6 Tips for Bringing a New Cat Home (Petco)

Okay, here's some helpful advice on welcoming a cat into your home. Timid Kitty Here's a really important thing to understand about your newest family member. Many cats will initially be timid or shy and will likely hide when first brought home. It doesn't mean your cat will be antisocial. He just needs some time to adjust and feel comfortable in his new surroundings, which may take several days. You can help your cat during this adjustment period by giving him a safe, quiet room of his own, so he isn't overwhelmed. Spend some time in the room just sitting quietly while you watch TV or read. When you think he's ready, try to tempt him out with a toy or some food, but let him proceed at his own pace. Once your cat's comfortable, you can gradually introduce him to other areas of your home. Night Owl Nighttime activity for cats is common. Given the choice, a cat would prefer to sleep during the day and then hunt and play at night. Cats tend to be most active from middle to late evening and will play well into the early hours of the morning. To help him adjust to your schedule, provide him with interactive toys and multiple play sessions during the day, including one just before bedtime. This should help tire him out and get him used to your routine. Drink Up Urinary tract diseases are common among cats. They're especially dangerous and can be fatal in male cats if not treated immediately. One way to help avoid these diseases is to be sure your cat drinks lots of water. Drinking water can also help prevent kidney failure in older cats. So put out plenty of water bowls and make sure you add fresh water every day. Kitty Comforts Cats love to nap, so provide a number of cozy sleeping areas around your home. Some cats like lots of cushioning, while others prefer flat surfaces like cardboard. This can even change depending on the time of day. Experiment with your cat's bedding to find out what he prefers. Also, many cats like a sunny spot to relax in. Consider giving your cat a window ledge so he can snooze in the sun. The Pickup Artist As simple as it may seem, it's important to know the right technique when picking up your cat. Here's how you do it. Place one hand on his chest, just behind his front legs, and use the other hand to scoop up his back end and rear legs. Keep in mind that cats don't like to feel trapped or restrained, so picking him up correctly is the best way to avoid either of you getting hurt. Plant Smarts Cats will often chew on household plants out of boredom, curiosity, or because they're craving vegetation. Many common plants can be toxic, and some, like lilies, can even be fatal. Other deadly plants include azalea, caladium, castor bean, cyclamen, dumb cane, English ivy, mistletoe, oleander, philodendron, sago palm, tulips, and yew. So be sure to decorate your home with only feline-friendly plants. And consider giving your cat a safe plant to munch on, such as a small container of oak grass or wheat grass, which you can find at your local pet supply store. Adopting a cat can be one of life's most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with new responsibilities. It's possible that your newest family member could be with you for a decade or more, so it just makes good sense to take a few minutes now to turn your home into a safe and feline-friendly environment. Remember, just like a child, your cat is counting on you to keep him out of harm's way.