Helping A New Cat Adjust To Your Home
by Julie Wilson.
If you are ready to welcome a new cat into your home, there are
specific ways to make the transition easier, for you and the
cat. Whether the cat is a rescued adult, or a brand new kitten,
here are some tips to make your newest addition feel right at
home.
Before you bring your cat home, you will need to make sure that
you don't have any house plants that are hazardous to your cat.
Several common plants, such as hydrangeas, rhododendrons,
poinsettias and philodendrons are poisonous to cats.
If you are planning on letting your cat outside, there are many
other outdoor plants that are also hazardous, such as lilies,
clematis, elderberry, mushrooms and even rhubarb. Check with
your local extension office for more information on locally
indigenous plants that may also be harmful.
One of the first items that you should purchase before bringing
your cat home is a scratching post. Place it near furniture
pieces such as couches, that cats normally like to scratch.
This will help you train your cat to scratch where it is
acceptable and can save you a lot of expense in the future. You
can use training methods, such as positive reinforcement to
quickly teach your cat that they shouldn't scratch your
belongings.
The placement of the litter box is very important. It should be
in an area that will provide your cat with enough privacy, but
it should still be able to be easily accessed by your cat. Make
sure you place it in a well-ventilated area to cut down on
offensive odors. It is important to keep your cat's litter very
clean to avoid the risks of disease and to encourage your cat to
use it.
If you have other animals, you'll need to go through the
process of introducing your newest arrival. Be prepared for
some slight scuffles, this is perfectly normal. However, if
your animals get into a severe fight, you will need to separate
them. Try to introduce your new cat to the household gradually,
and always monitor them during this time to cut down on the
risk of injury. It may take your existing animals a few weeks
to accept the new cat, but they will gradually warm up to them.
In a multi-cat environment it is also important that each
animal have their own food and water bowls. They may not follow
your rules, but they'll at least have the option of using their
own bowls. You may also need to feed your cats at separate
times to reduce fights as your cats get to know one another.
Your new cat may need some time alone to adjust to your house.
Try to provide them with their own space, such as a bed in a
quiet location, and give them plenty of soft toys to help them
feel at home. The amount of time that it takes for your cat to
adjust will depend on their individual personality. Try not to
push them to accept new things too fast. Just give them time
and they will get used to your routine.
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