Proper introduction of your new kitten
- Prepare a safe room.
- A safe starter room or sanctuary for the new cat will provide the quiet and security it needs while it becomes familiar with the scents and sounds of your home. The starter room can be any size, but it must have a secure door and ceiling. Cat-proof the safe room.
- Make sure there is no wire or anything harmful to the kitten.
- Give your kitten 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 bringing the kitten home.
- To help your new kitten get to know you, place a T-shirt or other clothing with your scent in the safe room.
- The safe room must have cat food, water and litter. Place food and water on one side of the room and an open (unenclosed) litter box on the other. It is common for a new kitten not to eat much during the first 24 to 48 hours and to experience temporary stress-related diarrhea. If your cat has not eaten in 48 hours, try some extra-tasty treats such as canned tuna or salmon. If, after 24 hours, your kitten has not eaten, please get in touch with your breeder to find solutions. If this is unsuccessful, you may want to consult your veterinarian for advice.
- Give your new cat a new scratching post. Put a new scratching post (at least one metre tall) in the safe room. Scratching is a natural and comforting behaviour for cats. It’s also essential that the scratching post is new and has not been used by other cats. Your new cat does not want to be stressed by the smells of other cats while s/he is first adapting to their new surroundings.
- Feliway saves the day. If your new cat is an adult, you can use a store-bought product, Feliway.
- Feliway mimics natural cat pheromones and helps a new cat feel more comfortable. Feliway is available in spray and diffuser forms.
- Give your cat some cat toys for entertainment. Provide toys such as mice and balls in the safe room when you are not around.
- Spend time with your new cat. In the beginning, visit frequently for short periods. Visiting can mean interacting directly with the new cat through play or petting, quietly reading a book, or chatting on the telephone in the same space as your new companion. Remember that a nervous cat may growl, hiss, twitch its tail, or pull its ears back. The best response is to speak softly and give the cat some time alone.
- Transition beyond the safe room. Once you and your new cat have established a trusting relationship, the cat is ready to begin exploring the house. Be sure to start this process when you are home to supervise. Close most of the doors so the cat can orient itself in stages. Too many new spaces at once can be stressful and frightening.
- Ready to explore the roost. Remember, integration into the rest of the house depends on your new cat's personality (as well as your existing pets). Sometimes, the integration process can begin in two to four days; however, it is sometimes best to wait a few days.
