All the supplies are here: that fresh litter box, the cat tree, all the toys. There's just one thing missing: the cat itself!
In this guide, I'll cover how my experience went and how you can make your cat feel more welcome in your house.
1. Make Sure Your Adjustment Room Is Ready
You might be tempted to let your new pet roam the entire house when they arrive, but this might not be the safest option and cause your new pet anxiety. Make sure all the essentials for your new cat is ready in one room, including the litter box, at least one independent toy, food and water bowls, as well as a bed. My kitten never used her bed and we ended up returning it, but every cat is different, so it's up to you if you want to try encouraging your cat to use a bed.
Also, try to keep the litter box at least 3 feet away from the food/water bowls to avoid cross-contamination. Sometimes, some litter can track out of the bin (we'll go over solutions for this another time).
2. When They Get Home
Once your new pet gets home, they'll probably be pretty scared and anxious of the new house. At this time, make sure your kitten stays in the adjustment room. Most of the time, your cat will try to hide under something for its own safety. While this is normal and completely okay, we want to make sure your cat is safe. It is best to give your cat natural hiding spots, such as a cardboard box or a cat perch with a closed-off loft.
In addition, it's a good idea to block all the 'unders' in the adjustment room. For example, it might not be a great idea to have your kitty get stuck under a couch. In my case, my kitten tried going under a cabinet used to store treats. We closed it off with some duct tape and cloth, but its a good idea to do this before your cat arrives home.
3. Then What?
After your cat settles into their room, it's a good idea to just sit on the floor and do your own thing. Don't try to pick up your cat or get its attention at this stage! Let your cat come to you themselves and gently pet them on the back if they seem comfortable with it. Don't get discouraged if they run away the first time, since they're still getting used to it. Give your kitten a treat, and just try to leave them alone, and let them explore their new environment at their own pace.
By now, your cat should start to like your presence a little. Unfortunately, in my case, my kitten liked my presence a little too much, and would meow loudly whenever I would leave the room.
If this is the case with your kitten, leave the room the first day in 5 to 10 minute intervals, and slowly increase the time they're let alone. Many shelter kittens have a strong fear of abandonment, since they were separated at a really young age from their mother.
And that should be a quick and concise guide on everything you need to know when you get your first cat! Thanks for reading, and I hope you and your (possibly future) cat have a great day!
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