7 Steps For Introducing New Cats To New Homes

7 Steps For Introducing New Cats To New Homes

by holistic cat behaviorist Layla Morgan Wilde

The easiest way to introduce a new cat to their new home is when there are no resident pets and never were. This post is about introducing a new cat to a new home which once had a pets. You may have moved to a new home where a cat used to live or your last pet has died. When a cat dies many pet owners choose to adopt another cat sooner or later. When there aren’t other pets to introduce the cat to, there are still practical considerations. All pets who move from a shelter environment into a new home need to adjust but when a new cat or perhaps a pair of cats enters a home where another cat once lived I like to call this introducing new cats to old cat ghosts.

• 1) Out with the old, in with the new?

• That depends. After the death of a pet, remaining pets who were bonded with the deceased will find comfort sleeping on their old blanket, bed etc. However if the pet died of a contagious disease, clean the house thoroughly and dispose of all their pet items. Seeing the dead pet’s bed, carrier, scratching post, toys and food bowls can be unnerving reminders of the loss. It’s all the more reason to partake in rituals to honor the pet’s life. It could be a ceremonial burial in the garden, cremation ashes stored in a special box, a paw imprint made, a pet portrait commissioned or framed photo placed in a place of honor.

• 2) Shopping vs recycling

• It’s not always practical to replace everything. Some cat condos are very expensive and can be “re-cycled” by spraying with an odor neutralizer like Nose Offence and then Feliway to attract the new cat. carriers can easily be cleaned and re-used. Some items may have too much sentimental attachment like a personalized food dish and best stored away, at least until the grief has subsided. A new pet will appreciate new bowls, fresh catnip toys, new cat litter box and a new bed. After all who wants to wear a dead person’s clothes or sleep in their bed? Some items though bring joy to a future pet and save money. When my mother’s last cat died, she disposed of all the cat’s beds, dishes, toys and pricey kitty condo thinking she would never adopt again but she did and had to shop for all the items again. If there are items that can you don’t want but can re-cycled, consider donating them to a shelter. Check your local shelter and rescue groups for donation wishlists.
• 3) Neutralize the entire home

• If you decide to keep the deceased pet’s items imagine a new cat sniffing another cat’s scent on everything the old cat had scented marked. The new cat will smell an intruder not knowing they’ve vacated the premises. If they feel threatened, they may urinate out of the box to mark territory. At least a few days before, plug-in Feliway the “feel good” pheromone to make the home feel more welcoming. Do a thorough clean, washing floors, dusting and vacuuming. Cats scent mark furniture, cabinet, corners and door jambs usually at cat nose height. Clean with a chemical-free cleaner like Fizzion and spray an odor neutralizer on fabrics.
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  4) Cat-proof the home

• Cats can be wily creatures if given the opportunity to escape. Before allowing the new cat(s) to explore the rest of the house, cat-proof it. Check enclosure or carrier latches. Think like a cat from their height and perspective. Do a top to bottom, room by room inspection. Make sure all doors (including basement, cabinets, shower, dryer doors are closed and windows screens secure without holes or cracks. The cat will be very curious and will want to explore the boundaries of every room on multiple levels. Ask yourself: if the cat would jump onto a large object, would it break, topple or trap the cat?
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• Note objects on every counter, shelf or furniture surface. Close toilet lids, keep toxic items, detergent, paint etc. safely stored away, cover electrical outlets and safely bundle electrical and drapery/blind cords, keep any small sharp or dangerous objects stores out of reach. Do not clean the floors or surfaces with toxic or chemical household cleansers.

• 5) Prep a Quiet Room

• If a new cat is brought to a home without pets and no introductions are needed, I still don’t recommend giving him an immediate run of the house. Prepare a quiet “cat room” equipped with his new bed, cat litter box, food dishes, toys and cleaned scratching post. Be sure there are places to hide and perch with a window view. Some cats will settle in fast and will be ready and eager to explore the rest of the house within a couple days. More nervous cats will need more time before exploring the rest of the home without being overwhelmed. This is especially true for large multi-storied homes. Before arriving home with the new cat, spritz Feliway spray along the baseboards at cat nose height and on the cat bed, sofa, upholstered chair or other furniture in the “cat room”.
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  6) Hello new home!

• When you bring the new cat (in their carrier) through the front door, announce: this is your new home. As you walk through the house to the “cat room” Place the carrier in the corner, close the door and open the carrier door. Tell the cat this is their special room, just for them. Go sit on the floor away from the carrier and wait. Be occupied with your own activity i.e. read, check your email, meditate. Don’t encourage with any “Come here kitty” talk. Allow the cat to come out and explore at their own pace. While sniffing out their new space don’t try to pet them or pick them up. Let them come to you. If they seek you out, rub themselves on you, give them a pet and a treat. Don’t over-do petting. If they hide, let them be. If they hiss at you, ignore them and leave the room. Whenever you leave the room say, I’ll be back later.
• Visit the cat several times a day to be sure they’re eating, drinking and using the litter. Place calming homeopathic drops or flower essences into the drinking water. Engage in interactive play as often as possible, at least twice a day. When they are itching to get out and explore beyond the closed door after a couple day, make that decision then.

• 7) Final prep

• After the cat has free run of the house keep their cat room as a private sanctuary if possible. Place the permanent feeding stations, litter boxes, perch and play locations strategically. Cats adjust to new situations quickly and it won’t be long before the new cat will be making as precious memories as the old “ghost”.