Life in Paws

Bringing a new cat into your home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful preparation and adjustment for both you and your feline companion. The first 90 days are a critical period in establishing a strong bond with your new cat and ensuring a smooth transition into their new environment. In this guide, we will explore some useful information and tips, including do’s and don’ts, to make the first 90 days a positive and enriching experience for both you and your new furry friend.

Before Bringing Your Cat Home:

• Prepare Your Home: Ensure that your home is a safe and comfortable environment for your new cat. Remove any potential hazards, such as toxic plants, small objects that could be swallowed, and accessible cords. Designate a quiet space with a cozy bed or blanket where your cat can retreat and feel secure. Set up a litter box, food and water dishes, and some toys before your cat’s arrival.
• Choose the Right Supplies: Invest in essential cat supplies, including high-quality cat food, a litter box with unscented litter, food and water bowls, a scratching post, interactive toys, grooming tools, and a cat carrier. Providing the right supplies will help your cat feel at home and meet their basic needs.

During the First 90 Days:

• Gradual Introduction: When you first bring your cat home, give them time to explore their new surroundings gradually. Start by confining them to one room, like a bedroom or a quiet area, with their litter box, food, water, and a cozy bed. Allow them to acclimate to this smaller space before gradually expanding access to the rest of the house.
• Patience and Understanding: Every cat is unique, and some may take longer to adjust to their new home than others. Be patient and give your cat time to feel comfortable and secure in their new environment. Understand that they might be timid or skittish initially, but with time and patience, they will likely become more confident and affectionate.
• Create a Routine: Cats thrive on routine, so establish a daily schedule for feeding, playtime, and litter box cleaning. Predictability and consistency will help your cat feel secure and reduce stress during the adjustment period.
• Socialization: Gradually introduce your cat to family members and other pets in the household. Allow them to interact at their own pace, and never force them into uncomfortable situations. Positive and gentle socialization will help build trust and facilitate harmonious relationships between your new cat and other family members, including other pets.
• Play and Interaction: Engage in regular play sessions with your cat to build a strong bond and provide mental and physical stimulation. Use interactive toys, laser pointers, or feather wands to mimic prey and encourage natural hunting instincts.
• Proper Handling: Handle your cat gently and respectfully. Let them initiate contact and avoid overwhelming them with excessive attention. Be cautious when introducing children or unfamiliar individuals to your cat to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
• Veterinary Care: Schedule a visit to the veterinarian within the first few days of bringing your cat home. A comprehensive health checkup will ensure that your cat is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. Discuss spaying or neutering options if your cat has not been altered already.
• Litter Box Training: Most cats instinctively use the litter box, but accidents can happen, especially during the first few days. If your cat has a litter box accident, avoid scolding or punishment. Instead, clean up the mess promptly and place the soiled material in the litter box to encourage proper usage.

Do’s during the First 90 Days:

• Do be patient and understanding during the adjustment period.
• Do provide a safe and enriching environment with plenty of toys and stimulation.
• Do establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, playtime, and litter box cleaning.
• Do socialize your cat gradually with family members and other pets.
• Do provide regular play and interaction to build a strong bond with your cat.
• Do handle your cat gently and respectfully, letting them initiate contact.

Don’ts during the First 90 Days:

• Don’t overwhelm your cat with excessive attention or handling.
• Don’t force your cat into uncomfortable social situations.
• Don’t scold or punish your cat for litter box accidents.
• Don’t neglect regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations.
• Don’t introduce your cat to a busy or noisy environment immediately.

The first 90 days of owning a cat are crucial for establishing a strong bond and ensuring a smooth transition into their new home. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, being patient and understanding, and following proper guidelines, you can set the foundation for a happy and fulfilling relationship with your new feline companion.