Making a Cozy Home for Your New Senior Cat
Our team wants to make it easier for you to welcome a new cat into your house in honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month—which, in our opinion, ought to be observed each month. Being sensitive animals, cats may find it stressful to enter a new setting, particularly if other animals have already staked out the area.
If you’re bringing home a new cat—or two or three—follow these tips from our team to help them feel welcome.
#1: Create a safe space for your new cat
Your new cat may need a few days to become used to you, and if you have other pets, it may take much longer for them to adjust to your home. By giving your cat their own set of resources, you may help them feel safe and secure in their new surroundings. To avoid competition for necessities, keep your kitty buddy in a sizable room with their own litter box, food, water, scratching post, and blanket. To help your new cat get used to you, spend lots of time playing, petting, and interacting with them. However, give them time and space to explore on their own without interruption.
#2: Stick to the same diet
The stress of moving to a new environment can cause a cat’s delicate digestive tract to become unsettled, so avoid further stress by sticking to the same food your cat was eating. If you want to switch them to a new diet, give them a few days to settle in with their current diet, then take a week to slowly swap out the old for the new food.
#3: Give your new cat time to settle in
A cat may need a week or two to settle into their new home, so save the meet-and-greets with family and friends until your pet is comfortable with you and their surroundings. However, you should schedule a meet-and-greet with your regular veterinarian to ensure your new cat is healthy and up to date on preventive care. Another trip so soon after the ride to your home can be stressful for your cat, so let them relax for another week before any other introductions.
Congratulations on your family’s feline addition! Give your veterinary team a call to schedule their senior wellness visit.