A good start

A good start with your new cat

You have collected your new cat, bought things for her and prepared her arrival down to the last detail. How do you help her feel at home with you quickly?

How do you help your cat get used to her new environment?

Give your cat a room to stay in on the first day. Put her basket, food, water and litter box there. Let your new companion sit quietly in her travel basket with the door open. She will decide for herself when she wants to go exploring. Wait a while before introducing your new housemate to friends and family. Your cat needs to get used to her new environment in peace first.

What food should I give my cat in the first few days?

Give your cat the same food in the first few days as she had with her previous owner. If you want to switch to different food, wait until your cat has settled into her new home. Then mix old and new food together for a week before switching completely to the new food. This prevents stomach aches and diarrhoea. Cats are often very fussy eaters. A 13-week-old kitten eats about 3 portions a day. Let the food come to room temperature and make sure there is fresh water. Research shows that a cat drinks 30 per cent more if the water bowl is not right next to the food bowl. Place the water bowl at least 2 metres away from the food bowl.

How do I socialise my cat?

Cats are independent animals, but like dogs they need to be socialised. Start when they are still kittens. Always approach your cat calmly and lovingly, and you will quickly become the best of friends. Pick her up occasionally for a cuddle, and put her back on the floor when she has had enough. Let your cat sniff your hand before you stroke her and ask your housemates to give her attention too. Once your cat has settled in, introduce other people from outside the household too. Build it up slowly by letting visitors approach her one at a time. Be consistent about what your cat is and is not allowed to do. Correct her when she does something forbidden and reward her for good behaviour.

How do I teach my cat to use the litter box?

Place your cat in a room with a litter box and put her on the litter box regularly each day; she will soon get used to it. Do you have a covered litter box? Remove the cover or leave it open for the first few days, so the cat has a good view of her surroundings even on the toilet. Once she is used to the box, put the cover back on. Depending on the litter you use, remove urine and faeces once a day to once every few days. Also clean it thoroughly once a week. This keeps the cat happy to use her toilet.

How does my new cat sleep well at night?

The first night is exciting for your new cat. She is in a new environment and sleeping alone for the first time. She misses her warm nest, her mother, brothers and sisters. Help your cat by placing a lukewarm hot-water bottle and a soft toy in her basket. Remove small objects she might get caught on. Also check that no other animals can reach her. Food, water, the basket and the litter box should all be nearby. If you would like your cat to sleep with you, that is of course fine too. Just put her basket next to your bed and make sure a litter box is nearby.

What toys should I have at home?

Toys are not only a fun distraction for your cat, they are also extremely useful. With toys you give her extra exercise and train her skills. The most popular cat toys:

• Puzzle games: to get the brain working.
• Ping-pong balls: train the muscles.
• Toy mice: great to bite, good for the teeth.
• Toys filled with catnip: stimulate the sense of smell.
• Toys on a string: practise the hunting instinct.
• Tunnels: great for running.
• Climbing and scratching posts: sharpen the claws and offer climbing exercise.

Spread the toys around the house and swap them around. This keeps things exciting for your cat and stimulates her time and again.

When can my new cat go outside?

A cat needs to know where her home is before she can go outside. You naturally want to avoid her getting lost. With a kitten, it is best to wait until she is about 9 months old. Build it up slowly and walk outside with her at first. After about a month of short explorations, open the door or cat flap and let her decide for herself whether she wants to go out. By always giving your cat a treat when she comes back, you create an extra incentive for her to come home every evening.

How much adjustment time does my cat need?

How much time your new cat needs to settle in cannot be predicted in advance. This varies greatly from individual to individual. Let your cat settle in calmly and build a good bond with her. The sooner your new housemate will feel completely happy at home.