SETTLING IN
Make your cat carrier comfortable with a plush blanket and give your cat a treat when you put it in for the journey home. When you arrive home, choose a quiet room, open the carrier, let your cat come out and explore its new surroundings when it is ready, in its own good time. Leave the carrier open in the room so that your cat can go back to it whenever it feels the need and also gets used to it as part of its life. This will ensure it does not develop a fear of being confined in it.
Gently introduce your cat to the toilet and then feeding areas, show it the scratching post and go down on the floor to its level and let it sniff you as well as the surroundings.
When you notice it is starting to feel relaxed and already at home (if it holds its tail up), enjoy some play time with an interactive toy.
If the cat is nervous or shy, give it time and encourage it gently, with a reassuring tone of voice and the use of food treats.
If you intend to let your cat go out, give it at least 3 weeks for it to establish ownership of the “indoors” territory before letting it venture out in the garden. You can also get it used to a harness and take it out for walks. Always make sure it is back before dark to keep it safe.
If you have other pets, careful steps must be taken for the well-being of all. Keep your cat in its own room away from other pets until it feels at home. For the first contact, make sure your cat is safe, either on a high place or behind netting. When introducing your cat to a dog, keep the dog on a tight lead and control its reactions until they get used to each other. It can take some time before they can stay in the same room together and should not be left unsupervised. If no progress takes place, seek professional help.
If the cat is nervous or shy, give it time and encourage it gently, with a reassuring tone of voice and the use of food treats.
If you intend to let your cat go out, give it at least 3 weeks for it to establish ownership of the “indoors” territory before letting it venture out in the garden. You can also get it used to a harness and take it out for walks. Always make sure it is back before dark to keep it safe.
If you have other pets, careful steps must be taken for the well-being of all. Keep your cat in its own room away from other pets until it feels at home. For the first contact, make sure your cat is safe, either on a high place or behind netting. When introducing your cat to a dog, keep the dog on a tight lead and control its reactions until they get used to each other. It can take some time before they can stay in the same room together and should not be left unsupervised. If no progress takes place, seek professional help.