| As you may already know, cats are very territorial | | | | with him, or her, and offer lots of affection and |
| and often find moving home traumatic, confusing and | | | | reassurance. Try to be patient and remember to |
| frightening. Therefore, if you are welcoming a new | | | | speak in a calm, soft voice. This should help your cat |
| cat into your home, or you are moving house with an | | | | adjust quickly and feel confident in his, or her, new |
| already established pet, there are a few things that | | | | environment. |
| you can do to help your cat adjust to its new | | | | Advice for Owners of Outdoor Cats |
| environment. | | | | If your cat is an outdoor kitty, then it is a good idea |
| It's Natural for a Cat to Hide | | | | to be a little cautious in the first few weeks of being |
| When first introduced to a new home, it is perfectly | | | | in new surroundings. Usually, it is advisable to keep a |
| normal for a cat to find a small corner of the house | | | | cat indoors for at least two weeks when introduced |
| to hide in. You can try to tempt the cat with a tasty | | | | to a new home. However, if your cat is finding it |
| treat, a favorite toy and some words of | | | | hard to adjust, you may wish to keep him, or her, in |
| encouragement, but you should never force the cat | | | | for a little longer. |
| to relinquish its hiding place. Often, if left alone, a cat | | | | When you do feel that your cat is ready to explore |
| will soon become curious and want to explore the | | | | the great outdoors, here are just a few of the |
| rest of the house. However, in the meantime, there | | | | things that you should bear in mind. |
| are a number of things you may like to do to try and | | | | - Don't force your cat to go outside. Leave the |
| make your kitty more comfortable. | | | | backdoor open and allow the cat to explore in its |
| - Maintain a routine that the cat is familiar with. If you | | | | own time. Never pick the cat up and take it outside, |
| are moving home with you cat, ensure that you feed | | | | as this may cause great fear. |
| him, or her, at the same time and with the same | | | | - The first time your cat ventures into the yard, it is |
| food. On the other hand, if you are welcoming a new | | | | a good idea to keep an eye on him, or her. |
| cat to your home, it may be a good idea to ask the | | | | - If other cats are coming into your yard or garden, |
| previous owner, breeder or shelter, when and what | | | | then it is advisable to chase these visitors off. Bear in |
| he, or she, is accustomed to eating. | | | | mind, your cat is trying to establish this new |
| - It may be helpful to spread your cat's scent around | | | | environment as his, or her, own, other cats may |
| its new environment. To do this, simply take a clean | | | | prevent your kitty from feeling safe. |
| towel or cloth and rub the sides of the cat's face. | | | | - It is recommended that you leave a door or |
| Then, rub the towel or cloth along the doorframes at | | | | window open, so that your cat has easy access |
| approximately the height of your cat's nose. | | | | back into the house. |
| - Some cat owners advocate the use of pheromone | | | | - In addition, is it advisable to feed your cat before |
| sprays. These can be helpful, but are not necessary. | | | | you let him, or her, outside. If your cat is hungry, it |
| - If possible, spend plenty of time with your cat. Play | | | | may wander off in search of food and become lost. |