Author Topic: Settling in your rescue cat  (Read 7169 times)

Offline Sam (Fussy_Furball)

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Settling in your rescue cat
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2009, 18:40:28 PM »
Your new cat will need to be kept indoors for a minimum of 3 weeks

Please ensure you keep all windows and doors closed. A frightened cat will try to escape through the smallest of gaps. Do not forget the chimney is another escape route.

Cats are very determined when frightened, and are surprisingly strong - consequently they will try to get out if they can. Be one step ahead of them.

If you have a cat flap, please ensure it is securely locked. It will be necessary to make alternative plans for any existing cat to be able to get in and out.

A new rescue cat may hide for several days. It is best to let it settle in one room only. It may not want to eat or drink for this settling down period. This is quite normal and as soon as the cat feels secure, it will begin to respond to you and its new home. An upset stomach is also common during the settling in period.    A rescue cat can take several days to get used to your voice and new surroundings. Keep talking and reassuring it.  If possible, but without pestering, start to stroke and pet your cat as soon as they are comfortable with the situation. If the cat is obviously upset with your presence, allow it to come to you rather than you continuously following him around. 

If another cat is already in the home, they should be introduced gradually. A good way is to keep them in separate rooms for 48 hours. Then open the doors for a short space of time for a few days. There will possibly be hissing and growling which is natural. In their own time, they will learn to become friends.
 
Please give your new cat time and space to adjust to its new surroundings
 

Information taken from:  http://www.anim-mates.org.uk/settling_in_your_rescue_cat.html



The information is the opinion of the writer in the link to the website provided and is not a substitute for veterinary/professional advice.

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« Last Edit: July 23, 2009, 17:39:06 PM by Janeyk »
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