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How does a cat adapt to its new home when it first arrives?

Pet Knowledge
This article is provided by Veterinarian Dr. Chloe Johnson
When a cat first arrives home, the owner first needs to provide the cat with a quiet and comfortable environment. This can reduce the cat's stress response and allow the cat to adapt to the new environment faster. Secondly, the owner needs to prepare food and drinking water for the cat to ensure the cat’s normal life. Cats usually eat when they go out for a walk. In addition, after the cat adapts for two to three days, the owner can consider interacting with the cat more to enhance the relationship with the cat. Generally, cats can adapt to the new environment within 1 week. It is recommended that owners take the cat to the pet hospital for deworming or vaccination as soon as possible after the cat adapts to the environment.

1. Provide a quiet and comfortable environment for cats

Cats are timid by nature, and kittens that have just arrived home may have a stress reaction. Therefore, it is recommended that the owner isolate the cat first, provide the cat with a quiet and comfortable environment, and reduce the surrounding noise. At the same time, you should also prepare a clean and comfortable cat nest for the cat, with some soft items such as blankets in it to help the cat reduce its stress response. Additionally, if there are other animals in the home, isolating the new kitten can reduce the chance of disease transmission and reduce stress.

2. Prepare food and water for the cat

It is not recommended to change food and supplies immediately for a cat that has just arrived home. It can easily cause diarrhea, so the owner can prepare some of the cat’s favorite food and water. The food they eat will help the cat quickly rely on its owner. As long as the cat has someone it can trust, the cat will slowly adapt to the new environment. In addition, during the period when the cat first arrives at its new home, the owner can also feed the cat some immunity-boosting food to prevent the cat from getting sick.

3. Interact more with the cat

After the cat adapts to it for two to three days and is no longer so resistant to the owner, the owner can try to pet it and use cat teasing sticks or snacks Interact with cats to enhance your bond with them. At the same time, owners also need to spend more time with their cats, divert their attention with snacks or toys, and help them get familiar with the new environment as soon as possible.