I am adopting a 2 years old Siamese Mix from the shelter tomorrow morning. What should I do tonight to prepare for her arrival? Also, I heard you are suppose to confine the cat in one room first after you take it home. After a couple of days, I can let the cat roam around the apartment. Is this true? Also, how do I train my cat not to scratch the furnitures and use a scratching post instead?
2007-09-10 09:32:47 · 10 answers · asked by Maddy 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Congrats on adopting your kitty!
Prepare tonight by making sure the litter box is set up, and the food bowls are set out. I have heard that you should confine the cat to a room, mainly so that it gets to know you, your smell and the room it is in. After a day or so, you could let him/her out - but if it is timid, you may not see your cat for a few days. They like to hide in the most remote areas of your house. You'll be looking everywhere. Usually the cat will come out at night, for food because it is dark and quiet. As long as the food is disappearing, you have nothing to worry about. Your cat will come to you when it's ready :)
About scratching - I would put catnip on the scratching post. There is stuff you can buy and spray on your furniture that is supposed to keep the cat from scratching, but I don't know if it works.
Good luck!!
2007-09-10 09:42:17 · answer #1 · answered by sunnaybunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I brought in a new cat I let her explore everywhere for half an hour, which was about the timeshe was done looking around. Then I went and got her, showed her the food and water bowls, and where the litter box was. Put her in the litter box twice, just so she'd have to physically get out of it, then took her into the living room and sat her down next to me while I watched a movie.
She was fine with all that. I didn't have to confine her to one room or anything, but might have if she was the second cat in the place. Then it'd be a good idea for them to get to know each other's scent from under the door.
2007-09-10 14:10:48 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is great that you are adopting a kitty from a shelter!! I am with a rescue group and a vet tech and there are so many that need homes!! points for you! Make sure you have a litter box with litter, food and water bowls, food that the kitty has been eating while at the shelter! if you are going to switch the food you always want to do it slowly to prevent the kitty getting diarrhea and you having to clean up after it. Yes it is always a great idea to start the kitty out in 1 room first, make sure all its needs are in that room. Sometimes it helps to do it for about 1 week so it gets used to you and its new surroundings. Make sure you have a scratching post in that room so it will get used to using it. when you bring it out of the room show it where everything will be so it knows. sometimes putting there paws on the post and lightly rubbing its paws on it will help as well! GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY~
2007-09-10 09:50:46 · answer #3 · answered by elisasousa1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's true you should confine it to one room for a few days just so that she gets to know her surroundings and feel safe and secure. Being in a new place can be overwhelming and scare her. I recommend putting her in the same room where you plan on keeping the litter box because she'll need to know with no uncertainty where that is located.
As far as scratching, there's a number of options and you can search the answered questions for advice.
Plus it's cool that you're adopting a cat. I just adopted two little brothers and they are so much fun and so loving. I couldn't have asked for better pets. I hope you have the same experience.
2007-09-10 10:18:50 · answer #4 · answered by Julie6962 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have her food and water dishes filled and in place,as well as a bed ( cardboard box with a towel will do),litterbox,scratching post,toys,etc.You can confine her if you like,but it's not necessary.Just watch that she doesn't sneak out the door when you're not looking ~ cats are quick! I assume she's already spayed and vaccinated,but you might want to make a vet appointment to make sure she's in good health and to establish yourself with a vet in case of emergency.To get her to scratch the post,rub some catnip on it,praise her when she uses it,and keep a squirt gun on hand .If she starts to scratch your furniture,a squirt and a loud "NO!",then re-direct her to the scratching post.Good luck and bless you for adopting from a shelter.
2007-09-10 09:46:54 · answer #5 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure you have food, feeding bowls, toys, litter box, etc. Introduce the scratching post to her, it does not guarantee that she won't scratch the furniture. I've always let my cat have the run of the entire house, I've never confined them to one room. The cat may avoid you for a couple days, but she'll come around.
2007-09-10 09:44:47 · answer #6 · answered by aecfac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's wonderful to hear that you are adopting a cat!!!! When I adopted my kitten I kept her in one room until she was comfortable in her new environment. Buy a scratching post and play with her near it and she should get the idea that this wear she scratches you can also buy those cardboard scratchers and sprinkle catnip on them to attract her to it.
When getting a new cat, you will need:
* Cat carrier
* Cat bed (purchased or homemade)
* Food and water dishes
* Food
* Litter box, litter, and scoop
* A collar and tag (your kitten should wear them whenever he leaves the house, even if he is inside a cat carrier)
* Toys and a scratching post
* Grooming supplies, the type will vary with the breed of cat
* Health care supplies including ear cleaner, cat toothbrush and toothpaste
* Book(s) on cat health care and behavior
****Before getting your kitten, find a veterinarian whom you will be willing to work with for the next 20 years. Make an appointment for your kitten's first exam prior to actually getting the kitten.****
2007-09-10 09:56:44 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure they get their shots and these are the things you will need for your cat.
Cat litter box
cat litter
cat food
cat toys
cat scratching post
water bowl
water bottle for if the cat starts to scratch the furniture.
2007-09-10 10:24:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
siamese is an awesome breed. the mix will probably take some of the feistiness out of her, but they are still quite nervous. she will also be pretty intelligent, so the scratching post will come easy to her. just show her how to use it a few times- as if you were a cat. she will pick up. just remember ,with a siamese it is all about them. you are there to serve them. they will reward you with incredible amounts of love and loyalty. have fun!!!
2007-09-10 09:44:24 · answer #9 · answered by ronblackheart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one good peice of advice is : Don't listen to what scientists say, if it works for your cat do it. Also, i think if it's old enough i would let them roam around. Is it an indoor cat? I like my cat to go outside b/c he gets mad at me if i don't let him. I think if he is an indoor cat i wouldn't declaw him since he's an adult but that's for u to decide i guess.
CATS DONT LIKE CAPTIVITY remember that
2007-09-10 09:44:40 · answer #10 · answered by justme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋