Make your new cat feel welcome while adapting to your home.
Making a new cat comfortable in your home is an important preventative measure to stop bad pet behavior before it starts. A comfortable cat is a well-behaved cat and on the flip side, an unhappy cat will act out. Part of a new cat's bad behavior is due to the cat not being able to fulfill its natural tendencies, which can result in a cat expressing its discontent. Having your house ready to support your new cat's natural needs creates a smooth transition and makes the process easier on you and your cat.
Instructions
1. Set aside a small area designated specifically for your cat. Equip this area with a litter box, food and water bowl, scratching post and a toy. This makes the cat comfortable knowing it has a place in this strange new area.
2. Keep the litter box clean with fresh litter. A cat will reject a dirty litter box and will find an alternative spot to do its business. The cat is not happy when it has to do this, so this becomes a stressful situation for everyone.
3. Remove breakable items from shelves and any other area a cat will want to explore. Cats are curious by nature and seek stimulation -- not to mention your cat will want to thoroughly explore its new surroundings. Set up a cat tree so you do not have to forfeit your shelves. This not only gives the cat a high place to hang out, it can save your furniture by giving the cat a place to scratch its claws.
4. Keep the cat on your lap or a safe distance away from other pets where your kitty can observe them without being bombarded with unwanted contact. This is a big step for the cat and you don't want to overwhelm it.
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