The Complete Handbook: A Guide to Welcoming a New Cat into Your Home
In celebration of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month (which, in our opinion, should be every month), our team is here to help you seamlessly integrate a new cat into your household. Cats are sensitive creatures, and adjusting to a new environment can be stressful, especially if other pets have already claimed their territory.
Whether you’re bringing home one cat or a few, follow our expert tips to ensure a warm welcome.
#1: Establish a secure space for your new cat
It may take several days for your new cat to feel at ease around you and even longer to adapt to your home, especially if there are other pets. Help your cat feel safe and secure by providing them with their own dedicated resources. Set up a spacious room with their litter box, food and water dishes, scratching post, and bedding, ensuring they have everything they need without any competition. Spend ample time playing with and petting your new cat to help them get used to your presence, while also giving them uninterrupted time to explore on their own.
#2: Maintain a consistent diet
Moving to a new environment can upset a cat’s delicate digestive system, so it’s best to stick to the same food they were eating before. If you wish to transition them to a new diet, give them a few days to settle in with their current food before gradually introducing the new one over the course of a week.
#3: Allow your new cat time to adjust
It may take a week or two for your cat to fully settle into their new home, so hold off on introducing them to family and friends until they feel comfortable with you and their surroundings. However, it’s important to schedule a meeting with your regular veterinarian to ensure your new cat is healthy and up to date on preventive care. Keep in mind that another trip shortly after arriving at your home can be stressful for your cat, so give them an additional week to relax before any further introductions.
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! We can’t wait to meet your furry friend, so don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule their wellness visit.