Hello jelly paws! Have you adopted your first cat? If so
then congratulation! You have just entered into a wonderful relationship that's
bound to be filled with fun and affection. However, as a new cat owner, it
might take a while for your cat to warm up to you because cats are particularly
sensitive creatures to new surroundings and people. In some cases, cats may
hide under a bed or in a closet for days or worst, for weeks. Before you adopt
one, there are a few things you should think about, and a few things that are
just plain good to know. So today, I’m going to share with you guys a few tips
about first few days of cat adoption.
Before you bring your cat home, stock up some basic supplies
for your cat
- Do your cat a favour by proving a small area to call his own little save haven for the first few days or weeks. The space doesn’t necessary be a whole room, just a small space enough for the cat to stand up and turn around comfortable.
- To make your cat feel even more at home, prepare a warm and comfortable place for your cat to sleep. You can buy him a pet bed from the pet store or simply use soft, warm blanket or towel as his bed.
- Prepare a litter box and fill it with one or two inches of litter. Place it in his room or space where he can use it undisturbed. It is important to cover the boxes as it will give your cat more privacy.
- Set up a feeding station with food and water bowls. Make sure to locate it away from the litter box so the cat wouldn’t cope up at limited space.
- A cat’s claws need to be worn down and they do this by scratching things. Since you don’t want your chairs, sofa or curtains to be the victim, prepare scratching posts or cupboards beforehand. As for the scratching posts, make choose the one which is tall enough so that the cat can extend himself upward.
First few days with your cats:
- With a whole new life in store for her, your cat will need some time to check out his surroundings and get used to them. Do not force him by giving him a tour around your house. Instead, give him some time alone in his room or space that you have prepared earlier before you come in to play with him. Some cats are particularly frightened. If he doesn’t approach you, leave him alone and try again later.
- It is wise to keep some things that your cat is familiar with such as brand of food that he had at the shelter or in his foster home as it will make his feel more secure (you can change it later once your cat has adapt at your new home)
- Your new cat might not eat much due to sudden changes in surrounding. Don’t bother yourself to force your cat to eat. However, make sure your cat drink his water and change it frequently. If your cat haven’t touched his food or drink for a few days, take him to the vet immediately.
The following weeks:
- It is important for you to be patient with your new cat because it takes a while for him to adjust to the new surroundings.
- Once the cat finally adjust to his new home, he will show signs that he wants to explore outside his own territory that you have prepared for him.
- At this rate, be sure to get rid of stray items he might chew on or swallow, like toilet paper, tissues, pens and pencils.
- Your cat may be ready to play, so prepare some toys for him such as feather wands and wool mice. It is important for you to spend most of your time playing with your cat so he will get used to your presence.
