We’re Getting a New Kitty!!

Hints for a Smooth Transition to a New Home

Kathi Hoos

Every breeder and every new owner worries about the transition of a cat or kitten to its forever home. We all want the move to be smooth and happy for both the new pet and for the new family.

It is often that confident cat or kitten which may experience a more difficult transition to its new home. Cats and kittens quickly realize the new environment is not “home,” and they certainly do not  know these new people. Patience while adjusting is not easy when the cat is hiding or the kitten will not eat, so it is essential that the breeder understand the new owners could be justifiably concerned about their new pet. The breeder is their “lifeline” during this transition period, and the breeder being available by email, text or phone is important.

The Breeder’s Role

The breeder’s responsibility includes good advance preparation for the expectant family, who will need to know some essentials, such as the type of litter, the kind of litter box familiar to the cat, the canned/dry food being offered, along with the feeding routine. Photos of the foods provided before the adoption as well as the feeding schedule will help make the transition easier.

Instructions on preparing a safe room sent a few weeks before to the expectant owners will help ensure compliance, as turning a new cat or kitten loose in a new home can sometimes spell disaster. A small room made safe can help the new owner bond with their new pet. It is advisable to avoid rooms with large beds where it’s easy to hide, or allow places where the cat or kitten cannot be reached for reassuring strokes and hugs. The room should be free of cords and any other items that would not be safe if chewed. The litter box, food, bed, and toys should be readily available in the room, and providing a carrier with the door secured open is a good hiding spot that is safe.

Send to the new home samples of the foods the cat or kitten is used to, along with a toy and a towel or blanket that smells like the home it is leaving. Be sure the pet is given a good meal prior to leaving its birth home.

Give written instructions concerning the cat potentially not eating properly in its new environment, and when it’s time to contact you with issues. A 24-hour check-in report is advisable.

The New Owner’s Role

It is important that you as the new owner understand the cat/kitten may be frightened and will need comfort, even if hiding. On average, cats and kittens adjust within three days to feeling relatively safe in a new home, while some may take as long as a few weeks. Try not to lose patience with the process: an older cat may require a  longer period to adjust than a very shy kitten, who will require more personal attention.

Follow your breeder’s advice on a safe room. Your bedroom is not ideal, as there are too many places to hide where the cat or kitten cannot be reached. A large bathroom, a den, or other room where there are very few or no unreachable places will work best. When you get your new pet home, place it in the safe room, making certain all of the necessities are close by.  Fasten the door of its carrier open so it remains a known and safe place to hide.

You should visit your new pet often, getting it used to your voice, offering irresistible push up treats or baby food – Just spending quiet time in the room while reading a book or checking email will make it used to your presence.

Because your new cat or kitten may not eat at first, discard any canned food after several hours, with the exception of leaving a bowl overnight. Often, cats will eat when all is quiet and they are alone. It is not unusual for the litter box to remain unused for the first 12 to 24 hours; after that there should be evidence.

If after 24 hours they still have not eaten: with your breeder’s permission, prepare plain boiled chicken, or open a water-packed tuna can to encourage them. Once they begin to eat in a new home, things often move along more smoothly. Lots of attention is needed, even when the cat or kitten does not appear to want it. Physical contact is very important, with stroking and patting. Encourage play with wand toys after the first day.

Once the cat or kitten is more social with your family, open the door to the safe room (if you have no other pets) and allow them to come out as desired. When you are not around to supervise, return the cat or kitten  to the safe room. In about a week, you will feel the room is no longer needed, and you may move food, litter, etc., to the places you prefer.  As a reminder, do not expect a young kitten to climb stairs or go far to a litter pan; after they are 8 months old, they are better prepared to venture further.

If There Are Other Pets

If you have other pets in your home, do NOT introduce them until the new cat or kitten is trusting of you. Allowing them to “meet” with paws under the door of the safe room is fine. If you have another cat, you can exchange beds or blankets every day so that each gets the smell of the other. When ready to make face-to-face introductions, open the door and let them meet on their own. You may see fluffed tails and big eyes, but if there is no aggression, monitor the meeting very closely. If signs of aggression do occur, place the new pet back in the safe room and do not punish the resident cat in any way. Just repeat the quiet meetings until there is acceptance. If your other pet is a dog, make sure it is on a leash and close at hand for the first meetings.

In Conclusion

The amount of effort the breeder and new owner put into the transition will determine how quickly and effectively the adjustment will take place. You are each other’s life line – Maintain communication and things will go more smoothly.