Today you became the owner of the most precious bundle of fur imaginable. You don’t want anything to disturb your time together. This is important bonding time with your new cat.
You let friends see your kitty, ooh and ahh, and then send them on their way. This isn’t their baby. Are you ready of feline parenthood?
7 Tips for Making Your New Cat Feel at Home
We have compiled 7 tips to help you make your new cat feel at home.
1. Providing Hiding Spots
Cats are curious creatures and love to hide in unique places. This is especially true when a cat is adapting to a new home. Help them gain confidence and comfort by creating safe hiding spaces.
You may move the couch away from the wall a few inches. Great soft places for them to create a nook with an old blanket or comforter.
Cats also love to climb. You house offer many climbing opportunities such as window blinds, curtains, refrigerators, cabinets, tables, dressers, and more. If you would prefer that the cat not climb on these items, you may consider investing in cat trees. These provide fun climbing platforms and holes to keep your cat’s curiosity engaged.
2. Gather Supplies Before the New Addition’s Arrival
You will need to make sure you have both canned and dry food. The age of the cat makes a difference in what you will feed him/her at first. Remember to get water and food dishes. You may also want a non-skid mat under the bowls.
Kitty litter boxes are essential. They also make mats that help to capture the litter off your cat’s paws so that it isn’t scattered around the house. Kitty litter comes in many varieties.
The top 2019 cat litter brands are:
Tidy Cats Cat Litter Breeze Litter System contains tiny pellets which allow urine to pass through. This makes clean up easier. It also has an odor-controlling pad in the bottom.
Precious Cat’s Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter is hypoallergenic. It contains no plant proteins which proves beneficial for cat parents as well.
World’s Best Cat Litter Quick Cat Clumping Formula contains a natural wood fragrance. This eliminates odors. It contains whole-kernel corn composition that eases cleaning.
Tidy Cats Cat Litter has a strong clumping design. It arranges itself which eases cleaning. It is also 99.6% dust free.
Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Litter smells of grain which helps teach young kittens to use the litter box and is 99% dust free.
Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat Clump & Seal Clumping Litter’s unique formula offers great odor control. It contains baking soda compositions that to create moisture-activated micro-granules. These make a tight seal around the litter.
Blue Buffalo Naturally Fresh Cat Litter is a biodegradable litter. The walnut shell composition lasts longer than other litters. It provides absorbency and odor control at an inexpensive price.
Feline Pine Original Litter does not include any dangerous chemicals or silica dust. It is absorbent and leaves a fresh smell.
3. You Must Also Select a Location for the Litter Box
Cats are very picky about their litter. They want their privacy. Thus, the litter box should be placed in a quiet place away from the cat’s food and water.
Line the litter box with your selected litter. Effective litter should keep your home odor free for seven days.
4. Playthings for the Kitty
Cats of all ages enjoy new and different toys to play with. Be sure to get a scratching post.
The scratching post also helps to wear the cat’s nails down. This will protect furniture and yourself from getting scratched.
5. Spend Time with Your New Cat
Interacting with your cat and including them in your routine, helps them know what to expect. This can decrease their anxiety
The cat will get used to you going to work, social activities, exercise, or church on a regular schedule. They will even learn which activity you are leaving for and know that you will return. This creates a rhythm and consistency in their lives.
6. Crate Training for Your Cat
Crate training for cats can be a contentious subject. However, if you ever plan to travel with your cat, including to your vet’s office, the safest method of travel is in a crate.
If crate training starts when you bring the kitten home, this can become his/her hiding and comfort spot. Then when it comes time to travel, you take the comfort spot with you.
Additionally, if there is an emergency, you can place the cat in the crate and take him/her to safety.
The crate should be large enough for the cat to stand up (once grown) and turn around and groom themselves. It should be inviting. You may place toys, catnip, or pheromone spray to increase the cat’s interest and curiosity.
When starting crate training, you can leave the door or top off. This allows the cat to enter and exit at will and gain confidence and relaxation. Make sure the bottom has a soft blanket for nesting.
As with the litter box, place the crate in a quiet place where the cat will feel safe and secure. Do not place the crate in a place where it may fall or get knocked over.
When first teaching crate training, give treats, accolades, and extra cuddles. Make this a great experience.
7. Spay or Neuter Your Cat
Unless you have specific plans to breed your cat, all professional feline associations have endorsed sterilization to stop the feral cat population.
Health benefits include a longer, healthier life. Sterilizations decrease the chances of uterine infections as well as breast, ovarian, and testicular cancer.
Neutering solves 90% of all spraying or marking issues. Neutering or spaying by 4 months of age proves very helpful.
So Now You Are a Cat Parent
Have you prepared your home for your new addition? After reading this great article on tips for your new cat, you should have your shopping list prepared. You are now equipped to provide your cat with the love and stimulation he or she deserves.
Our website has answers to your cat questions. Check out our site today to learn more about normal and abnormal cat behaviors. Gain confidence in knowing when you need to call the veterinarian and when you just need to give her a new plaything.