If you let the cat roam free, it can seem like too much at first. Giving it one room gives it a chance to thoroughly explore that space before moving on to another.
Try putting the litter box and food on opposite sides of the room. In addition to being preferable for you cat, it forces it to explore the whole room.
For example, a cat tunnel or a cardboard box makes a good hiding place. Underneath beds (as long as it’s free from debris and dirt) is a good place, as is the closet.
A blanket or towel in a cardboard box is great for the first few days. It provides a bed, and it gives the cat a place to hide away if it wants.
Let the cat come to you. Don’t try to drag it out for cuddles. If the cat approaches, let it smell you. You can also try to gently pet it, but it may run away. Remember that each person in the house will need to spend time getting to know the cat. You can also try playing with the cat to help it get to know you by waving a string toy around so it wants to come play.
Try cutting the cords at the bottom or undoing the knot so they aren’t looped anymore. Some companies are making strangle-free blinds now, as it also poses a hazard to children. Long drapes and tassels can become strangulation hazards, as can vertical blinds, if your cat catches its neck between slats.
Make sure to put things like rubber bands and paper clips into drawers or jars where your cat can’t get them. Knickknacks are harder. You can put them on higher shelves, but cats are great jumpers. You may need to put some knickknacks behind glass.
Some chemicals, including some car fluids, taste sweet, which is why kitty may be tempted to lick them. Another option is to keep them in places where your cat’s not allowed, such as the garage.
Some common toxic plants include (but is certainly not limited to) aloe, lilies, baby’s breath, irises, and ivy. [7] X Research source Jean Johnson. Cat Expert. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Move these plants to high ground or hang them from the ceiling. Also, be careful of falling leaves, as even those can be toxic. You can also move them to a room the cat doesn’t go in or outside.
If you’re trying to get the cat to stay off furniture, you’ll need a bed in every room. It doesn’t need to be a fancy cat bed. Even a nice, flat pillow will work or folded up blanket. Consider putting them in spots cats will like, such as on window sills or in high-up places.
Choose a breakaway collar, which will come apart if your cat gets it snagged on something. Your cat will lose the ID, but it won’t be strangled by the collar. Another option is a harness. A harness has a loop that goes around the neck and one that goes around the cat under the first set of legs. The two loops are attached by at least one strap down the back, though having a strap on the chest is a good idea, too. Harnesses are good because it’s less likely your cat will be strangled by them, plus they’re harder to wiggle out of. Consider microchipping. A microchip is a small (think a grain of rice) chip placed under your cat’s skin. If your cat is taken to a shelter or vet’s, your cat’s microchip can be scanned to find out your contact information.
Ask the shelter where you get your kitten or cat what kind of food your using, as it’s good to at least start them on the same food. Some cats don’t like bowls that are too deep or narrow, especially if it constricts their whiskers. Consider a fairly small, shallow bowl, at least at first. If you know what litter the cat has previously used, it can help to use the same kind of litter in its new box. Some cats can be finicky about litter and litter boxes, so you may need to try several different kinds before figuring out what your cat likes.
The best scratching posts are sturdy and somewhat tall. It should be at least long enough for the cat to stretch out full length and sharpen its claws because cats often stretch out for the process.
Make sure that it has good ventilation. A hard-sided kind will also keep your cat safer in the car. The best place to put the carrier is behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat on the floor, if it will fit.
In addition, you’ll want to get your cat vaccinated if its not already, so having one in place is a good idea when you bring your cat home. Don’t forget, you’ll also want to get your cat spayed or neutered if it’s not already.
