Bringing Home Your Adopted Cat
Congratulations on the adoption of your special feline friend. The first 24 hours in your home are special and critical. Before you bring a new cat into your life, it helps to understand the basics of how cats relate to their world. And some tips on transition don't hurt!
Location, Location, Location
For a cat, territory is of paramount importance. A cat views his territory the way most of us view our clothes; without them, we feel naked and vulnerable. It is common for cats to hide when entering a new territory. Very sensitive or under-socialized cats often hide for a week or more!
You can help make the transition to a new home smoother and easier by providing some privacy for your new cat. If possible, start preparations before you even bring the cat home. If this is not possible, see the note below.
Choose a room for the litter box (bathroom, laundry room, etc.). Set up the litter box with one to two inches of litter, and place it in a corner, if possible. Opposite the litter box, place a bowl of fresh water.
Now create a safe haven in which the cat can hide. You can buy a covered cat bed but a cardboard box turned upside down with two “doors” cut in it will work nicely. Why two doors? Many cats seem to feel more secure if they have a second “escape” route. Get a box big enough for the cat to stand up, turn around, stretch out and lie down in — but keep it cozy! Place the box next to the wall or in a corner where the cat can see the door to the room. You don’t want the cat to feel trapped. Place a sisal, cork or corrugated cardboard scratching post next to it. Finally, clear off a shelf for the cat to perch on to view his new world.
After the room is set up, place the carrier next in the safe place chosen. Close the door to the room before opening the carrier. Do not pull the cat out. Allow him to come out on his own and begin to explore his new home. Now, leave the room. Yes, leave…remember you are giving him time to acclimate. Go and prepare a small amount of a premium quality cat food. Quietly place it next to the water bowl.
Do not reach for the cat! Let the cat come to you. If he does not approach, come back in fifteen minutes. Do not be surprised if he does not eat. It is common for re-homed cats to show no interest in eating, often for several days. Pick up the leftovers and leave. Come back in a couple of hours with a fresh meal of the same high-quality food. If the cat is openly soliciting affection, eating and not hiding, you can open the door and give him one more room. Do this slowly until you have introduced the cat to all the rooms in his new home.
Kitty-Proof the House
After you have prepared the safe haven above, cat-proof every other room of your home.
NOTE:
If circumstances require that you bring in the cat before your home is ready, keep him in his carrier until you have his room set up! He will be fine in there for a while longer.
Remember to let your cat set the pace. Be patient. It may take weeks for the cat to comprehend that this foreign turf is his new territory.
Location, Location, Location
For a cat, territory is of paramount importance. A cat views his territory the way most of us view our clothes; without them, we feel naked and vulnerable. It is common for cats to hide when entering a new territory. Very sensitive or under-socialized cats often hide for a week or more!
You can help make the transition to a new home smoother and easier by providing some privacy for your new cat. If possible, start preparations before you even bring the cat home. If this is not possible, see the note below.
Choose a room for the litter box (bathroom, laundry room, etc.). Set up the litter box with one to two inches of litter, and place it in a corner, if possible. Opposite the litter box, place a bowl of fresh water.
Now create a safe haven in which the cat can hide. You can buy a covered cat bed but a cardboard box turned upside down with two “doors” cut in it will work nicely. Why two doors? Many cats seem to feel more secure if they have a second “escape” route. Get a box big enough for the cat to stand up, turn around, stretch out and lie down in — but keep it cozy! Place the box next to the wall or in a corner where the cat can see the door to the room. You don’t want the cat to feel trapped. Place a sisal, cork or corrugated cardboard scratching post next to it. Finally, clear off a shelf for the cat to perch on to view his new world.
After the room is set up, place the carrier next in the safe place chosen. Close the door to the room before opening the carrier. Do not pull the cat out. Allow him to come out on his own and begin to explore his new home. Now, leave the room. Yes, leave…remember you are giving him time to acclimate. Go and prepare a small amount of a premium quality cat food. Quietly place it next to the water bowl.
Do not reach for the cat! Let the cat come to you. If he does not approach, come back in fifteen minutes. Do not be surprised if he does not eat. It is common for re-homed cats to show no interest in eating, often for several days. Pick up the leftovers and leave. Come back in a couple of hours with a fresh meal of the same high-quality food. If the cat is openly soliciting affection, eating and not hiding, you can open the door and give him one more room. Do this slowly until you have introduced the cat to all the rooms in his new home.
Kitty-Proof the House
After you have prepared the safe haven above, cat-proof every other room of your home.
- Are there raised surfaces for the cat? If the answer is “no,” make some! Cats need to be able to jump up and survey their territory.
- Put away any valuables that are easily broken until such time as the cat has happily settled in.
- Check out all the nooks and crannies. Are there places that could be dangerous for the cat to explore or hide in? If so, block them off.
- Finally, put a scratching post or pad in every room lest your furniture become fair game.
NOTE:
If circumstances require that you bring in the cat before your home is ready, keep him in his carrier until you have his room set up! He will be fine in there for a while longer.
Remember to let your cat set the pace. Be patient. It may take weeks for the cat to comprehend that this foreign turf is his new territory.
