How to accustom an older cat to a new home?

How to accustom a cat to a new place after moving

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In this case, everything is not so scary. Firstly, the pet is accustomed to its owner. Secondly, things the animal knows the smell of will move into the new house with it. However, it will not be easy for the cat to get used to a new area, especially if the animal is released outside. How to help him:

  • If at first your pet will look for secluded places, try to hide, hide, there is no need to drag him out by force. Let the desire to explore new territory come on its own;
  • When the time comes to get acquainted with the situation, you should not prohibit the cat from inspecting and sniffing even the most secluded places of the new home. You can limit access to corners not intended for his curious nose a little later;
  • if the animal is used to walking on the street and finally decides to go out, you must definitely leave ways for it to immediately retreat, since the local inhabitants can meet the new applicant for the territory very unfriendly, and the pet still feels very insecure;
  • no need to change the animal's diet. Cats have a sensitive digestive system, and stress can already have an adverse effect on their well-being;
  • You shouldn’t change your pet’s accessories at the same time as moving. In the old bed it will be much more comfortable for him to adapt to sleeping in his new home.

Important! You need to be attentive and especially affectionate with your pet, this will help him realize that nothing terrible is happening, and he will sooner adapt to new conditions.


Cats always hide when they get to a new home.

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If the animal returns to its previous place of residence, then it is necessary to talk with its residents. Ask them to scare the cat away, keep her out of the house, and even spray her with water. If he is driven away and watered several times, it will become clear to him that he is no longer welcome here.

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At first, the pet will be sad, but he will have to go through this to achieve what he wants. When moving, the cat does not need to be allowed to see and remember the road. It’s good if the animal travels in a box in the trunk of a car. In the new home, you need to organize a comfortable place where the cat will want to come and relax. Here it is better to put her favorite toys or things that she liked to lie on.

How to tame an adult cat to a new owner

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If you decide to take an adult animal into your home, you need to keep in mind that the character of the future pet, habits and habits have already been formed. Breed qualities are also important here; for example, adult “Britons” take quite a long time to get used to a new owner, while sociable “Abyssinians” are ready to interact almost immediately. With a mongrel, affectionate, purring cat there will be a minimum of problems, but if the animal is wild, it will be more difficult to adapt it. So how to accustom a cat to a new home?

  • When taking an animal from its previous owners, you need to ask for some things that the pet is used to and knows their smell. It is worth asking about the habits of the new tenant and try, at least for the first time, to provide the cat with the same living conditions that he had before.
  • It is important to ensure the animal's safety. It is necessary to explain to household members that they cannot leave windows open (especially if the apartment is higher than the 2nd floor), they must watch their step and, when opening the front door, make sure that the cat does not jump out. It is necessary to turn off the stove and iron, when going to turn on the washing machine, it is recommended to check whether the cat has climbed into the drum.
  • If at first the new inhabitant of the house is shy, hides, and does not want to communicate, you should not touch him. You need to let the cat know that his wishes are respected. An animal will never begin to trust if you force it to communicate. For example, when you want to pet a pet, you first need to extend your hand to it, the cat will sniff it and, if it doesn’t mind being touched, it will try to rub itself against it.


It is possible to establish mutual understanding between a person and a cat, but it takes time

  • Under no circumstances should you shout at the animal or hit it, even if the pile or puddle is not where it should be. The cat either hasn’t yet figured out which place he’s been given for the toilet, or he’s trying to say something. Screaming, and even more so physical impact, never contributes to establishing mutual understanding.
  • When arranging accessories for your pet around the house, you need to watch the cat; she herself will tell you where she would prefer to sleep, sharpen her claws and go to the toilet. Perhaps it will be possible to find a compromise, and the animal will be happy.
  • If you plan to let your cat outside, you should not do this until he finally gets used to the house, otherwise the pet may simply get lost.

Note! Accustoming an adult cat to a new owner and environment will require patience, attentiveness and respect for the animal.
But, if you can find contact, life together will become simple and full of pleasant communication.

Dangers at every turn

A kitten is the same child, small and unintelligent. Every day he explores new territory, not even suspecting how many dangers may await him. What should the owner do to protect the baby?

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  • Remove all flower pots. It doesn’t matter whether they are on the windowsill or somewhere else. The kitten may not knock them over, but it can taste the leaves “to the teeth.” And some indoor plants can be poisonous.
  • Raise and secure the curtains. Curtains and especially heavy drapes are a favorite pastime for cats, regardless of age. They love to climb on them. In the best case, the cats will simply tear off the curtain, in the worst case, they will fall down along with the curtain rod. In the worst case scenario, your claw will get stuck in the curtain fabric and your finger will be broken or dislocated.
  • Close windows and vents. It's good if the apartment is on the first floor. Even after chasing a flying bird, butterfly or fly, the baby will simply jump onto the lawn under the window. The main thing is that he does not hide in fear in the basement, where it will be difficult to find him. It's another matter when the apartment is on the top floors of a high-rise building. A special peak of “catfall” occurs in the warm season, when windows and balconies are open. Therefore, it is worth taking care of a special durable mesh in advance.
  • Remove all litter from the cat's sight. No matter how well-fed the pet is, animal instincts always kick in. And everything that smells good should be eaten or at least tasted. The result is overturned trash cans, dirt and intestinal obstructions. Even a small piece of plastic from fish or meat can cause trouble. And then you can’t do without the help of a specialist.
  • Hide the wires. Kittens love to chew on them, which is fraught with tragedy.

However, even the most caring owners cannot always foresee everything. Therefore, if there is the slightest problem with the kitten’s health, they should consult a veterinarian for advice.

How to adapt a kitten

On the one hand, it is easier to accustom a kitten to a new place of residence than an adult animal, but, on the other hand, it is also more troublesome. First of all, you need to prepare yourself and your family members for the arrival of your baby. It is difficult to answer how long it usually takes a kitten to get used to a new home; the period varies in each specific case, but this process can be accelerated.

Necessary purchases

How to accustom a cat to a house and sleep in it

Before you bring a little purring bundle into your home, you need to stock up on everything he needs for life, food and play:

  • bowls for water and food (preferably heavy ceramic ones so that they cannot be turned over);
  • tray, filler and scoop;
  • toys;
  • a bed or house (kittens love to hide);
  • scratching post;
  • feed;
  • nail clipper;
  • brush for combing wool.

Security measures

The house must be completely safe for the kitten. What needs to be done before the baby arrives:

  1. Get rid of poisonous plants (the kitten can chew them and get poisoned).
  2. Hide all electrical cords.
  3. Place threads, needles, household chemicals, and plastic bags out of reach.
  4. If possible, install door limiters (due to a draft, the door may suddenly slam shut and hit the kitten).

Important! It is necessary to explain to household members that they must always watch their step, do not leave windows open, and close cabinet doors.

What to remember when going for a kitten

It is better if you pick up your pet with a special carrier and put soft bedding in it. It is not safe to carry a kitten in your arms; it can escape, especially if the journey is long. At home, you should place the carrier on the floor, open the door and wait until the baby comes out on his own.


Do not forcefully shake a kitten out of its carrier.

You should definitely ask the breeder what the baby ate. You can ask to put a little litter into the bag, which the cat family has already used. At home, you need to add this litter to the tray, this will make it easier to teach the kitten to go to the toilet, because the smell is a guide for cats.

Kitten in a new home: how to prepare

Prepare the necessary things for your pet in advance: a litter tray, litter, bowls for food and drink, a bed, a scratching post, brushes and a first aid kit.

Before adopting a pet, do the following preparations:

  • Remove wires, cleaning supplies, trash bins, and small objects that he might swallow from the room. Hide everything that poses a danger to the baby.
  • When the kitten gets comfortable, he explores the space and climbs onto the windowsill. Therefore, put a mosquito net over the window for safety.
  • Ask about the diet, food and cat litter used by the previous owner.
  • Organize your baby’s personal permanent place: a lounger, trays with food and water. Place them in the corner.
  • Take your pet home before the weekend or during the holidays. This way he will be surrounded by care.

Such an organization will make the pet feel safe.

Adaptation of an adult pet

Not only future owners, but also pets need to prepare for moving to a new place. It's no less stressful for them. To quickly adapt the animal to new conditions, the owners will need to take the following simple steps.

  • A couple of weeks before moving, buy a special sedative for cats at the pharmacy. It should be started before the move, so that at the crucial moment the cat’s psyche is stable, and it will cope with the move more easily. Preparation for such an event begins in advance: you put all your things away, remove carpets, curtains and other furniture. This is also incomprehensible and exciting for the pet. This is the second reason why it is necessary to start giving your pet a sedative in advance.
  • To quickly accustom an adult cat to a new home, try to complete all repairs before moving. She will be scared anyway, and if there is still noise and dust all the time, then she will not be able to feel safe at all.
  • When moving, try to be with your pet . He genuinely doesn't understand what's going on. He needs your help and support. When you enter a new apartment, walk with him through all the rooms. At the same time, it is advisable to stroke and talk to him affectionately.
  • Often, in a new environment, cats find a secluded corner and hide there. Don't worry about this. This is natural behavior. Do not try to remove the animal by force. Give him time to calm down and understand that it is safe here.
  • Don't forget to bring your pet's belongings to your new apartment. An old house or bed, bowls and a tray will help you quickly get used to the new environment. Even if these items are already worn out and you would like to replace them, do not rush. This can be done a little later, when the pet has fully adapted.

How to accustom an older cat to a new home?

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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:

How to accustom an older cat to a new home?
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.

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