After months of deliberation (mostly with yourself), you decide to adopt a cat. Well, one thing is for sure, you need to make the necessary adjustments before your cat arrives home. Your home is going to be its new home as well. What better way to welcome your new family member than to ensure that it feels settled and at home right away. Here are 5 simple ways to welcome adopted cats to your home.

Cat-Proof Your Home Beforehand

It is highly advised to prepare your home before your new bundle of joy arrives. A lot safer too! If this is your first time to live with a cat, you will be impressed with how resourceful it can be in finding a hiding spot. Oh, the trouble it can get into! Having a cat is like having a baby for the first few months at least. Cat-proofing is the same as baby-proofing, but this time, your baby can jump over high places, chews on almost anything, and squeeze into the tiniest of places. Windows should be kept shut all the time. Now, that can be a problem if you like the view and fresh air outside. A much bigger problem if you constantly forget to close all your windows. What you can do instead is to have screens installed. That way, you can leave your windows open without worrying about your kitty sneaking out. Trash cans should also be covered and always make sure that your cat is not inside your washer or dryer before turning it on. Also, get rid of poisonous plants as listed here https://purringpal.com/poisonous-plants-for-cats/ and small items that could potentially choke your cat. It can get quite tricky but it would do you good if you prepare for all the tricks your cat has on its furry sleeve.

Provide Your New Cat Its Own Space

Upon bringing a new cat home, it will be overwhelmed by the new surroundings. Even if you plan to offer your entire home to your cat, it may not be prepared to see all of it yet. What you need to do instead is to provide a small space preferably with doors so that it can take the time needed to find its footing. Slowly introduce your cat to other parts of the house but not all at once.  Do not ever leave your new pet in the middle of a huge room if you do not want it to get scared and feel lost.

Provide Your Cat’s Needs Including a Hiding Place

Your cat’s space should have all the necessities it may need. Supplies should include a litter box, water bowl, toys, scratching pole, and food bowl. The essentials should be readily available and within its reach. On top of that, you have to make sure that your cat also has navigation paths and hiding places. Once you have identified hiding places, you may create a tunnel out of paper bags so that it may freely move from its hiding place towards its litter box or food bowl. Leaving the whole room open with no tunnels could make it feel exposed and vulnerable.

Expect a Transition Period

You may wonder, how long will it take for your rescued cat to fully adjust to its new environment? Well, it depends on its personality and background. Why you may ask? As some cats may come from stressful living conditions prior to being rescued, their anxiety level may be high. That could potentially cause your new cat to not want to eat, drink or use the litter box right away. Usually, it will take around a week or two to see your kitty getting more comfortable within your home and around its new family members. Initially, your cat will feel more comfortable to eat when nobody is around. If there is still no sign of increased appetite and food intake on the first day, just keep on providing fresh water and small meals. It should be hungry enough to start consuming by the second day. If not, the situation may warrant a visit to the vet.

Wait for the Cat To Make the First Move

It may be tempting to try and hold your cat right away but if it is not ready at that moment, it may cause more harm than good. Same as with introduction to other family members. It should be done according to your cat’s comfort level. You can start by playing low-intensity games to make your cat more comfortable. Once you have earned its trust and it seemed interested in you, you can extend a finger to let it approach and sniff. Even at this point, do not attempt to pet your cat. Just let it comfortably sniff and get comfortable with you. There are so many ways to help your cat adjust to its new home. As much as you want to play with your pet right away, you have to understand the background it came from. For rescued cats, you have to put in mind that these feline friends might have previous owners and homes. Whatever you do, do not force them. Let them adjust at their own pace and in no time, you will be best of friends!