Bringing a new cat into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that trust and companionship take time to develop. Many cats will need patience before they feel completely safe in their new environment and might act distant before then. By giving your feline friend the time, space, and care they need, you can build a strong and lasting bond. In this week’s article, we will walk through some steps to help your cat feel comfortable, secure, and happy in their new home.
Give Them Time and Space
While you may feel like snuggling up with your new feline friend after bringing them home, one of the most important steps is to give them time and space. Moving homes is stressful for cats, and they need time to decompress and de-stress. By leaving them space to move forward when it comes to interaction at their own pace, you will build trust. For most cats, it takes at least 2 weeks to slowly settle into their new place, though it may take shorter or (way) longer for some individuals. While they slowly settle, you will start to see more and more of their true personality. You can help your cat settle in by providing them with their own safe space, where things are set up to be comfortable for them, such as with a cat den where they can hide, or a cat bed in a calm, low-traffic, quiet, corner or even a dedicated room in the house.
Meet Their Needs
When a cat feels stressed and unsafe, they will be less open to explore and form new bonds. By meeting their basic needs, you can slowly show them you are a safe person who they can trust. Cats also thrive on routine, which helps them settle in. Provide your cat with food and water, and keep feeding times predictable. Place the litter box in low traffic areas that are easily accessible, and can not be blocked by kids or other pets. There are products available that can help reduce stress and anxiety, such as pheromone diffusers.
Interaction
Take several moments a day to give your cat sincere attention. When it comes to interaction, it’s advised that your cat approaches you, instead of approaching them. However, you can make yourself available by just being close to them in a calm and safe space. If your cat isn’t open to physical interaction yet, just sit with them and speak to them calmly. Keep in mind that sudden movements and/or unexpected handling can be perceived as scary. This will be especially the case if your cat has experienced trauma. If your cat is giving you a soft head but or nudge you can slowly see if they’re interested in physical interaction. Even after your cat has settled in and is usually open to interaction, keep respecting their signals. If they show signs of wanting space, never force interaction. Keep all interactions positive and gentle, and avoid negative interactions and punishment.
Play, Play, Play
Spending time with your cat will improve your bond, and by playing together, your cat will start associating you with fun and excitement. Even cats that are still a bit unsure, sometimes can be persuaded to play some chase games. Bonding through play is so powerful it’s even used to socialise feral cats. Use interactive toys such as feather wands and make sure to keep your movements predictable so as not to scare your cat.
When your cat in comfortable around you, you can also try training your cat through clicker training, and some cats truly enjoy the one-on-one time spent through this form of training.
Grooming
Grooming can be a great way to strengthen the bond with your cat once they are comfortable with you touching them. However, if it’s used for bonding, it should be a pleasant experience for both, so do not force it if it’s stressful for them. If you have a longhaired cat, they will need to be brushed to prevent matting and tangles, so it’s important you spend extra effort in learning and getting them comfortable being groomed.
Understand the language of your cat
While we communicate through words, our cats talk mainly through body language. By understanding their signals, miscommunications that might harm the bond, can be prevented. Responding appropriately to your cat depending on the signals they show you will show your cat you are a person they can trust and not someone they have to be scared oft. Learn more about cat body language in our article “ Understanding Cat Body Language”
Conclusion
By providing your (new) cat with time, space, and meeting their basic needs, you can slowly start working towards your relationship with them. Interactive play is a powerful tool in bonding with your new cat. Keeping a routine will help your cat settle in as they thrive on predictability. Once your cat is feeling more comfortable, you can slowly start inviting them to physical affection and grooming to deepen the bond.
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