When you decide to adopt a new cat, the first thing is to make sure that she feels safe in a new home. Cats who leave their familiar places may get disturbed and fearful by such a huge change. They need time and patience to adjust properly to current living conditions. To help your cat to get accustomed to changed circumstances, veterinarians from Eastshore Vet, the Branford vet hospital, recommend following the next tips to help your new cat adjust to a new home.
Prepare Everything in Advance
The best tactic to ensure that things will go smoothly is to do this task properly. Ask a shelter or her previous cat parent about her habits, character, and quirks. Write down things your new cat got used to such as the type of litter, her favorite food brand, and the traits she prefers. The next thing is to provide her separate room with a litter box, cat bad, bowls for food and water, and a scratching post.Offer Your Cat a Safe Place
To help your new cat feels safe, provide a single room where she will have exclusive access. Besides the basic things needed for her daily functioning, you may want to take home her favorite blanket, towel, or a toy. Don’t allow your children and animals to enter the room until she is ready. Confining her space and external stimulation will make your new ball of fur feel safe and comfortable.Take Your Time
If you find your new cat hiding behind the bed, don’t panic. It is completely normal. Let her there until she goes out on her own. During her hiding phase, just sit and talk to her in a quiet, calm tone of voice.Let Her Explore Gradually the Whole Space
The first sign that your kitty is getting accustomed to a new place is her attempts to explore the rest of your home. Help her explore the space, just do it gradually.Keep Her Indoors for a Month
The first weeks are critical for a new cat. Often, cats are terrified by this change and can try to go back. In their efforts to run away, a cat can jump through the window or flee from your yard. Because of that, check your windows and doors, and don’t let her out, at least, for a month.
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