Adopting a rescue cat is a wonderful decision. You’re giving a deserving animal a second chance at a happy life. But it’s important to remember that transitioning to a new home can be stressful for a cat, especially if they’ve been through a lot in their past.
Here are some tips on how to help your new rescue cat adjust to their new home:
- Create a safe space. When your cat first arrives home, give them a small, quiet room where they can feel safe and secure. This could be a bathroom, bedroom, or even a closet. Make sure the room has everything they need, including food, water, a litter box, and a comfortable place to sleep.
- Be patient. It may take some time for your cat to warm up to you and their new surroundings. Don’t force them to interact with you if they’re not ready. Just let them come to you when they’re feeling comfortable.
- Offer them plenty of hiding places. Cats like to have places to hide where they can feel safe and secure. Provide them with a variety of hiding places, such as boxes, tunnels, and cat beds.
- Start building trust. The best way to build trust with your new cat is to spend time with them and be patient. Sit in their room with them and talk to them softly. You can also offer them treats or play with them.
- Introduce them to your home gradually. Once your cat seems comfortable in their safe space, you can start introducing them to the rest of your home. Do this one room at a time, and let them explore at their own pace.
- Introduce them to other pets gradually. If you have other pets, introduce them to your new cat slowly and carefully. Supervise all interactions between your pets, and make sure your new cat has a safe place to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.
- Be consistent with their routine. Cats love routine. Set a regular feeding schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This will help your cat feel more settled in their new home.
- Be patient and loving. It may take some time for your new rescue cat to fully adjust to their new home. But with patience and love, they will eventually learn to trust you and feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
- Use pheromone diffusers or sprays. Pheromones are natural chemicals that cats release to communicate with each other. Pheromone diffusers or sprays can help to reduce stress and anxiety in cats.
- Play with your cat regularly. Playing with your cat is a great way to bond with them and help them to burn off energy. Choose toys that are appropriate for your cat’s age and activity level.
- Groom your cat regularly. Grooming is another great way to bond with your cat and help them to feel comfortable. Start by brushing your cat’s fur for a few minutes each day. You may also want to trim their nails and clean their ears.
- Take your cat to the vet for regular checkups. It’s important to take your new cat to the vet for regular yearly checkups so they stay current on their vaccines. If you adopt from Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary your new pet will be current on all of their shots at the time of adoption and will have already been spayed or neutered.
If you have any concerns about your newly adopted rescue cat’s adjustment to their new home, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to offer additional support and guidance.