I am bringing home 2 new cats at the weekend and was wondering if anyone had any advice? Have had cats before but never 2 together. They are aged 3 and coming from a rescue centre where they were taken away from their owner because they had too many animals. They are quiet and timid at the centre because they don't like it there, but we have been assured they will become more outgoing once they have settled into a new home. Any ideas for how to settle them in as I've only had kittens before and not sure how older cats find new houses. Also, need to go and buy supplies, so was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for things I might forget!
2007-02-18 21:22:01 · 12 answers · asked by Wafflebox 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
Should have mentioned that they're brother and sister and are together at the moment and the shelter wanted to home them together too.
2007-02-18 21:39:37 · update #1
Congratulations to you!! Ive worked in a shelter and know how hard it is to place to adult cats together, thank you for stepping up! Prior to bringing them home, set up a room for them to start in. Litterbox, food, bedding, etc. If they seem to be a little timid, the last thing you should do is just set them free, it could take hours to find them in the house. Just give them an area that they can relax in and get used to the smells and sounds of their new home. Leave them be for a few hours, go in and visit them, see how its going. If it looks like they are coming around, leave the door to this room open and let them explore on their own. You and your family should go about business as usual, they should acclimate to the household as it is on any normal day. They should come around fairly quickly. Having 2 cats, you ideally should have two litterboxes. The one in the room that you start the cats in can be moved to a more permanent location once they know the layout of your home. Two cats are no more trouble than one. Im up to five, and the entertainment from them never ends!! Its great, just give them a little catnip and watch them!! Good luck!!
2007-02-19 00:15:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! Let them explore they will want to go in every room and suss it out. Make sure you have two litter trays (a good clumping litter is best) fresh water and dry food and fresh pet meat (or canned food, whatever they're used to, the shelter will tell you) have the litter in laundry or similar and the food in the kitchen, if you intend keeping them inside, or other, but not near litter. Show them where the litter tray is, show them where their bedding is, and show them where their food is. Once they wander around and get familiar with their new surroundings, talk to them but respect their space; and they should start to relax probably after a few days. They may not use their bedding straight away but prefer to hide out under beds or other places. Don't forget grooming brush and pr coat rake, it they have long hair. I have two cats at the moment, and we had a third that was visiting with my son his owner for 10 months, a big problem between them, jealousy, but you wont have that problem because they are siblings, and know each other. Good luck with your new babies, I hope they settle in quickly, and you become a big happy family together.
2007-02-18 22:45:10 · answer #2 · answered by noitall 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are nocturnal with the help of nature, that's why he's extra energetic at night. Catsalso won't be in a position to work out besides in finished gentle; you're able to attempt dimming the lighting fixtures fixtures interior somewhat throughout the time of the day. As for the urine ... i'm definitely undecided what to show you how to already know. There could be some kind of smell soaking up pad this is in basic terms no longer risky to the cat, yet i'm undecided.
2016-09-29 07:50:35 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of good advice already given. I will just add that it's a good idea to keep the cats in a small area for a day or 2 before giving them the run of the house. Before you let them out of their carriers check carefully that there aren't any gaps that the cats could get stuck in - they may panic & try to escape. Block chimneys, for example. And don't let them outside for at least 4 to 6 weeks - they need that much time to adjust & to realize that this is their new home. Let them out aftger a few days & they could easily run away & get lost. I hope you will enjoy your cats; you are kind to offer them a home. Enjoy!
2007-02-19 02:49:16 · answer #4 · answered by Caro 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put them down in the middle of the room in their carry cases and open the door. then leave them, don't fuss them just leave them to venture out on their own. when they come up to you (not the other way around) pet them and give them something to eat.
if they were kept apart in the shelter then you should keep them apart for the first week or so too. try swapping a blanket or something with the other cats smell on between the rooms so they get used to the idea there is another cat around. they should be fed from different food and water dishes X
2007-02-18 21:36:05 · answer #5 · answered by Pat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hiya, How lovely of you to adopt 2 cats, 2 cat's will keep each other company. Keep them in for a few weeks so they will get used to their new environment, just give them loads of time to get used to you and your home, yes they may shy away from you at first but they will soon get used to you after a few weeks. I had a cat that used to hide from us under the fire! he became one of the most lovable cats i have ever owned, he was 12 last year and died of cancer. So just show them lots of love and affection, Cat's are Cat's and do what they want to do, and when they want to do it........You could get them a hammock for the radiator, a scratching post, dont forget your kitty litter, and loads of love.. GOOD LUCK x
2007-02-18 21:43:36 · answer #6 · answered by kevina p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Need a litter tray and cat litter, plus poop scoop to clean it with - cats bowls for food and water - plenty of cat food - DO NOT give them dried cat food alone as cats obtain liquid through their food as well as drinking. Dried cat food alone will damage their kidneys.
Need a proper scratching post - otherwise they'll sharpen their claws on your furniture.
Need to make them stay indoors for a few days - so that they do not wander away and get lost. Might be advisable to 'chip' them. At first when let out - do so only on a long leash - let them scratch in your garden and explore immediate confines so that they get used to the smells and views of their 'new' home.
Will need a lot of love and affection for a while to reassure them as this was something they obviously lacked in their previous home.
2007-02-18 21:38:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hopefully these cats will get along together. If that is not a problem then confine them to a small room. visit them often, lots of petting. as they settle you can give them more places to explore. you'll need a cat box, maybe 2, get clumping litter. its great compared to the clay. feed them canned food with extra water added or soften dry and add extra water.
2007-02-18 21:37:10 · answer #8 · answered by dianamapley59 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let them go outside for a few days, let them get to know you and their surroundings in the house. Take them outside gradually, for short spells and bring them back inside. They will start to trust you, and with all the loving that you can provide will give them security. Don't forget the scratch poles and the kitty litter trays, one each. They like their own belongings and smells.
Lots of yummy food and love, and you'll be fine.
2007-02-18 22:15:46 · answer #9 · answered by acolcres 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get a scratching post!!
2007-02-18 21:28:25 · answer #10 · answered by robbo1974 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋