This is probably at the top of the frequently asked questions list. Those of you bringing in a new feline child, like all adoptive parents, want to do the right thing. The question is just what is the right thing, or are the right things, to do? Not that I have all the answers but here are my offerings of the tried and true.

The most important thing to do is not to get a cat or kitten on impulse. Now I know that is hard, especially when they are looking up at you with those eyes and purring to beat the band.

Bringing in a new pet of any kind should be a well considered and planned event. Think of all the preparation that goes into bringing any new born infant into our lives. It is a commitment of a lifetime of love and effort.

For your pets it should be the same kind of commitment. We don't ask to become your pets. You choose us. As living creatures trusting you with our very necessities of existence, you should be willing and able to do the best you can for us for our lifetimes.

I know I am coming on a bit strongly here, but I live in an area where people "summer." At the end of the season, those of us who live here see dogs and cats, some of whom show signs of intentional care like spaying and neutering, that have been abandoned to fend for themselves. The winters here can be quite harsh and many of the wild animals prey upon these poor creatures.

Only so many of these animals can be rescued. Some are permanently distrustful of humans. Who can blame them? At any rate, please underline the thought that your choosing to bring a new cat or kitten into your home needs to be an undertaking to which you are truly committed.

So, you have the love, the time, the finances, the space for that bundle of joy who captured your heart and you're bringing him/her home? What will make this an easy(ier) transition for your new cat or kitten? Be sure to learn about cat behavior, and here's a few tips.

Make an appointment with your veterinarian for your new pet. An initial checkup is a great way to a good start. Your veterinarian can advise you of any appropriate actions that need to be taken, such as scheduling of time for neutering / spaying, vaccinations, etc.. If you have purchased a new kitten / cat from a reputable breeder, most of them require that you see a veterinarian within 48--72 hours of pickup time. This is for the protection of all parties, including the new kitten / cat. Regardless of the origin of your new pet, it is always a good idea to start off with a clean bill of health.

Prepare the space where your new kitten / cat will initially be staying. Start small. Sometimes humans feel that a confined area is detrimental to a new pet, but put yourself in your new pet's place. When you come to a new place, don't you like time to size things up, get used to the surroundings, the noises, and so on? Don't we all need time out from the frenzy every now and again? Absolutely. So it is for your new pet, too. Cat-/kitten-proof your home. Put away any items that are small enough to be swallowed (buttons, coins, small plastic items) and/or are poisonous like many common plants, household cleaners, automobile antifreeze. Make sure there are no holes that can be crawled into like ventilator shafts, open areas around pipes (Just because they can get into these areas, doesn't mean they can get out.). Put treasured breakables in safe places.

Choose a small room that is quiet and away from the main activity. Depending on the size and age of your new cat, you might also want to invest in a "playpen" for cats (The advantage of the playpen is that it is large enough for a litterbox, cups for food and water (although I prefer a refillable water bottle), has movable perches and is on rolling casters. You can leave the door to the playpen open as your new pet adjusts and let him/her explore the room for intervals as well. When you are away during the adjustment period, you can know that your new pet is safe and secure. I'll say more about the playpen in a moment.). Make sure you have a clean litterbox available along with fresh water and appropriate food. A place for snuggling like a blanket or large soft towel is good, too. Don't be surprised if you find your purrbaby under the blanket and not on it, it is normal cat behavior. It's a good place for a retreat, too.

Give your new companion attention but allow for time out, too. On this you have to go by the personality of the cat. Some of us are more gregarious than others, are more used to handling, and will jump into your arms at every opportunity. Others of us are more shy and retiring. It's a cat by cat kind of thing; cat behavior is as individual as our behavior.

As your cat/kitten adjusts and feels more comfortable, there will be evidence of curiosity. Wanting to get out of the room that has been home to explore the larger world of your home is a good indicator. Be sure to allow easy access back to the familiar room. There will probably be a lot of in and out at first, then eventually your cat/kitten will find those favorite places for lolling or lurking in the entirety of your home. That is when you will find out who the real homeowner is. In case you are wondering, it won't be you!

Back to the playpen for a moment. If you have a cat/kitten that is reluctant to leave the small room for larger spaces, you can roll the playpen into other areas. What you may view as a cage will be viewed as a safe haven from which to check out the rest of the world. The playpen gives a sense of protection and familiarity for your new cat/kitten.

Another plus to the playpen is if you are introducing your new cat/kitten to a multiple cat/kitten household. When your newest pet is curious about the larger world of your home you can move him/her to a common area in the comfort of his familiar surroundings. Because he/she is protected, there can be the sniffing and hissing that comes with new acquaintances without fear of harm.

If you are bringing a new kitten / cat into a house currently owned by other cats/kittens, here are a few other helpful hints to introduce cats kittens.

• Older cats tend to adjust to kittens better than other adult cats.
• Put a little cornstarch baby powder on your hands and pet each of your feline children. This helps their scents to begin to match and helps with the sense of belonging.
• Don't push the new kitten / cat to become more acquainted than he/she is ready to do, i.e. premature placement of cat / kitten into open areas with no place to retreat or before the cat/kitten is curious enough to check out things beyond the closed door of where he/she is housed.
• Allow at least three weeks before you allow your new cat/kitten to mingle nose to nose with the other feline members of your household. This is for at least the following reasons:
  1. Your new pet is stressed and will be more susceptible to bacteria that is in your house and on your cats. Don't take this personally! Even the cleanest of us are carriers. Remember how you came back from vacation and got sick? You were in unfamiliar surroundings and being exposed to things not common to you.
     
     
  2. If your new pet is a carrier of a respiratory virus and such, the incubation time is about three weeks. It is better to only have one sick child than the whole household, right? By the way, when you are keeping your new pet in isolation, be sure to wash your hands before handling your other cats/kittens. It is also a good idea to keep a robe or apron hanging on the door or in the closet of the room, too, so that you can cover your clothing when you are handling him/her. This keeps you "clean" when you are handling your other pets.
     
     
  3. It gives all of your pets time to adjust to the change on their relational schedules.
• Be sure to lavish lots of attention on your older pets. They will want to know they are loved just as much as before the new arrival.

Provide clean, adequate shelter and appropriate food with water. I am a proponent of keeping us, your feline friends, inside away from cars, other animals, inhumane humans, transmittable diseases (often fatal) and injury. However, if you do have a "bed and breakfast" pet, please provide for them what are the basics of necessity along with appropriate veterinary care.

Remember that cats are cats and that's that. Cat behavior is cat behavior. I am a firm believer that folks who live with cats adapt more to the cats' way of thinking than the other way around. We are independent creatures who make wonderful companions. However, we are not overly interested in pleasing you. I think it is more that you are pleased by us and our sense of being. When you are harried and feeling that life is rather burdensome, it is always nice to know that someone (cats in particular) feels he/she is above it all.

I hope that these suggestions are helpful.

Sincerely,

Rusty, a.k.a. "Mr.Magnificent"
Special Advisor
Pure Products, Inc.

 
 
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