This is a five year old cat, her owner is leaving the country and I would like to offer a home for her. I know nothing much about cats, but there will be people around here who can help me and the cat. How do I make her feel welcome? I have a small garden but am hesitant to let her go out at least at the beginning so she does not run away. I have no other pets.
2007-01-15 02:47:23 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
THAT'S COOL!!! Way to go... Really. Don't let her out. So many animals are lost due to outside. They wander off and get lost, cars (UG) etc.. The BEST thing to get a new cat use to the area... Bring her in.. Show here where the cat box is located... Show her where her food is at.. (Keep the food and the cat box away from each other, Cats don't like poopin next to where they eat. A few feet is fine.) Then if she lets you... Both of ya cuddle up for a nap.. If she is more active than that.. Get a piece of string and start playin!!! If she is up for it.. Maybe get a little somethin for her special, (can of catfood.) Get her a scratching post. That way she can have something to scratch on, not the furniture.
If you have live plants watch the dirt. If she WAS an outside cat that might be a catbox.. um.. eww.. Watch for poisons in the home.. Ciggy butts, plants, liquids that can spill (chemicals) etc.. stuff they can choke on, small ball toys etc..
Don't forget to ask the prevoious owner what food she might like the most...
2007-01-15 03:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by Renoirs_Dream 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cat's can be a rather temperamental animal especially the females of the species. Being that I have taken in many a cat into a home with other animals the best I can tell you is to allow the cat to feel as though it is in control of what is going on. What I mean by that is to give it plenty of attention and love but only when she is ready. Of course keep her well fed and the litter box easily accessible. Do not allow her to over run your home by scratching and tearing where she should not be but if she feels like hiding under the bed for the first few days let her. She will come out once she is ready and feels comfortable.
Another good idea is that if the previous owner typically kept the cat on a dry food diet then a can of wet food as a treat is a great way to earn a cat's trust. If she fed it wet food then use a little bit of tuna fish. Not to often though because it can then lose its magic of being a treat or reward. Pounce is also a very good idea.
Other then that the only way to win a can over is with what cats love most. BELLY RUBB'S.
OH and I would not allow the cat outside if she was not previously an outdoor cat or has her claws removed.
GOOD LUCK to you and the cat.
2007-01-15 11:04:41 · answer #2 · answered by Adam F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost - find a good location for the litter box and ensure the cat knows where it is. Second - Just leave the cat alone so it can explore and get to know the place - this can take up to 3 days! Third - Don't let it out of the house any earlier than 2 weeks from when it moved in. Fourth - make sure it has food and water readily available at all times during the day - cats are nibblers.
2007-01-15 10:56:52 · answer #3 · answered by proofofignorance 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't force the cat to be your friend. She'll come around in a day or so.
Most cats entering a new home will hide out for a while and then start to explore.
I find that giving them something special to eat helps. Like canned food or cat treats.
When you first bring the cat into your home show her the litterbox. Put her in it. She'll get out but this teaches her the location. Cats will find the food on their own, trust me.
2007-01-15 11:00:36 · answer #4 · answered by edepillim 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, never let her go outside. This will greatly lessen the lifespan of your new kitty. Now, how to make her feel welcome:
When you first bring her home keep her in one room, such as a bedroom. Put her food, water and liter in their with her and possibly a blanket or something that she use to sleep on in her previous home. Leave her in there for the first day or two and visit with her throughout this time. This will let her get use to you and the smells/sounds of her new home. Once you feel that she's comfortable, let her have free reign of the house. Get her a nice kitty condo and lots of treats and give her as much love and attention that she'll take.
Have fun!
2007-01-15 12:54:04 · answer #5 · answered by KL 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took in an older cat--and the thing with them is that they pick their people--so basically I left her alone and let her explore the house --she had her litter box and food/water --so she had all her needs met--remember your new girl is going to be missing her family--and she might be very vocal about that as well as being in a new home--you are right to not let her out till she knows you are family and she is home--Its going to depend on the cat as to how long it will take for her to feel comfortable with you and the situation
2007-01-15 11:00:08 · answer #6 · answered by skizzle-d-wizzle 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well... i've always had animals in my house and theres nothing better than giving them all of your attention . You wont need to do this forever but its till they get settled down and trust you completly that im sure they wont run of. Try also giving him the same food as what he priviously had at his old house. I had a friend who took on a dog because they was moving abroad and they've had him over to years now and he was the first pet of the family and has settled in easily. Hope you have fun with your new animal .x
2007-01-15 11:08:23 · answer #7 · answered by hayliielouiise 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please don't let her out unless she is used to being outside. If the cat is declawed never let her outside because she has no way of protecting herself.
Other than that, place a litter pan nearby and put her in it so that she knows where it is. Once she is used to it you can slowly move it where you want it. If you just suddenly move it she may not be able to find it when she wants to.
And, most of all, love her to pieces like I know you will.
2007-01-15 10:54:34 · answer #8 · answered by Fish Lover 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well make sure they have toys an dfood they like..make sure that you have time to play with th cat to cause a playful cat is better then a lazy one...and make sure if you have a little boy or girl that they don't pet them to hard
2007-01-15 12:20:32 · answer #9 · answered by dexalada 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I welcoem a new cat by having her food and water bowl ready, litter box set up, a nice place to sleep, toys and most importantly I spend a lot of time with it just cuddling and talking to it so it can get used to me and my voice.
2007-01-15 11:10:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋