Bringing a new cat home to your family is an exciting adventure for all involved. Whether you have pets in the house already or this will be your first furry family member, there are certain techniques you can use at introduction time. Patience is key. These methods will help your pet acclimate to their new surroundings and help your family members adjust to the welcome addition.
Whether your cat is coming from an animal rescue location or from a kitty foster home, you can use the following techniques to make your new family member feel right at home.
The Initial Introduction
The first step of the cat introduction is always a big one. After all, your new pet doesn’t know you yet and you’re getting acquainted with them as well. The good news is that the introduction doesn’t have to be as intimidating as you might think.
Here are some general tips to keep in mind when you bring your new cat or kitten home:
Provide a Welcome Hiding Spot
When your new pet first arrives home, they’ll be hesitant and shy. They might be looking for a place to settle in and hide a bit before they are completely comfortable with their surroundings.
With this in mind, don’t put your cat into a room that’s open and has little or no hiding spots. Make sure there are places for your pet to hide behind, under, or in. For example, you could put your pet in a fully furnished room with places for them to hide. Or place a few cardboard boxes around the room where your pet can hop into them and relax until they feel comfortable.
Put Cat Necessities in the Room
Once you figure out which room in your home offers the best spot for your new pet to acclimate to the environment, make sure it’s ready to go. Put your pet’s daily necessities in there, such as food bowls, a water bowl, and litter box.
When you prepare the room with everything your cat needs to feel comfortable and use throughout the day, your pet will start getting used to their new home more quickly.
Provide Toys for Entertainment
In addition to pet necessities, such as food and water bowls and the litter box, you want to add other items to the room. These additional items will provide your pet with enjoyment during the day. Cat toys are an excellent way to keep your pet happy and occupied.
Some cat toy ideas include:
- Balls
- Furry mice toys
- Scratching post
- Crinkle toys
When you add these toys to your pet’s new space, you can rest easy knowing that your cat will enjoy playtime while getting used to their surroundings.
Let Your Pet Get to Know You
As your new family member gets used to your home, it’s important to make yourself known. Not only should your pet feel comfortable in their new space but they should feel at ease with you, too. This relationship will unfold over time.
Don’t expect your cat to automatically bond with you. After all, your new pet is in an unfamiliar place surrounded by people they don’t really know yet. This relationship will take a while to grow, so be patient.
Here are some tips to foster a good relationship with your cat:
- Take the bonding one step at a time by spending a little more time each day with your pet
- Bring treats with you and show your cat that you’re their friend
- Use the cat toys to entertain your pet
- Have quiet interaction so your pet won’t be startled
- Introduce a new family member, one at a time, so your cat won’t be overwhelmed by tons of people in the room
- Be patient, as this process can take a little while until your cat is completely comfortable with you
When you try all these things, you’re taking the right steps to introducing your new pet to their forever home and the people in it.
Introducing Your New Cat to Current Resident Cat
If you have a cat at home already, there are a few steps to take in order to introduce the felines.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t introduce the cats right away: As Wait for your new cat to acclimate to your home before you introduce the two cats
- Let their first introduction be by scent: Allow the cats to smell each other through a closed door between the room where your new cat is and the rest of the house
- Let the cats see each other: Put the new cat in a pet carrier and place the carrier in a shared room in your home where your first cat can see them
- Face-to-face introduction: If both cats seem relaxed and okay with a meeting, you can have them meet each other face to face
Depending on how the cats interact, you may need the integration period to take a bit longer. Your meeting plan may change according to the behavior of both cats.
Introducing Your New Cat to Dogs in the Home
If you have a dog in the house, the meeting between cat and dog may take a different twist. Unless your new cat is familiar with dogs, it may take them longer to get comfortable with the dog and vice versa.
Here’s how you can introduce the cat and dog in your home:
- Let your new cat smell your dog: This will enable the cat to get used to the dog’s scent and presence
- Let your cat explore the home: Since dogs often make their presence known more than cats, put your pup in one room for an hour or so each day and let your cat explore the house, unbothered
- Set up a meeting: When you feel the time is right, set up a meet-and-greet between your leashed pup and your feline
- Continue to monitor the relationship: Dogs and cats can sometimes clash, so be sure you monitor the new relationship until you’re sure they get along
Enjoy Your New Family Unit
Bringing a new cat home to become part of your family is sure to be a wonderful experience. Once your new pet is comfortable, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your new family together.
If you ever have to go on vacation, business trips, or simply need someone to care for your cats, trust your precious feline to The Comforted Kitty. This professional cat care provider will ensure your beloved pet is well taken care of when you’re unable to do so.
Contact The Comforted Kitty for more information today!
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