How To Calm Your Newly Adopted Cat's Anxieties In A New Environment
If you have recently adopted a cat, this will hopefully be a rewarding relationship for years to come. Sometimes adopted cats can suffer from anxiety and will take a little more time than you realize to acclimate to their forever home. Here are four calming tips for your newly adopted cat to keep their anxieties low and to help you gain their trust.
1. Keep Your New Cat Separate
While you might want your cat to check out their new home, it is a good idea to start small and have them sectioned off in a smaller part of this at first. They can get used to a bathroom or bedroom first with their own food, water and litter box. This will get your cat used to smells and sounds around the home so that these aren't so intense when they are ready to check this out. Try to keep your cat in a smaller space for a few days, and even longer if they still seem unsure.
2. Go Slow on the Introductions
If you have other pets or family members, everyone will be interested in the new member of the family. Don't overwhelm your newly adopted cat all at once. Swap out blankets and towels with other pets so that they get used to unfamiliar scents. Let family members into the cat's designated space one at a time and let your cat come to people for attention on their own terms.
3. Associate Yourself With Good Things
A great way to gain a newly adopted cat's trust is to be a part of their daily routine when it is feeding and play time. Your cat will get used to you being around while they are enjoying treats or cat toys. They will come to associate you with these good things and will learn to trust you over time.
4. Get a Routine Going
Pets can thrive with a set routine because they know what to expect throughout the day. A routine can build confidence and provide structure for a cat that may not have had this in the past. Be sure to set times of the day for feeding, playtime, and downtime. This can easily fit in with your schedule if you have a daily routine yourself. If you have a more erratic lifestyle, try to bring a little more structure to your cat's schedule to help them acclimate.
Sometimes adopted pets can have fears and anxieties from their past that can be hard to pinpoint. It is important to be patient with your new cat and let them settle in on their own terms. Try to be patient while making your new cat comfortable and safe, so that they can acclimate at their own pace. For more information, contact Pilot Knob Animal Hospital or a similar location.