When you obtain a new cat, try to be patient with yourself as well as the cat. Getting close to you will take some time. You’ll wait for your cat to perform those adorable tricks worthy of Instagram.
The very first 30 days after adopting a cat are crucial in preparing your new family member for success. The first few weeks should be dedicated to forming a strong bond with your cat and developing healthy routines.
Here are a few crucial cat care guidelines for moving your new cat into your house to have your relationship with your new cat off to a good start.
1. Allow your cat to take up residence
Whenever you acquire a new cat, you should anticipate her taking some time to acclimatise to her new surroundings.
Recognize that the [new] cat might well be shy in his or her new surroundings but may not show all of her regular play behaviour or other personality features at first, according to Dr Megan E. Maxwell, accredited applied animal behaviourist (CAAB) and owner of Pet Behaviour Change.
When you initially bring the cat home, Dr Adam Behrens, VMD, owner of Wandering Vet and member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, advocates allowing her to approach you on her terms. This would give your cat a sense of mastery.
2. Separate your new cat from the rest of the cats
If you have multiple cats, keep them separated from the new cat till she grows adjusted to her routine. Routine and territory are crucial for cats. If there are other cats in the house, they must stay away from the new cat unless he or she is settled in and has established a daily routine.
Separating cats for two weeks is a common recommendation. This is indeed a quarantine period to ensure your new kitty is free of parasites and upper respiratory infections.
3. Make your home kitten-proof
Any dangling or hanging object can tangle or choke kittens. Put drape or blind cords out of the grasp of your new pet by securing them. Combine electric and phone cords with a cord organiser and secure them out of reach of kittens to prevent them from chewing. Rubber bands, jewellery, Holiday decorations, balloons, and other little things can be deadly to kittens if they get into their mouths.
Remove any dangerous plants, roach or ant traps, and close the toilet lid. Close the cabinets inside the bathroom and kitchen so your kitty does not get into contact with bleach, detergent, dental floss, and other household goods while investigating.
Keep the washing and dryer doors shut in the laundry room; a kitten might climb inside a heated dryer to sleep. Keep in mind that anything that would be dangerous to a toddler could also be dangerous to your kitten.
4. Food and water in bowls
It does not seem to be anything fancy; which would be more convenient for you, ordinary cereal bowls would suffice for now. Make sure there is some distance between your cat’s water and food dishes, as cats are naturally less likely to drink water that’s close to a food source.
This goes back to the days when the water surrounding scavenged food was frequently tainted.
5. Enrich your cat’s environment
You must supply your kitty with a selection of enriching cat toys in addition to their normal cat supplies till you figure out which ones they like. Investing in a few different designs early on, as well as promoting play by sitting with your new cat or playing with the toys yourself, according to Dr Maxwell, will be beneficial.
You must supply your cat with cat scratchers in addition to cat toys. Dr Maxwell explains that maybe they should offer many scratching options, such as a vertically threaded post as well as a flat scratching board with a different substance or threading direction.
Giving your cat choices will help you figure out what she likes, and this will make her happier.
6. Playtime and training for cats
Begin with simple training and utilise it as an opportunity to bond with your new pal. An initial training goal, according to Dr Maxwell, could be to educate the cat to respond to his name by looking at you.
Call her name in a cheerful tone, then toss a cat treat or toy from across the floor. Whenever you call your cat’s name, do this numerous times a day, always giving something she enjoys.
Take training at your cat’s own pace, just as you would with any other regimen, and praise good behaviour with positive reinforcement.
7. Keep in touch with a Veterinarian
Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian you trust, like with adopting any animal companion, is a crucial part of the process. Owners must establish a rapport with a veterinarian with someone whom they feel at ease and who is willing to answer their inquiries about cat care and health.
When their cat is acting out, they must consult a board-certified animal behaviourist (CAAB) or a veterinary behaviourist. Cat owners should also consult their vets on grooming necessities, feeding schedules and cat food varieties, exercise chances, and frequent signs of disease to be aware of.
Doctors advise cat owners to consult with their veterinarian about litter box practices (including how almost always the cat should be using it and how frequently it must be cleaned) as well as common household pollutants and risks for cats.
8. Grooming plus dental care for cats should be done regularly
Brushing the cat’s teeth regularly is advised by veterinarians. Before introducing these different activities into your routine, wait until your new cat has settled in and is comfortable with the new environment.
It is recommended that pet parents begin brushing their cats’ teeth carefully if they have never done so previously. Small quantities of toothpaste applied to the tip of a cat’s finger for a couple of months may ultimately allow them to brush their teeth, however, cat parents need to take things carefully and not rush. Brushing your cat’s teeth with human toothpaste is a no-no.
Cat parents should brush their cats regularly and use the Safari self-cleaning slicker brush for all cats, according to Doctors. Start slowly and offer prizes while brushing your cat’s teeth or fur.
9. Introduce the rest of the family gradually
Everybody in the family will be anxious to meet the new cat, however, she may not have been ready to have multiple strangers crammed into her sanctuary room, which you should designate as her haven before allowing her to roam the rest of the house. Individual introductions should be done cautiously to determine how she reacts.
Step off if she’s hiding and appears nervous, and give her time to adjust to her new surroundings. There would be plenty of opportunities for formal introductions afterwards.
10. Microchip your cat soon
Your veterinarian should be able to perform this during a routine visit. Cats are terrible with collars; often break them, lose them, and so forth., but without an ID tag, the odds of them ever trying to make their way home are limited.
Microchips are fantastic since they do not go misplaced. This is among the most crucial steps that are frequently skipped. If you would not want to lose your new cat, make sure it has a collar ID with your current phone number. You have the option of having him microchipped.
