when
you come. As long as the cat is eating, drinking, and using
the litter box, you're doing fine.
If the cat is particularly timid, you may need to make an
extra effort to integrate her into the household. Spend
several hours a day (or as long as you can) befriending the
cat. Sit on the floor in the room and try feeding her baby
food from a spoon. You can also try coaxing her into some
interactive playtime (especially effective with kittens).
Talk to her gently and calmly, and, with time, she should
start feeling more secure when you are around.
If the cat appears to be confident and looking for human
interaction, allow other family members to come in and share
some quality time getting to know the new cat. Do not let
other cats or dogs into the room at this stage, because this
can be very stressful for all animals involved.
Settling In
When you sense that the cat feels safe in her room (usually
after a few days to a week), open the door and let her
explore the rest of the house.
This is best done at times when there are few people around
and you have the time to patiently supervise kitty's first
tour of the house. Don't forget to close the windows and
doors!
If there are other cats in the house, this stage is done
differently - please check our cat behavior section for more
information about introducing cats. Always make sure that
the house is as kitty-proof as possible, with all dangerous
temptations out of the way.
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