How to help a kitten adapt to a new home

Some tips on how to accustom an adult cat to a new home

Owners love their pets, but they make many mistakes when they want to accustom their cat to a new apartment. The fault is not selfishness, but a banal misunderstanding of the nature of cats. They live in a world of smells and sounds, and a change of scenery means a lot.

Everyone has noticed that a furry companion prefers a common place of stay with the owner (a room or a sofa).

Cats often come to sleep on their owners' clothes, leaving their scents and fur. This feature is used when moving to a new home, taking with you something the cat loves.

You should not throw away old bowls - an adult cat will feel calmer in a new place. The same applies to their usual “houses” made of plywood, ladders and “claw posts” (matting).

Imagining themselves on a hunt, cats often “hang out”, looking out the window, and do not respond to the call for dinner. When changing their old place of residence to a new one, they often refuse to eat, are not interested in anything, sit for hours, looking down at an empty corner, and behave completely atypically. When a cat moves in tandem with its owner, everything is simpler.

An old cat gets used to unusual smells slowly. If a new apartment or private house is smoky and has an atypical aroma, the cat will take longer to adapt. It is necessary to create appropriate conditions, reducing stress factors to a minimum.

It is much more difficult when transferring an adult cat to another family, where the environment, lifestyle and attitude towards animals are different. Changes in behavioral reactions and atypical habits are a normal reaction to stress. They cannot be punished for damaged things and aggressive behavior in their new home.

All animals are different, regardless of breed, color or gender. Instead of mutual hostility, offer the animal loyalty and goodwill. There is no need for excessive attention during this period; you should not ignore the cat’s claims either. They unconditionally perceive their place of residence as their own territory, so they can show waywardness.

How to help with adaptation when changing place of residence

There are many recommendations on forums and social network groups on how to accustom a kitten to a new place of residence. However, not all advice is useful; some can harm the psyche of an animal that is under stress without “helpers.”

For example, due to difficult adaptation to a new apartment, their fur may fall out in clumps. Bald areas are suggested to be treated with caustic ointments “for lichen” or to carry out anti-allergenic therapy by replacing food. This only makes cats feel more stressed.

In a new home, experts recommend doing the following tricks to help your cat adapt:

1. put a tray from the previous place of residence, where the pet liked to sit in the past;
2. if the cat is hiding, lay there an old woolen sweater with the smell of the previous home (without washing) to create the illusion of being in a familiar place;
3. do not leave the animal alone for a long time, the appearance of an “abandoned” complex may occur, resulting in damage to property;
4. close balconies, windows and doors - the pet will make attempts to return home;
5. Place an old tray, bowl, and toys in your favorite places.

Cats, by nature, are territorial animals - they should have their own den (box, house, niche) with a familiar smell. They mark their area and guard it jealously.

Any adaptation and change of environment is unpleasant, even if the pets behave relatively “normally”. Females are more flexible in this regard than males; kittens are just developing their awareness of the need for their own den.

How to improve relationships if the cat has a new owner

All representatives of the cat family are quite independent. They are capable of extraordinary love and affection for their owners, especially if they themselves have chosen or wandered into a new home. They say this is for happiness and increased prosperity; they cannot be kicked out - they will “take away” their wealth with them.

But what to do if the previous owners are forced to give up keeping their pets, trying to place them in good hands? It turns out that it is not so easy to adapt a cat to a new home with a change of owner.

To adapt your pet to its new owners, it is important to:

1. let them get used to the idea that this is a new home and owners, without imposing unnecessary manifestations of love and care, especially if the cat hisses and does not allow itself to be stroked;
2. try not to aggravate stress with loud sounds, strong smells, flashes of light and cameras;
3. the freedoms of the animal cannot be limited by any requirements or punishments;
4. You can’t “pit” new cats against existing ones - they must become friends themselves.

“A tame and kind cat,” as the previous owners claimed, often turns into an aggressive savage who does not allow herself to be petted. Most likely the problem is stress from moving. Perhaps something really confuses her in the new place - don’t rush to get rid of the animal, get used to each other.

What not to do?

For a kitten, adaptation to a new home or owner is much easier than for an adult pet, whose adaptation sometimes lasts more than one week. This is a very difficult period for a cat, which in stressful situations reacts even to minor details. Common mistakes that prevent your pet from being accustomed to new conditions are:

The adaptation period for an animal is difficult and it is important to support it with affection and patience.

• Getting rid of old things when moving to another house. An unfamiliar environment and foreign smells make the cat confused. Until the animal gets used to these conditions, it is not recommended to change the bedding, tray and bowls to new ones.
• Ignoring. An adult cat or kitten feels uncomfortable in a new home and experiences severe stress. Therefore, some behave inappropriately, constantly meow, refuse to eat, and relieve themselves past the tray. During this period, the owner must constantly be nearby, support the animal, and in no case ignore it.
• Punishment for wrong behavior. Because of stress, even a person will behave unusually, let alone animals whose lives and safety are in the wrong hands. If the cat is worried and gets lost in a new place, the owner needs to be patient and remind the cat where the toilet and scratching post is located. Under no circumstances should you punish your pet, hit or shout at it, otherwise the situation will worsen many times over.
• The presence of strangers in the house. The company of strangers, even for a sociable pet, is undesirable, as it causes unnecessary stress and nervous tension. Therefore, in the first 2-3 weeks it is important to provide the animal with a calm environment until it gets used to it and begins to feel calm.

How to adapt a kitten to new living conditions

Kids adapt more easily, a lot depends on their age. If the kitten is small, he is afraid of everything, hides, does not understand what a “tray” (sand, filler) is, if the mother cat took care of hygiene issues. The main thing you need to be patient with is to accustom your immature pet to the litter box.

At first, it should be placed where a small cat spontaneously empties. Sometimes it is useful to rake the substrate with your paw to awaken the instincts. Smells are more informative for cats than actions. It is useful to blot the urine of a small animal and leave it in a tray with fresh litter.

Pay attention to the baby, speak in gentle intonations, and do not leave him alone for a long time. Get used to feeding in a certain place, place the bowl and water bottle where it will be easier for the kitten to find them. Attract them there with tasty treats and the smells of their preferred food.

Feeding and care

An important issue is feeding the kitten after moving. You should ask the breeder in advance what food the baby is used to. If you have chosen a different brand of food, the transition to it should be smooth. You should not suddenly change your diet plan, feeding frequency or portion size, as this can lead to digestive problems. From the very first days, you need to show your pet that you can’t eat food from the owner’s table.

Feeding the animal is strictly prohibited. Firstly, in this way you can instill bad eating habits, and secondly, this will definitely not benefit the pet’s gastrointestinal tract, because human food is not suitable for pets.

It is important to take care of the new family member; to do this, you need to understand what he may need.

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First acquaintance with new housing

Kittens are usually brought in special pet carriers, boxes, and sometimes just in their bosom. This does not change the essence of the matter. As soon as the owner crosses the threshold of his home, the first rule comes into force - do not force the kitten out of its secluded place. You can put your baby in a box or a special house designed just for him, where he will feel safe.

The second rule is that the kitten should start getting acquainted with its new place of residence in one room: bedroom, living room, kitchen. The carrier or house just needs to be placed on the floor. Once the baby calms down and makes sure that he is not in danger, natural cat curiosity will take over and he will risk going outside. If he does not see anything, in his opinion, suspicious and frightening, then he will boldly go explore the new territory.

At the same time, owners and their children should try not to make sudden movements or scream with delight, so as not to scare the brave baby. Otherwise, it will quickly hide in a corner or under furniture.

But even if this happens, you cannot force the kitten out, this will only worsen the situation. The time will come, the pet will calm down and crawl out on its own.

The kitten's adaptation period

It is better to bring a kitten on weekends. These days can be spent with him, since leaving him alone during the first days is not recommended. To move, you should use a special carrier. This will prevent you from frightening the animal and accidentally causing injury to it. When you bring the carrier into the house, you need to open it. You should wait until the kitten comes out of it on its own. This point is very important.

It’s okay if the kitten initially hides behind the bed or crawls under the sofa. This is understandable, since everything is unfamiliar to him in the new house, and he is simply scared. A little time will pass, he will get used to it and stop being afraid. The more attentive the owner is to the pet, the faster and more painlessly its adaptation will be.

Preparing for the arrival of a cat in the house

The appearance of a new four-legged resident in the house is a significant event both for him and for the new owners. Cats experience stress when their environment changes, so you need to be well prepared for your pet. When preparing, you need to consider the following points:

• Comfortable environment. A cat may find a new space with many rooms intimidating. Animals experience fear and show wariness until they have fully explored the territory. To make it easier for your pet to get used to it, it is better to place it in a small room. After a few days, when he gets used to people and his room, the cat needs to be released to explore the rest of the room.
• A familiar bedding or house. Every cat has a favorite place, a cozy corner where it hides from prying eyes and retires. If the cat had its own house or bed, it is placed in a secluded place. This will create additional comfort and a feeling of peace. If a kitten appears in the house, which previously had no home, then you need to create a corner where it will be calm. A carrier, house or box is suitable for this purpose.

• Tray. In order for the cat to quickly get used to the tray, you need to place it in a safe but accessible place. If your pet is accustomed to one type of litter, you need to use it. If the cat had a litter box, he should move with her.
• Interior items. It is necessary to remove or rearrange vases, paintings, flower pots, and wires in advance, which the pet can damage in the process of mastering the space.
• Safety. Dangerous chemicals, powders, and medications must be removed, and the windows must be checked for screens so that the new pet is not harmed.

• Special devices. Cats need to sharpen their claws, so it is better to purchase a scratching post and install a climbing frame to keep the furniture intact.
• Other pets. If the new resident is not the only pet in the house, then the four-legged animals should not get to know each other right away. The cat needs to adapt so that it calmly accepts the presence of other animals.

At first, limit the space to one room.

For the first few days, keep your baby in one of the rooms. It should contain bowls and a tray. If the tray is far away, the kitten may not reach it or may even forget where the toilet is. There should also be toys and a scratching post in the room.

Place the carrier in the room and let the kitten decide when to go out. Let him get used to the new smells. Some kittens are more curious than others and will come out of hiding faster. Don't rush your pet. When the kitten comes out and gets used to it a little, show him where the tray is and where the bowls are.

Moving

It is very important to provide a comfortable transportation for your cat to its new home. After all, it is this process that often causes the most stress for a pet.

Carrying an animal in your bosom or in your arms is a bad idea. Many factors can frighten an animal:

• Street,
• unfamiliar smells and noises,
• the smell of a new person,
• dislike of being held, etc.

and the first reaction to fear and stress is to run away in an attempt to hide. It is unlikely that a person will have enough dexterity and strength to hold a cat that wants to escape. Therefore, it is best to transfer your pet in a special cat carrier.

Together with the cat, place a cloth with familiar smells or a familiar object there. This will make the trip much more enjoyable.

On a note!

If possible, transportation is carried out in your own car or by taxi. In public transport there is an abundance of different smells and sharp sounds that will irritate an already frightened animal.