Preparing for a New Cat
Learn how to prepare your home and have the right supplies on hand to ease your new cat's transition into your home.
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Whether you are getting a kitten, an adult cat, rescuing, or adopting, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Cats need a lot of time and patience to adjust to their surroundings and fully feel comfortable. In today's blog, we are going to outline the many preparations you can take to ensure that you are ready for kitty to come home.
As you can imagine, being taken away from an environment you are used to and plopped into a new one can be extremely overwhelming. One of the first things I recommend to anyone bringing a new cat home is to create a safe room. What this means is creating a safe, neutral environment in your home that your new cat can go where they feel safe and sound in order to get used to their new surroundings. It takes time for them to feel comfortable with all of the new smells and sounds that are unique to your home. Also, make sure this room is secure and cat proof as cats love to explore, knock things over, climb, and scratch. One tip to get your cat used to your personal scent is to put something of yours in the safe room. You can use a sweatshirt that you've worn often, or even your favorite blanket.
Once you pick a cat safe room in your house, make sure the area is equipped with all the necessary items your cat will need. I suggest having an open litter box on one side of the room and water and food on a different side of the room. You will also want to have plenty of toys to keep your kitty entertained and help them feel like your home is a fun and safe place. Little mice and balls are great starter toys to buy ahead of time. My kitten also loved interactive toys, or anything to swat and chase. Cats will also want to scratch as this action is a natural destresser and part of their everyday behavior. So, make sure you buy a new scratcher that has not been used by any other cats. I would also recommend providing places for your new kitty to hide, like cardboard boxes, and some comfy places for sleeping.
Every cat is different and adapts at different speeds. My kitten was ready to explore more of the house within days, but some cats need up to a week. A quick tip to know whether it is time to introduce them to more spaces, is to watch their behavior. If they are still hiding when you enter the room, then they are probably not ready yet. But, if they are meowing to get out, seeming confident or bored, then they are ready to be introduced to more spaces slowly.
Now that you have everything prepped and ready, it is time to bring your new kitty home! Once your new cat is fully adapted and comfortable, you will now have a furrever companion to love and spoil. Cats can be so loving and rewarding and are a great addition to your life!