Apply Online. Before making the decision to add a new cat to your household, please consider the following:. Please note: The 5 phases detailed above offer only approximate timelines. Some integrations may proceed faster or slower and integration is dependent on the personalities of the cats involved.
Remember, you know your cat s best. Use common sense and patience when integrating a new cat or cats. Shy cats are often used to and welcome other feline companionship. They will be very lonely on their own, so we recommend that the integration take place very quickly days unless there are significant problems.
Note: The length of time required to successfully integrate cats with dogs varies depending on the previous experiences of the animals involved. For example, your dog may have had previous encounter with a cat or the cat may have had prior experience with a dog. Often, when the cats and dogs are used to being around the other species, integration can be quicker.
A New Cat at Home Tips for integrating a new cat. Before making the decision to add a new cat to your household, please consider the following: Is your home large enough for all cats to have adequate territory?
Are any of your current cats if relevant suffering from a chronic illness where the added stress of a new cat may cause further health problems? Are any of your cats already suffering from behavioural issues such as inappropriate marking? The starter room can be any size but must have a secure door and ceiling.
Cat-proof the safe room. Give kitty a place to hide. New cats are often nervous and like to hide. Cardboard boxes or sheets draped over chairs make ideal hiding spots when you first bring kitty 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.
Place food and water on one side of the room and an open unenclosed litter box on the other side. Shyer cats may not eat much during the first 24 to 48 hours and may experience temporary diarrhea from stress. If your cat has not eaten in 48 hours, try some extra tasty treats such as canned tuna or salmon. If this is not successful, you may want to consult your veterinarian for advice.
Give your new cat a new post. Put a new scratching post at least one metre tall inside the safe room. Scratching is a natural and comforting behaviour for cats. If you have kids, other pets or just a lot of commotion in your home, give your new kitty a safe place to relax, such as his or her own room. If your pets are still viciously fighting after a few weeks, you may have to revisit your options.
Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum. This article is intended to provide general guidance on bringing home a shelter cat and making the transition easier. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call. We hope your new kitty will make a wonderful addition to your family.
Set up a feeding station with food and water bowls. Locate it away from the litter box. For more cat feeding and nutrition tips, visit our Pet Nutrition section. Cats love to get away from it all in small places, and you can provide one for your new cat as their own little safe haven.
If they came home in a cat carrier, that might be a good choice. You can also make one by cutting a doorway for them in the end of a box. If you prefer, you can buy a covered cat bed at a pet supply store.
In either case, make sure the space is big enough for the cat to stand up and turn around. Since you prefer that it not be your chairs and sofa, provide your cat with a socially acceptable scratching place. Some types are made of corrugated cardboard and lie on the floor; others are posts that have to be tall enough so that the cat can extend himself upward to scratch. You can encourage your cat once they have arrived to use the post by sprinkling it with catnip or dangling a toy at the top.
You can also install sticky tape available at pet supply stores to corners of upholstered furniture to dissuade scratching. Look for holes or registers that leave ductwork accessible and cover them up.
A kitten can easily slither into one of these. If possible, buy a cat tree for your new family member. Cats like to survey their territory, so a high perch is often a favored resting place. If there are other human family members, go over the ground rules about your new pet.
Remind them not to startle them and to keep the door to their room shut. Bone up on how to introduce your cat to other pets. Sit on the floor and let the cat come to you. Just let them get acquainted on their own time.
They may only come out at night when the house is quiet. Give them time.
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