Adapting The Cat To The New Home
Having to adapt to a new home can be traumatic for an animal. Some animals are better prepared than others to get used to a move; it all depends on the character. Today we want to give you some tips to make your cat adapt to an unfamiliar environment.
Moving to a new home
There are those who believe that having a cat requires little time in terms of care, unlike a dog; this idea is wrong. In a feline we must devote the same time to reserve a dog, even if it may not seem so.
Despite being domesticated, cats still possess many of the characteristics of their stage as wild animals and have only gradually adapted to their new living conditions. For example, they are territorial animals by nature and have not lost this quality over time.
The territory allows the animal to create a safe environment, in which it can feel at ease and free from threats to move in total freedom. Losing this perimeter is very stressful for them, as it represents their home and gives them peace of mind.
The moment in which a cat is introduced into a new environment is very important for the animal, as it will have to define a space that is unknown to it. Little by little it will delimit the areas in which it will carry out its usual activities.
The new perimeter
The best way to accustom a cat (of any age) to a new home is to leave it free in a closed room of adequate size. In this way, the animal will gradually become familiar with its territory, since it will be possible for it to delimit the space it will use every day. And it will certainly “mark” it with its pheromones.
The space must include the essential elements of his life as a pet : the litter box, bowls with food and water and a rest or play area. All these elements must be separated from each other by an appropriate distance; in this way the animal will adequately explore the territory.
Not all cats are the same, some are more shy than others. In this case, beware! The treatment must be the same. We must never put pressure on the animal.
The cat may crawl under furniture or hide, but don’t let that freak you out; it’s just his survival instinct and over time (maybe a week) he’ll be much more sociable.
If the furniture or bookcases in the house are tall, so be it. Cats are animals that feel much more confident when they are high up. If your cat is very shy, the ideal is to guarantee him some points on which he can climb and rest at a considerable height.
Satisfy their needs
We have already talked about some elements that must be in the safe place reserved for the cat. Some are basic and need no further explanation, such as bowls of water and food. However, felines also need more to fit effectively into their new home.
As animals still firmly attached to their wild instincts, cats need items with which to satisfy their hunting, tagging and hygiene needs. We recommend some of them:
- A vertical scratching post is a good idea for the cat; the higher, the better. If it has several levels, even better. This object allows the feline to sharpen and file its claws as it pleases, as it did several centuries ago during its wild state with the bark of trees, which also allows it to mark its territory.
- Some toys to have fun with and simulate hunting for prey in the wild. There are several toys for this purpose. We recommend those suitable for the size of the animal and which have moving elements, ideal for satisfying this need.
- Like all felines, cats are very clean. This responds more to their hunting instincts than to a need for hygiene, as many think. In fact, they usually perform this cleaning ritual near the litter box.
- They also need a special place on which to rub and get rid of dead hair. We advise you to show him the place you think is convenient as soon as possible.
And to conclude
When your pet feels comfortable in this safe space, it is time to open the doors to the rest of the house. Over time he will become familiar with the spaces that surround him and his life will pass normally.
Remember that cats socialize differently than dogs, ie during the walk; they do it in the presence of humans.
Otherwise, serious health consequences can arise and unwanted behaviors may develop.
