Page 208 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

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20 6 C ARE AND BEHA VIOR

FIRST DAYS

Moving to a new home can be as strange an experience for a new
cat or kitten as it is for a human. Although a cat will quickly adapt
to his new surroundings, you should aim to make his first few days
in an unfamiliar household as calm and stress-free as possible.
To aid this, some advance planning and a course of action
A new family
member implemented by the entire family can help him to feel at ease.

Thinking ahead Welcome home
Plan to bring your cat home on a day when your house will When you arrive back at your house, bring your cat into the
be very calm and quiet, so that you can devote all your room where he will be spending his first few days. It’s best to
attention to him. If you have children, explain to them that restrict him to one or two rooms until he is settled. Check that
their new pet will be a little scared at first and that they any doors and windows are closed. If you already have other
should give him time to get used to them. Don’t let them get pets, make sure they are out of the way in another room. Put
overexcited about this new addition to the family. If you’ve the carrier on the floor and open the door. Allow your cat to
never had a family pet before, try to make your children venture out in his own time; be patient, and do not try to
understand that the cat is not a toy and will need to be kept remove him yourself. Curiosity will eventually get the better
calm for the first few days. of him, and he will leave the carrier and start to explore.

Transporting your cat
Your cat or kitten needs a secure box or
cat carrier to be transported safely. If
possible, put a piece of his bedding into
the carrier so that he recognizes the
familiar smell. Cover the carrier if
necessary so that he can only see out
of one end; this will help to reduce his
anxiety. Strap the carrier into the car
seat with a seatbelt or place it on the
floor to prevent your cat from being
thrown if you have to stop suddenly.

TOP TIP
Some cats are bolder than others. If
your cat leaves the carrier quickly and
appears confident, try introducing a toy
and playing with him for a while. This will
help to break the ice and make your cat
feel more relaxed in his new home.

FIRST STEPS
A cat will feel more in control if you let him
emerge when he wants. If you force him out,
you will merely succeed in causing anxiety.