New cat information

How to settle your new cat into the home

Bringing your cat home

Make sure you are ready in the home with water bowls, food bowls, a safe area/crate with blanket over, beds, toys, litter tray and litter etc

Give them space. Give your new cat a few days to settle and become more confident with their new surroundings and to get to know their new family. Confining to a smaller room and then gradually allowing access to more rooms and areas of the home can help with this. Don’t force them to spend time with you if they are retreating into their own comfy space. Some cats can take time to feel secure. Let them come to you when they are ready.

Try to continue with the same diet being fed before for a week before gradually changing. If you are unsure as to the diet given before it would be a good idea to feed a veterinary digestive diet (easy to digest) to avoid any tummy upsets before gradually swapping to the diet you want long term.

First week

If your new cat is feeling more confident, spend the first week bonding. Short play times with toys, and chilling and stroking them in the quiet times.

Have a plan of where they are going to sleep. A safe quiet area or limited to one room.

Try not to have any visitors for the first few days until they are more settled and confident.

Use of pheromones or calming supplements to help your new cat settle.

Introducing to other pets

Keep any introductions calm and quiet.

For introductions to other cats do this very gradually and always have a safe area each cat can retreat to if necessary. Cats also like high up places the hide in.

Make lots of “safe places” for all cats to be able to rest in undisturbed.

There may be hissing in the beginning. This is usually expected as the cats get used to each other. The use of pheromones and calming supplements will help all cats to adjust to the changes.

Introducing to family dogs - Make any introductions very gradually with the dog on lead to begin with so you can gauge reactions. Make sure the new cat has an area to retreat to as a safe place. Give lots of positive praise and encouragement. Limit the introductions to a few minutes and then gradually increase this.