Animal Charity Advice for Settling in a Rescue Cat or Kitten
Settling in a new pet cat or kitten can take time and may take a couple of months. Patience and following these guidelines will help. You can always contact us for advice.
And remember our adoption contract states that if you’re new family member is not working out, to contact Warrington Animal Welfare and we will accept the animal back and start the rehoming procedure again. Do not rehome the animal yourself.
Here are some tips to help you settle a new rescue cat or kitten
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Moving to a new home can be stressful and overwhelming to a cat, especially if they have spent time in a confined space (cat pods). It is advisable that for the first couple of days almost ignore them - don’t invite friend, children and relatives etc. to meet them as this can cause them unnecessary stress.
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For the first week, keep your cat(s) in a quiet spot/room (dining room/spare bedroom etc.) with their bed, food, water and litter tray – this is important to settle your cat(s) into their new home.
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Keeping your new pet confined to one room is even more important if you want them to bond with your existing cats/dogs. To encourage bonding use a room where the cat(s) can see each other e.g. through patio doors. You can also move the cat(s) into each other’s rooms so they can get used to each other’s smell.
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Make sure to keep an adult/neutered cat(s) in for at least 6 weeks.
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Kittens need to be kept in until they are neutered (4-5 months depending on size).
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Make sure chimneys/small gaps are blocked up especially with kittens as they can easily get trapped.
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DO NOT open windows, cats/kittens can squeeze themselves flat and fit through tiny gaps. Use trickle vents etc. for ventilation.
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Make sure you know where your cat/kitten is when you open the front door, as they could shoot out.
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When your cat(s) start to venture out, don’t feed them until they are safely back inside. This way they will not travel fare on their first trip and will have an incentive to come home.
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If your cat hides themselves in a ‘hidey-hole' do not pull them out – let them venture out themselves when ready.
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Ideally you need to feed your cat both wet and dry food, as the combination is essential for kidney function – DO NOT give them milk.
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Cats/kittens like to scratch – investing in a scratching post is advisable to reduce damage to your carpets and furnishings.
Our adoption contract states that if your new family member is not working out, to contact WAW and we will accept the cat back and start the rehoming procedure again. Do not rehome the cat yourself.
Settling in a new rescue cat or kitten can take time and may take a couple of months. Patience and following these guidelines will help. You can always contact us for advice.