Being taken to a new home can be very scary for a cat or kitten. Everything is new and unfamiliar…new scents, new sounds and unfamiliar people.
Cats are known to dislike change and they will need time to adjust to a new environment. For some cats this can be a few hours, but for others it could be weeks or even months, especially for nervous and timid cats. Patience is key but you will get there.
Create a safe Space
time to decompress
Step by step
introductions
Prepare a safe space prior to their arrival
Having their own, quiet area will help them to feel safe. Too much space on top of all the new impressions can be quite overwhelming for most cats. Start small, they will let you know when they’re ready to explore the rest of the house.
A safe space can be a spare bedroom, an office, a bathroom or any quiet, closed off area in your home. This is especially important if you already have existing pets. Make sure the room is secure by blocking off fireplaces and any nooks and crannies, and ensure windows and doors are shut or securely latched. Cover up/lock any accessible cat flaps too.
If your new family member is very shy, offer a hiding space and, if possible, access to a high spot. This could be a perch on top of a tall scratcher or perhaps a clear, sturdy shelf. Having something with a familiar scent from their foster home, like a toy or blanket can also help.
If you don´t have that option, a medium/large dog crate can also be a safe space for the beginning, and it allows the cat to be in the room with you while still having that safe feeling of their own space.
Once home, place your cat in their room and leave them alone for a while to decompress.
When you do go in to see your new cat, it’s best to get down to their level, talk to them gently in soft low tones and let them come to you. If your cat does choose to hide, just sit in the safe room and let them get used to your presence and the sound of your voice. It is perfectly normal for them not to eat or to use the litter tray straight away. Sometimes it can take a day or two.
Accidents can happen
Please remember that moving home is super stressful. If your new cat or kitten has an “accident” on their bed or anywhere outside the litter tray, this doesn’t mean the cat isn’t litter trained. More than likely they were just too nervous and scared to go to the litter tray. If this happens once or twice, it’s not a reason to worry. If it does persist however, it could be that your cat has developed a stress related urine tract infection, and a vet visit will be necessary. If your kitten is very young, they might still be in the process of perfecting their litter skills.
Loose poop can also be a result of stress and in rare cases your cat can get a flare up of cat flu. Probiotics or half a teaspoon of natural yoghurt daily can help to settle an upset tummy, mild cat flu symptoms should pass quickly, if they get worse it will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics from the vet. Feel free to contact us for advice!
Ready to explore the rest of their new home?
If you have the feeling your cat is ready to come out of their safe space, just open the door and let them explore at their own pace. Some cats might be super brave and zoom around like they’ve never been anywhere else while others might be very cautious and take it step by step. Leave their safe space available, they might want to go back in after all these new impressions. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t want to join you on the sofa straight away. Remember, their safe space is all they know of your home for the moment.
Introduction to existing pets
This should be done slowly. It’s best to let your new cat settle in first and become comfortable. This will also allow your current pet to get used to the idea of a new scent in the house. Interchanging blankets and/or toys with their scents on and feeding on either side of the door can help, so can swapping areas. When it’s time for them to meet, make sure you start with short, supervised visits. Hissing, growling, and fur standing on end are normal reactions. They’re scared and unsure. It’s very important for you to stay calm so they understand everything is ok. Plenty of praise and treats after the meeting. Please bear in mind that these reactions could scare young children! If you’re introducing a cat do a dog, it’s best to keep the dog calm and on a lead. Never restrain a cat or force them to approach each other!
It will not happen overnight
Some pets will be friends after a hiss or two, others will take time and many supervised meetings. Some will tolerate each other and learn to co-exist, others might just not get on at all. And that’s fine, we don’t like every person we meet either…We are happy to give advice and if it really doesn’t work out, we will take the cat back but before making that decision, please give it time and a fair chance.
Introducing your cat safely to the outside world
Make sure your cat is well settled and knows that this is home. A newly adopted cat should ideally be kept strictly indoor only for 8 weeks or more to get used to their new surroundings and to accept it as their home. Many cats go missing because they either escape or are let out too early.
Like everything else, introducing the outdoor world should be a gradual process. The outdoors can seem big and scary to your cat, don´t force them to go outside if they´re not ready.
If they have set mealtimes, let them go outside shortly before feeding time and call them back then. The first outing doesn’t have to be a long one, take it slow.
Go outside with them and call them back every 10 minutes or so to make sure they don’t stray too far. Walking them on a harness around the garden will also help them to get to know their surroundings.
