How to introduce a new cat to a household that already has?
Set up a private “welcome home” suite for your new cat so the two cats can have their own space at first. This room should be inaccessible to your resident cat and incorporate all of the important territory and lifestyle elements described above.
How to take care of a new cat in your home?
It is much easier to interact with a cat hiding in a box than a cat hiding under a bed. Help your new cat get to know you. Place a t-shirt or a piece of your clothing that contains your scent in the safe room. Equip the safe room with cat food, water and litter.
How long does it take to integrate a new cat into the House?
Most basements have many hiding places—some inaccessible to humans. Ready to explore the roost. Remember, integration into the rest of the house is dependent on the personality of your new cat (as well as your existing pets). Sometimes the integration process can begin in just two to four days; however, sometimes it is best to wait a couple weeks.
When to start the transition with a new cat?
Transition beyond the safe room. When you and your new cat have established a trusting relationship, the cat is ready to begin exploring the house. Be sure to begin this process when you are home to supervise. Close most of the doors so the cat begins its orientation in stages. Too many new spaces at once can be stressful and frightening.
What happens when you introduce a new cat to your home?
Introducing a new cat or kitten to the home is always an interesting experience. Your ‘old’ cat, the one that already lives there, is rarely going to welcome them with open arms. The usual reaction is to hiss, growl, snarl, be standoffish and stare, and perform any other passive-aggressive behaviors they have.
What do you need for a new cat in your home?
A safe starter room or sanctuary for the new cat will provide the cat with the quiet and safety s/he needs while becoming familiar with the scents and sounds of your home. The starter room can be any size but must have a secure door and ceiling. Cat-proof the safe room.
How long does it take for a cat to adjust to a new home?
Once your cat seems to be adjusting to this space (usually after a few days to a week), you can gradually introduce it to other areas of your home. If you already have a pet in the home, you’ll need to be especially careful about bringing your new cat home.
Transition beyond the safe room. When you and your new cat have established a trusting relationship, the cat is ready to begin exploring the house. Be sure to begin this process when you are home to supervise. Close most of the doors so the cat begins its orientation in stages. Too many new spaces at once can be stressful and frightening.
How to transition to a multi cat household?
The following proactive tasks will help the transition to a multi-cat household (or the addition of another cat to a home that already has multiples) go more smoothly: Make sure the cats each have sufficient territory. Territory, from a feline perspective, is space (horizontal and vertical) and access to prime resources.
Set up a private “welcome home” suite for your new cat so the two cats can have their own space at first. This room should be inaccessible to your resident cat and incorporate all of the important territory and lifestyle elements described above.
The following proactive tasks will help the transition to a multi-cat household (or the addition of another cat to a home that already has multiples) go more smoothly: Make sure the cats each have sufficient territory. Territory, from a feline perspective, is space (horizontal and vertical) and access to prime resources.
Most basements have many hiding places—some inaccessible to humans. Ready to explore the roost. Remember, integration into the rest of the house is dependent on the personality of your new cat (as well as your existing pets). Sometimes the integration process can begin in just two to four days; however, sometimes it is best to wait a couple weeks.
How long does it take for an old cat to get used to a new cat?
She will need to stay there for a couple of weeks, so make sure it is comfortable for her with litter box, water, and food. This will allow your old cats to get used to the sounds and smells of a new cat without having their territory invaded. After a couple of days, start trading scents between the cats.