As a cat owner, you know that it takes time and patience to get your kitty adjusted to your home. But don’t let this frustration discourage you from welcoming your new feline friend into your family.
The key is to understand that cats are unique creatures with strong instincts and personalities. Follow these tips to help your new cat adjust to life in your home.
1. Let Them Get Acquainted
Getting your cats acquainted with each other can be an important step in preventing any problems later on. Bringing home a new cat can be stressful for both of them, so it’s best to let them get accustomed to each other at their own pace.
Introducing them too quickly can cause both of them to experience fear and anxiety, which can lead to behavior issues later on.
When you first bring them home, keep them separate for a few days. This will allow them to explore their new surroundings without actually meeting each other, reducing the chances of any unwanted interaction.
After a few days, gradually open the door to their room together. This will reinforce positive association between the two cats and help them to learn that they’re not alone in your home.
2. Give Them Time
When you bring home a new cat, it can take some time for them to adjust and start to get familiar with your home. They may hide, hiss and slink away from you at first, so it is best to give them a safe place to retreat and feel comfortable until they are ready to explore more of your home.
Now that they’re relaxed in each other’s presence, let them interact for brief sessions of about 5-10 minutes 3-5 times throughout the day.
This is an excellent opportunity to reward the cats for positive interactions with treats or petting. At the slightest indication that aggression might be brewing (a hard stare, hissing or vocalization), separate them and redirect them with play, attention or a good food motivator.
3. Respect Their Boundaries
Taking the time to respect your cat’s boundaries can make a big difference in your relationship. By understanding how they like to interact and what they do not like, you can set up your life together in a way that is going to be beneficial for both of you.
When your cat is ready for some alone time, they may want to curl up on the couch or in a comfy chair. This doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t interested in playing or spending time with you; it just means that they need some alone time!
This is why it’s important to create quiet spaces in the home for cats to retreat. These spaces should be filled with their essentials—food, water, a bed, and plenty of toys. These will provide them with a safe and secure place to escape the noise and bustle of the home when they need it most.
4. Don’t Pick Them Up
One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning a feline is the ability to interact with them in a way that feels natural and unforced. Whether you’re the proud new owner of a kitty or a long time resident snoop, you will likely find yourself at least a few times per day, if not more, snuggled up to your best friend. With that in mind, the best way to go about this rewarding experience is to be patient, tolerant and empathetic. Keeping these principles in mind, you should be on your way to a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship with your pet.
5. Watch Your Body Language
Cats are very sensitive animals, and they often communicate their feelings through body language. This is a key part of building a stronger bond with your cat and making sure they feel safe around you.
If they’re feeling frightened, they may change their body language to send messages that they don’t want to be touched. They might hunch over, tense their muscles, or even arch their backs and make themselves appear smaller.
They might even whip their tails in a warning signal that they are about to become agitated or aggressive.
If you’re trying to get the cat to come to you, a gentle approach is best. Watch their eyes to see if they’re staring, and try slow blinks to show that you mean no harm.