How To Prepare Your Home For Your New Cat?
How To Prepare Your Home For Your New Cat?
Dr. Abdul Basit Javed (DVM, RVMP)
One of the nicest experiences you will have in life is getting a new cat, but make sure you are ready for it first.
Cats require a variety of things to adjust to their new surroundings, and it is the responsibility of cat parents to provide these necessities. Make sure your home is ready and comfortable so your cat won't get scared when it arrives.
Read on to know how to prepare your home for your new furry fellow.
Preparing Your Home For Your New Cat
Reserve a room
Ensure that your new cat has a quiet place during its first few days in your house. The best way to achieve this is to offer your cat a whole room with all of the cat's necessities before they become used to their new residence.
Provide Hiding Spots
Make sure you make several hiding spots throughout the room for your cat which is safe. It is very common for a new cat to hide in its new home during the initial days but eventually, it will start exploring the surroundings of the house. You can make hiding spots by using old card boxes these will be safe and wouldn’t cause an injury to the kitty.
Arrange A Feeding And Water Bowl
Before bringing your new cat home, make sure you have the feeding and water bowls you'll need because some cats won't eat or drink without them. Additionally, make sure they are heavy enough to remain stationary while your cat eats from them. They should not create any noise when moving around on the ground because this may frighten your new kitty. Avoid buying them in eye-catching colors, and make sure they are the right size for your new cat.
Provide A Litter Box
For cats, one of the necessities is a litter box, Prior to the arrival of your cat, put it in a corner of the room and fill it with litter. This is crucial since some cats won't urinate or defecate in the absence of a litter box. If it is unavailable at the time of arrival of your cat, you can temporarily substitute playing sand in a tray or box.
Arrange A Pheromone Diffuser
By dispersing the scents and pheromones created by other cats and animals, pheromone diffusers assist in lowering the stress experienced by a new cat in a new environment. Cats can become anxious if their new environment is filled with the pheromones and scents of other animals, so place a pheromone diffuser in their room before they arrive.
Provide Cat Toys
Before bringing your new cat home, make sure you have lots of toys set up for them since toys help new cats feel less stressed by keeping their minds occupied. These improve a cat's emotional wellness in addition to its physical health. Cats can socialize with their owners more quickly with the aid of toys.
Restrict Other Pets
Keep other pets away from the new cat's room, including dogs and cats, and limit their interaction. New cats can get uncomfortable around unfamiliar animals and, in rare instances, can attack. As a result, give them plenty of time to become accustomed to the scent of other pets before introducing them gradually.
References:
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Hagerman, J. (2020, September 23). 6 steps to help your new cat feel comfortable in your home. Pasadena Humane. Retrieved August 10, 2022, from https://pasadenahumane.org/6-steps-to-help-your-new-cat-feel-comfortable-in-your-home/
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Mueller, L. (2019, June 18). How to Make a Cat Feel Comfortable in a New Home. Moving.Com. Retrieved August 10, 2022, from https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-make-a-cat-feel-comfortable-in-a-new-home/
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P. (n.d.). Helping Your Cat Adjust to a New Home. PAWS. Retrieved August 10, 2022, from https://www.paws.org/resources/helping-your-cat-adjust/
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Settling your cat into a new home. (2022, March 7). Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Retrieved August 10, 2022, from https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/settling-your-cat-new-home