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It can also help to get down to your cat’s eye level and look around for anything that might cause a problem, like cords or wires that could be tripped on or get chewed up. Scratching Post – This is a must-have to help keep your cat from scratching up the furniture. Brand Name Cat Food – Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation if you’re confused by all the choices. Whether you're wanting to add another cat to your family or this is your first cat, I am here to guide you in the process.
RSPCA Australia encourages owners to keep their cats indoors, at a minimum from dusk til dawn. If you’re unsure if you should take the cat in, you can discuss it with your vet, who can offer medical insights and experience to help determine the best course of action. If you decide to welcome the cat into your home, be sure to get a full medical check-up right away. Stray cats can have fleas, parasites, or diseases that need to be treated. You should also find out if the cat is spayed or neutered and speak to your vet about vaccinations. Some stray cats enjoy their independence and are looking for a quick meal rather than a new place to live.
Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions
But the symptoms themselves can vary widely from person to person. Are there places that could be dangerous for the cat to explore or hide in? Do everything you can to make the cat’s new home as comfortable as possible. If they’re not very friendly, try to give them space and refrain from cornering or overwhelming them. Keeping your cat safely enclosed in a room in your house or garage for a few weeks allows them to relax and think of the new place as their home.
Feliway is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. By mimicking the cat’s natural facial pheromones, Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in the cat's local environment. Additionally, it’s clear that the older the cat, the more time it takes to adjust to its environment. Your cats will be more likely to get along if they are happy in their environment.
Cat Plus Cat: How to Introduce Cats to Each Other
A great way to build trust between you and your cats is to hand feed them from time to time . Timid and scared cats love going under furniture, which can be an issue because they can be under there for an extended time. Give them a path to the top of the room, and they’ll most likely take it. It also allows nervous cats a safe place to get away from loud noises and stressful situations.
Let cats see the toy moving around in the space and allow them to focus on it if they move and try to play with it, even better. But even just a little attention to the toy has a positive effect. Once your cat settles in, you can introduce them to other pets. Take things slowly so that all of your animals are comfortable and safe.
Release your cat from the carrier or box
Make a “new normal.” Leading up to the move, keep your cat’s routine as normal as possible. The sudden appearance of new people and moving materials, along with the disappearance of favorite furniture or objects, can cause stress for cats. To reduce this stress, introduce boxes to the home before you start packing. It also reduces the number of new stressors on moving day. Provide everything your cat will need in their new home. Put the litter box in one corner, and the food and water in another corner.
We had the first kitten at 7 weeks, and she has adapted perfectly to her forever home. She is one half Maine Coon and farm cat, and her name is Siggy. After a couple of days, start feeding each cat on the other side of the door .
If the cat seems to be scared of you or shows signs of aggression, you should contact animal control or a local animal shelter for professional help in dealing with the situation. Your cat was quite okay with roaming around but when it found other cats there in its territory, it went into the defensive. Of course, if you have another resident cat in your home, the new cat can be more timid and shy. So if you are introducing a new kitten or cat in your home, it’s a good idea to know the process in which to introduce a new cat.
We will break this into three ways which will be preparing your home to suit the cat, preparing a cat for relocation, and helping the cat to adjust as fast as possible. And at this phase, all your cats seek from you is your patience and understanding. Give your cat something to chase with toys such as feathers or bells attached to a wand with a string that you can pull and swing. Cats do like their routine and while moving with your cat can be a challenge, preparation goes a long way toward making the transition easier for both of you. IF your cat is used to being leash-walked and has a calm personality, she may enjoy stretching her legs before resuming the journey.
If you’re searching online, descriptions for adoptable cats will often say if they have any experience with kids. If your pets have checked each other out multiple times through the gate without any issues and seem relaxed around one another, it’s time for a supervised interaction. Let them out in the open to interact while you’re there to chaperone.
A small crate or larger carrier on the back seat can offer space for a litter box and a bed, but do keep a regular carrier handy. The first step is to get a wellness check-up and update on any vaccines from your veterinarian. Microchipping is also a good idea, if, heaven forbid, your cat escapes.
Make sure there are plenty of hiding places for them, and place the food, water and litter boxes out in the open so the cats don’t feel trapped. Make sure there’s a litter box, food, and water in this designated room. Set aside time to quietly spend time with your cat in their temporary room to help them feel comfortable in the new house.
It’s hard to keep your cat locked inside when they're unhappy, but it’ll give you peace of mind that your cat won’t run away once you let them out. Give your cat time to get used to their new home so they don’t accidentally go back to where they used to live. Let your cat come to you because they'll likely feel skittish at first. They may not want to interact with you at first because they're feeling overwhelmed.
How can I help my cat adjust to a new home?
It’s best to microchip your cat before the move, in case they get scared in the new space and run off. Reunions are much more likely when microchip info is kept current. While your cat is in their secure room, cat proof the rest of your home so your cat can safely explore when they're ready. Secure window screens, block off your fireplace, stow away hazardous materials, and place breakables where your cat can’t tip them over.
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