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In the event of an emergency, you will need a carrier for each cat. Also, it can help both cats feel like they have a space of their own to hide in and increases their sense of safety. Both cats will require your love and attention. This means petting them, and also playing with them. Set aside twenty minutes, twice a day to play with your cats.
This will allow enough time for the alcohol to evaporate. Experts often recommend pairing adult cats with kittens so the older cat can teach the kitten as it grows. “Kittens mature into better adjusted adult cats if they receive the proper behavioral cues from another cat or dominant figure ," says Los Angeles vet Patrick Mahaney, VMD. Provide your cat with a bowl of fresh water and some food.
thoughts on “Moving Cats To A New Home: A Step-By-Step Guide”
Best Friends Animal Society, a 501 nonprofit organization, operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals; provides adoption, spay/neuter, and educational programs. Another option is to build or buy an outdoor enclosure for your cat. You can search the Internet for “cat enclosures” or “catios” to find out what other people have done. AtC & D Pet Products, you can buy a prefab cattery. If building a cattery is too ambitious a project for you, check out the many alternatives offered byKittywalk Systems. Another popular way to give your cat the freedom of the outdoors is withCat Fence-In, a product that makes it impossible for cats to climb over regular backyard fencing.
You’ll need to give them plenty of time to adjust, especially if they are particularly shy. If fights erupt, Guerrero suggests squirting water at the cats’ faces to break up the scuffle -- but only from a safe distance. If a cat has always been shy, bringing a frisky new kitten home might have a negative effect. Never leave a newer cat alone with an existing one during the introductory period.
Interact with your cat on their own terms
When interacting with your cat, or any cat, try and give them choice over when and how they want to interact with you. For example, always allow them to make the first move by initiating any contact with you. Cats like to feel in control so interacting with them in ways that are gentle and on their terms is the best approach.
Prepare the home before you bring the cat home so that you can take her straight to her room when she arrives home. If at all possible, have some of her belongings from her previous home , which can provide a sense of comfort. The first few hours after welcoming your cat home can affect how they’ll adapt to their new life. Remember not to rush them – prepare to be patient and don’t pressure your cat into doing things they may not yet be ready for. Some experts, such as Pellicano, feel differently. “It just isn't fair to the elder cat who deserves all the quality time he has earned with his person," Pellicano says.
Introducing your cat to other pets
Other cats have taken a little longer to adjust, but it’s generally never been more than a few weeks. All they need is a little time and patience and a lot of love and understanding. Adult cats will adapt to a new home, but sometimes it will take a little while, so be prepared for this. Make interactions with the cat positive ones, but don’t force things.
When you arrive home, place the carrier in your cat’s room, ideally next to one of the hiding places, and close the door behind you. Gently open the carrier and allow them to come out and explore in their own time. Don’t be tempted to tip them out of the carrier or pull them out if they don’t come out of their own accord. Your cat may come out straight away, check out the room, find somewhere to hide or even approach you. Whatever they do, allow them to decide where they go and what they do as they get to know their new surroundings. In the first few days your cat will not be familiar with your home and may be scared.
The goal in this step is to show the cats that good things happen when they see each other, to create positive associations. If your cat has never been around other cats except when they were a kitten, it may take them awhile to adjust to a new cat in the home. Ideally, the new cat is known to enjoy the company of other cats as this will likely make the introduction process easier. It’s a good idea to adopt a cat around the same age and/or who has a similar energy level. When you make a “pit stop,” offer your cat the opportunity to use the litter box and a snack, keeping safety in mind. Depending on the length of the trip and number of transfers, cargo may offer an advantage in that a larger carrier can be used, to allow for a small litter box and bedding.
Finally, put a scratching post or pad in every room. To keep your cat safe and sound, check your home for any potential hazards. For instance, make sure you don’t have any plants or flowers around the house that can be toxic to cats. Lilies can be particularly dangerous to cats and cause kidney failure if exposed. You can use this list of toxic plants at the ASPCA’s website for reference. First off, you need to be sure this cat doesn’t already have a home by checking for a collar and ID tag.
When you clean the litter box, use a mild soap, not a strong-smelling detergent or ammonia. Cats eat less when they are stressed, and sometimes stop eating altogether. It is extremely important to make sure that your cat is eating regularly once you have brought him home. If possible, buy the same type of food that the shelter used.
Put the newcomer in a small room by themselves. They will more comfortable in the smaller confines, and they will be unable to come into contact with your current cat. A studio apartment might not be the best place to keep two cats.
If they eat and seem relaxed, they can be moved closer together at the next feeding session. Don't ignore your old cat when you get a new cat. This can cause your old cat to hate the new cat and feel sad. This is a slow acclimation process, and you may have to repeat it. Scoop all litter pans at least once a day and clean up any accidents with an enzymatic cleanser to neutralize urine odor.
Cats and rabbits generally live harmoniously together, with the rabbit often assuming a dominant role. However, watch early interactions closely in case your cat should manifest a prey reaction and never leave them unsupervised together until their relationship is clearly friendly. One of the big decisions that people with cats must make is whether to allow their cat to go outside. There are many risks outdoors that can shorten your cat’s life span. He could be hit by a car, poisoned, attacked by a dog or infected with an incurable virus.
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