Introducing a new kitten or a cat into a household needn't be
a trying experience for either the kitten or adoptive parent. Felines
are most likely to adapt to new living arrangements and homes with or
without resident pets if a few precautions are taken. No single plan
will work equally well for all cats due to their different nature (each
cat may differ in breed, personality, early experience, etc). Added to
this, the same cat may react differently to two different living
situations (some homes are smaller, noisier, and more crowded than
other homes). However, cats are most likely to successfully adapt to a
new home, with less stress, if the following arrangements can be made
prior to introducing the cat. This is only a guideline, if there are
specific suggestions we will let you know prior to bringing your cat
home.
- Find a room the cat can use as its "home-base" for the next
several days. The room should have a door, or some other way to
"privatize" the room and cat from the more active hustle and bustle of
daily living (including infants and other pets).
- In a corner opposite the door, place the cat’s litter box,
preferably with sandy, clumping-type litter. If the cat has already
established a preference for a different type litter, use it.
- In a separate corner, or as far away from the litter box as
possible, place fresh water and food. You may wish to place a plastic
carpet runner beneath both the feeding area and the litter box for
purposes of cleaning.
- Select another corner (or area away from the litterbox) for
kitty to sleep; you will probably have to change this location to your
cat’s self-proclaimed sleeping area later (how many cats actually sleep
where you want them to?), but that's okay.
- Place the cat in the room with you, with the door closed.
ALLOW THE CAT TO DISCOVER WHERE EVERYTHING IS. DO NOT take the cat to
the various locations.
- Be passive. Allow the kitten to discover the room's strong
points, like window ledges to look out of, a comfortable couch or bed,
tables to jump up on, and anything else in the room that might be used
as an "escape route," should one be needed (from the kitten's point of
view).
- You may wish to leave the kitten by itself when it appears
its ready to take a nap, or when kitty appears relaxed and confident in
its new surroundings. If kitty chooses to nap in your lap, consider
yourself lucky. Of course, you can always try to place kitty in the
sleeping area you've selected, and then leave the room.
- Your new companion animal will let you know when it’s ready
to take on the rest of the house. It’s important that you allow the cat
to do this at its own speed. A cracked door just large enough for the
cat to enter or exit from its room is a good starting place.
- Keep other pets and family members from kitty's room.
Introductions to these individuals should be well controlled. Again,
allow the cat to approach and withdraw (back to its room if necessary)
from people or other pets that remain passive.
- Once Kitty has become familiar with its new home and
household members, you'll become aware of its preference for playing,
eating, sleeping and other activities. At this point (anywhere from a
few days to possibly a few weeks), you may begin to gradually change
the location of the litter box and food bowl to areas preferred by both
you and Kitty (hopefully the same areas!)
In General
The litter box should always be placed away from other
motivationally important areas, such as sleeping, feeding, and playing
areas. The box should be placed in an area that gives the cat both
PRIVACY and ESCAPE POTENTIAL. NEVER punish the cat for missing the box
by rubbing its nose in it, shaking it, or placing it in the box while
upset (you or the cat). Instead, think about what might have made the
box an unattractive place to use, and what made the "wrong" place a
more attractive location, from your cat’s point of view. Make the
necessary changes. Call your local veterinarian or cat shelter if you
think your cat needs professional help!
If you have any other cat questions please feel free to email
us and we will do our best to answer them.
