Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten
It’s always exciting to bring home a new pet. Many of us can’t wait to introduce them to our friends and family. However, how you introduce your new cat to your household will have a big impact on how well they adjust.
Cats prefer things to be predictable. When you adopt a cat or kitten, you remove them from the life they are used to. It can be difficult for them to adjust to new people, a new environment and possibly even other pets. This can be especially hard on a new cat or kitten after experiencing the stress and noise of the car ride home.
Before Bringing Them Home
Before bringing your new cat home, set everything up for them in a quiet room. In order to reduce the amount of changes your new pet is exposed to, make sure that you get the same brand of food and litter that they are used to.
You will need to take things slowly when introducing your pet to their new home. If at all possible, bring something home that smells like your pet’s old surroundings. This could be a favorite toy or a blanket or towel that they’ve slept on.
Introducing Them to Your Home
Keep your new pet in one room while they adjust to their surroundings. Allow them ample time to get used to you. Sit on the floor and let them come to you. Never attempt to pull them out from a hiding spot. This will only make the transition harder.
Once they are comfortable with you, you can begin introducing them to other family members. Take things slowly and watch your new pet for signs of distress.
Introducing Them to Your Other Cat
If you have another cat, let them sniff each other under the door. Some hissing and growling is normal. Feed them on opposite sides of the door and use a towel to rub their scent on each other. After a few days, you can shut your older cat in the new cat’s room and allow your new cat to explore the rest of the house. Monitoring your cats, begin opening the door a crack when you feed them. Slowly move their dishes closer together, watching for a reaction. Once they seem comfortable with each other you can open the door and let them meet.
Cats and Kittens for Adoption in Orange County, CA
If you are considering adding a new cat or kitten to your family, please consider adopting from us. We have many wonderful cats and kittens for adoption. All of our available felines have been socialized with other cats and people. Many of our kittens have been bottle-fed. Please stop by to see them or call 714-962-1005 for more information.