The Complete Guide: Welcoming a New Cat with Open Paws
As we celebrate Adopt a Shelter Cat Month (which should honestly be every month!), our team is here to make the process of bringing a new cat into your home as smooth as possible. Cats are sensitive creatures, and transitioning to a new environment can be stressful, especially if there are already furry rulers of the household.
Whether it’s one cat or a whole feline crew, follow our team’s paw-some tips to ensure your new additions feel right at home.
#1: Design a purrfect safe haven for your new cat
It takes time for a new cat to feel comfortable in their new surroundings, especially if there are other pets involved. Help your feline friend ease into their new environment by giving them a dedicated space of their own. Set them up in a spacious room with essentials like a litter box, food, water, scratching posts, and cozy bedding. While you’ll want to spend quality time playing and bonding with your new fur baby, make sure they also have uninterrupted time to explore at their own pace.
#2: Don’t change their menu just yet
Moving to a new home is stressful for cats, and it can upset their sensitive tummies. To minimize the stress, try to stick to their current diet. If you plan to change their food, give them a few days to settle in before gradually introducing the new diet over a week.
#3: Patience is the key
Your new cat may need some time to adjust to their new home, so hold off on introducing them to other family members and friends until they feel comfortable with you and their environment. However, it’s important to schedule a visit to the veterinarian to make sure everything is on track with their health and preventive care. Keep in mind that another trip right after arriving at their new home can be overwhelming, so give them an additional week of relaxation before any further introductions.
Congratulations on your new feline family member! Our team is excited to meet your newest fur baby, so give us a call to schedule their wellness visit.