Whether you are adopting a shelter cat or taking in a stray, those first few days are critical for making your new pet feel comfortable in its new home. As a pet owner and all-around animal lover, Amy Elliot-Meisel supports the Adopt, Don’t Shop campaign. In her free time, she volunteers for local animal rescue groups and fosters dogs. Today she shares her tips for bringing home a new cat.
- It is normal for cats to want to hide for a while when you first bring them home. Give them a space for themselves where they won’t be bothered so they can have the space to adjust.
- Place their litter box in their room so they can use it without being disturbed. It is common for cats to not use their litter box at first, so this can help avoid that.
- Try to avoid having a lot of guests at the house for the first week or so after you bring your new cat home. Having lots of people around can stress them out.
- Get them a scratching post and lots of toys to play with so they don’t scratch at your furniture.
- Place the food and water bowls away from the litter box.
- Get a covered cat bed or box – cats love small places to hide in.
- Once you set everything up for the cat such as their food bowls, litter box, and bed, do not move them around
- Cats love to perch and climb on things, so make sure nothing breakable is on top of your fridge, kitchen cabinets, or other high places. You can even buy a cat perch for them.
Leave a Reply