Mihajlo Ckovric / Stocksy
Congratulations — you’re the proud mum or dad of a newly adopted cat or kitten or are about to be one! As excited as chances are you’ll be to carry your new cat or kitten dwelling, it’s necessary to keep in mind that their first day of their new dwelling could be complicated or tense for them. The excellent news is there’s a lot you are able to do to make their transition into your loved ones as seamless as potential. Right here’s what to anticipate and the way to put together, so that you could be able to make the primary day the very best it may be and get the remainder of your life collectively off to a very good begin.
How ought to I put together my dwelling for my new cat or kitten?
At the beginning, earlier than bringing your new cat or kitten dwelling, it is best to cat-proof your house. Everyone knows how curious cats could be, and although they’ll typically seem invincible (and might imagine they’re), it’s necessary to ensure their setting is secure. Listed below are just a few important precautions to take:
- Maintain breakable objects out of attain
- Anchor unsteady or top-heavy furnishings to the ground
- Cowl electrical cords, cables, and telephone chargers
- Ensure your home windows are safe
- Do away with any toxic vegetation
- Shut or lock kitchen cupboards
- Ensure family cleaners are inaccessible
- Cover sharp objects
Fundamental Provides
Earlier than your new member of the family arrives dwelling, you’ll additionally wish to refill on the next provides:
Starter Room
When you’ve cat-proofed your house and gone on a purchasing spree, there’s yet another necessary step to take: prep a starter room. Many kittens and cats are scared of their new setting at first and should even be inclined to cover. Placing them in a starter room — like a small bed room, large ethereal lavatory, or one other room with a door you may shut — will assist your new kitten or cat get used to that smaller area earlier than being confronted with the bigger setting of your total dwelling. Having this private area can go a protracted method to serving to them acclimate.
When you select which room would be the starter room, put all of your cat’s provides in there, together with a litter field stuffed with litter. Examine to ensure home windows and some other potential escape routes (like unfastened vent grills) are securely closed. Unplug or securely tape down any electrical cords, and take away any small ingestible or breakable objects — fake you might be childproofing for a two-year-old human.
In case you’re bringing dwelling a kitten particularly, you’re most likely questioning the place a kitten ought to sleep at evening and stay secure. The starter room is the right answer for what to do with a kitten at evening.
This starter room may also be very helpful if you have already got a pet (or pets) at dwelling. When introducing new pets — particularly a brand new cat to a resident canine — you’ll wish to separate them initially not solely to present your cat area to regulate however to present your resident pet time to get used to their new member of the family’s presence at a distance. You’ll be able to slowly introduce your new cat to your resident pet by following these steps.
How can I assist my new cat or kitten really feel snug and secure?
The first few days together with your new cat or kitten shall be thrilling, however they could even be difficult, as your new member of the family might not instantly really feel snug of their new setting. It’s necessary to present your new pet area and keep in mind that all cats are totally different: the tempo at which they’ll develop snug of their new dwelling will range.
There are some things you are able to do, nonetheless, to make them really feel as secure as potential.
What ought to I do on my first day with a brand new kitten or cat?
While you carry your new cat dwelling, shut some other pets (and people) in a separate room, and carry your new cat into the starter room whereas they’re nonetheless of their cat service. Set the service down, and open the service’s door. Permit the cat to return out (or not) at their very own velocity. Go away the service within the room with them in the event that they wish to cover in it.
Be affected person and understanding
Take it gradual. Some cats will stroll round and wish to discover immediately, however extra usually, cats will take between one to 2 days to a few weeks to regulate to a brand new dwelling. That is completely regular, and it is best to give your cat area — however ensure that they’re consuming and utilizing the litter field every day, even when they’re hiding.
Generally Requested Questions
How typically ought to I play and work together with my new cat or kitten?
Each cat and kitten is totally different, and the quantity of playtime they’ll want will range, however they are going to typically want two to 3 play classes a day, if no more. These classes could be brief bursts; offering your cat or kitten with toys may go a great distance towards participating them. Kittens might have extra playtime than cats, however grownup cats nonetheless want playtime.
By way of different individuals enjoying or interacting together with your new cat or kitten: keep away from associates assembly your new cat till they’re relaxed and comfortable of their new dwelling. As soon as your cat is acclimated, nonetheless, socialization is necessary, particularly for kittens. Exposing your kitten or cat to new individuals and environments can assist them lower concern and stress in new conditions sooner or later.
When ought to I schedule a go to to the veterinarian for my new cat or kitten?
Inside the first week or so, it would be best to carry your cat to a veterinarian for an examination, to get preventatives and vaccines, and to probably be spayed or neutered. In case your cat has simply been spayed or neutered earlier than you introduced them dwelling, observe your vet’s directions on monitoring their habits and well being.
What ought to I do on my first day with a brand new cat or kitten?
Take it gradual. Some cats will stroll round and discover immediately, however usually cats will take between one to 2 days to a few weeks to regulate to a brand new dwelling.
How ought to I put together my dwelling for my new cat or kitten?
Put together your house for a brand new cat or kitten by cat-proofing your house, stocking up on provides, and organising a starter room.
What ought to I feed my new cat or kitten on their first day?
You’ll be able to resolve what meals to purchase your new cat or kitten based mostly on that meals’s vitamin and any particular wants your new kitten or cat might have.
How can I assist my new cat or kitten really feel snug and secure?
While you carry your new cat dwelling, carry them right into a starter room, separate from different people and pets. Give them time and area to acclimate to their new setting.
When ought to I schedule a go to to the veterinarian for my new cat or kitten?
Schedule a go to to the veterinarian to your new cat or kitten inside the first week of them coming dwelling.
How can I assist my new cat or kitten modify to their new sleeping preparations?
Holding your new cat or kitten in a starter room with a cushty mattress or blanket will assist them modify to their new sleeping preparations.
How typically ought to I play and work together with my new cat or kitten?
Each cat and kitten is totally different, and the quantity of playtime they’ll want will range, however they are going to typically want two to 3 play classes a day.
