Introducing Your New Cat to Your Home

So, you’ve just adopted a new cat--Congratulations! Now it’s time to introduce your new kitty to its home. But how do you make sure the transition from shelter to home is as smooth and stress-free as possible? Read on for our top tips for introducing a new cat into your home.

1: Prepare the Space Ahead of Time 

Before bringing your new cat home, prep the space where they will be living. Make sure that food, water, litterbox, toys and bedding are all in place. Also make sure to keep your existing pets away while the introduction process is taking place. It can be helpful to give the new cat their own room or designated area in which they can feel safe and secure before allowing them to roam freely in the house. 

2: Keep Everything Calm & Quiet 

When introducing your new pet, try to keep everything calm and quiet so that both cats have time to adjust without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out by loud noises or frantic energy. If possible, avoid having too many people around when first introducing them—it may be best to just have one or two people present at first. Give them plenty of space and time alone together so that they can get used to each other’s presence without feeling overwhelmed or pressured by outside forces. 

3: Slow & Steady Wins The Race

The introduction process should be slow and steady—don’t rush it! Start by letting them see each other through a baby gate or something similar so that they can get used to each other’s sight and smell over time before finally meeting face-to-face (or fur-to-fur!). You may want to consider giving treats or providing some type of reward when they are near each other during these early stages of introduction so that positive associations are formed right away between the two cats. Once they seem comfortable with each other, slowly begin increasing their interaction until finally allowing them to spend more time together in the same room with supervision from humans whenever possible.                     

Introducing a new pet into your home doesn't have to be stressful if you take things slow and steady! Preparing ahead of time by setting up their living space with food, water, bedding etc., keeping things calm & quiet during introduction time and rewarding positive behavior by giving treats are all key steps in making sure the transition goes smoothly for everyone involved - humans AND pets alike! Good luck!