Bringing Your Cat Home
When you bring you cat home for the first time they may be skittish and uncertain. Many cats will want to hide, possibly for days. This is perfectly normal and is not a cause for worry, unless your cat seems unwell or isn’t eating, drinking, or using the litter box.
If possible, for the first two or three days at home, put the cat, along with the litter box and food and water bowls, in a room or two that can be closed off from the rest of the house. Make sure the litter box is as far away from the food and water as possible.
As you speak gently to the new arrival, reassuring him that there is no need to come out until he is perfectly ready, your cat will quickly gain confidence and begin to feel more comfortable. Let your cat explore at his own pace, but keep the litter box and food bowls in the same rooms for a few days longer, so that your cat has a safe place to retreat when feeling overwhelmed by new experiences.
If there are children in the household, they will be tremendously excited about the new arrival. Firmly instruct them to be quiet and considerate of the new family member, and closely supervise their brief meetings. Forcing the cat to socialize too soon will only slow down the trust-building process. Reassure the children that the cat will come out as soon as he is ready.
If you already have a cat or cats, keep them separate from the newcomer for a few days. This will give all of the cats time to become accustomed to one anothers smell and presence without the risk of physical confrontation. Introduce them in one or two brief (15 minute) meetings a day, gradually working up to longer periods. It may take some time for your cats to establish their relationship, but they will work it out. While some may become best buddies, others may only tolerate each other. Be sure to give all of your cats plenty of love and attention during this adjustment time.
Important note: To protect any cats already in residence, have your veterinarian check your new cat for anything infectious before you bring him home. If you have a dog, try to determine before you bring a new cat home whether your dog will get along with a cat. Perhaps a friend would let your dog meet her cat. When you introduce a new cat to your dog, use the tactics recommended for introducing cats; be sure, however, to control your dog using a tightly held leash when he first meets the cat. Let them get acquainted gradually under close supervision. Make sure the cat has a safe place to retreat to if needed. Don’t let your dog chase your cat, even in play. Lavish love and attention on your dog to allay his anxieties about the newcomer.