Bringing Your New Kitten Home
January 9th, 2009 by adminWhen you bring you cat home for the first time they may be nervous and unsettled. Many cats will want to hide, possibly for days. This is absolutely normal and isn't a cause for worry, unless your cat seems sick or isn't eating, drinking, or using the litter box.
If possible, for the first two or three days at home, put the cat, along with the litter box and food and water bowls, in a room that can be closed off from the rest of the house. Be sure the litter box is as far away from the food and water as possible.
As you speak gently to the new arrival, assuring him that there is no need to emerge until he is absolutely ready, your cat will rapidly gain self-confidence and begin to feel more relaxed. Let your cat explore at his own pace, but keep the litter box and food bowls in the same rooms for a couple of days longer, so that your cat has a safe place to retire when feeling overwhelmed by new experiences.
If there are kids in the home, they will be tremendously excited about the new arrival. Firmly instruct them to be quiet and thoughtful of the new family member, and closely monitor their brief meetings. Forcing the cat to socialise too soon will only slow down the trust-building process. Assure the kids that the cat will come out as soon as he is ready.
If you already have a cat or cats, keep them apart from the newcomer for at least two weeks. This will give all of the cats time to become used to one anothers smell and presence without the risk of physical confrontation. Introduce them in one or two short (15 minute) meetings a day, gradually building up to longer periods. It may take some time for your cats to build their relationship, but they will work it out. While some may become best pals, others may only tolerate each other. Be sure to give all of your cats a great deal of love and attention during this adjustment time.
Important note: To protect any cats already in residence, have your vet check your new cat for anything contagious before you bring him home. If you have a dog, try to find out before you bring a new cat home whether your dog will get along with a cat. Maybe a friend would let your dog meet her cat. When you introduce a new cat to your dog, use the tactics recommended for introducing cats; make sure, however, to control your dog using a tightly held leash when he first meets the cat. Let them get acquainted bit by bit under close supervision. Make sure the cat has a safe place to withdraw to if needed. Don't let your dog chase your cat, even in play. Lavish love and attention on your dog to allay his anxieties about the newcomer.
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