How to adapt a kitten at home. Advice for novice cat owners

How to start communicating with your baby?

As soon as a kitten appears in the house, we must not forget that he is scared. Just yesterday he was taken from his cat family. For the baby, the environment to which he is already accustomed has changed, so he will hide and cry.

This condition of the kitten usually lasts a couple of days. In order for a kitten to have a successful first day in a new home, you need to prepare accordingly. You cannot speak to him in a raised tone. Little by little you need to get used to holding hands, stroking them after the baby has eaten, then he is relaxed and in the mood for contact. If you pick up a fluffy in your arms against his will, he may become even more afraid. We need to wait, and soon he himself will decide to climb onto his owner’s lap.

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It is ideal to start interacting with your kitten long before it arrives at its new home. In this way you can determine the most nimble and open cat from the litter

First of all, you need to pay attention to the largest kittens, those who get to the mother's nipples faster than others. Such simple moments mean that agile babies get much more of the cat's milk, from which we can conclude that such kittens will be more resilient and stronger than their other brothers and sisters

During the adaptation period, a kitten can easily become frightened by loud noises; all people living in the house, in particular children, should be warned about this. The main rule looks like this: the conversation with the baby should be calm and quiet, and touching him should be gentle and leisurely. The owner's hands must be a source of peace and fun for the furry friend, in which case the kitten will get used to it much faster and begin to respond in return. As you can see, in order for a kitten to successfully adapt on the first day, he needs help.

What to name a boy kitten?

Naming a kitten before meeting him is not very wise. But many of us do just that - there’s still a week before our visit to the breeder, and we’re so impatient that we’ve already thought of and decided everything.

And then it turns out that the kitten turns out to be a complete mismatch to its name. Therefore, first we observe, take a closer look, and the nickname will be born by itself.

It’s another matter if the passport already indicates the name of the titled holder of this document. But to communicate, you will still have to come up with something diminutive from different Archibalds and Richardsons.

The following names are suitable for red-haired boys:

• Ryzhik
• Fox
• Citrus

Gray:

• Smoke
• Smog
• Grey

Striped:

• Tiger
• Sailor

But more often, kittens receive names depending on their behavior, habits or habits. It is stupid to call a proud touchy, and even a purebred handsome man, Vaska or Murzik, as well as a simple nobleman Lord, Marquis or Sheikh, although it is not known what will grow out of a nondescript kitten...

The name should be short and sonorous so that the baby remembers it faster. It is believed that only the first syllable is perceived, so the rest of the nickname can be significant only for the owner, but not for the pet.

Under the same roof with other pets

It is important to introduce the kitten to other pets as soon as possible so that he can get along with them more easily and enter the new environment normally. Do not try to accustom him to rodents or birds, it is almost impossible

When introducing a kitten to other animals, you should remember: such acquaintance should take place gradually and under your supervision.

Dog As a rule, a balanced, sociable dog easily gets used to being around a kitten. Older dogs can sometimes be less tolerant, but after trying a kitten's claws, they usually subdue their aggression and get along well with the kitten in the future.

Another cat This is where the task can be much more difficult. An adult cat is very cool about the appearance of a kitten on its territory. Most likely, she will express her dissatisfaction with the kitten, since she is very reluctant to accept even the slightest changes in her habits. It can take months for an adult cat to become completely comfortable with a young cat. When introducing a kitten to another cat for the first time, do not allow either party to become aggressive. Take both animals to neutral territory for play and feeding. Do this until the cats get used to each other. This will help create a hierarchy between both animals that they will be forced to accept.

Some tips

• In the first days, maintain the privileges of the “old-timer” animal (dog or cat).
• Make sure your cat's litter box is in a quiet place. First, let the cat only into some part of your apartment, this will make it easier for her to get used to it, and she will not hide under the furniture out of fear.
• Use a cloth to wipe off the special secretion from the kitten's face and rub it on the lower part of the walls in all rooms so that the previous animal gets used to the kitten's smell.

How to name a kitten for a girl?

It is not a sin to give girls kittens a human name - Katya, Lisa or Manya. They have a softer character, a minimum of obstinacy and complete unity with their family. Those who have not yet decided on their gender should take this point into account.

The simplest names for future cats:

• Lady
• Gerda
• Bella
• Kanga
• Aza

The kitten will respond to its name faster if you say it before feeding or playing. No “kiss-kiss” or other sounds should be made so that the kitten does not get confused. A few days are enough and the little fluffy will raise his ears when he hears his name.

The arrival of a kitten at your home

Purchase and arrange in advance all the items that the kitten will need: a tray, bowls for food and water, a sleeping basket, a scratching post.

When the kitten first arrives in your home, try to keep the room quiet: noise can frighten the baby. Place the pet carrier in the middle of the room, open it and let the kitten come out on its own. The pet will begin to explore the house, studying all its rooms. A timid kitten may hide under a sofa or closet and come out of its hiding place only after a few hours - this is a normal reaction of an animal to unfamiliar territory; the kitten hides instinctively to ensure its safety and time to analyze the situation.

Black kitten - what to call a black kitten?

The black kitten was luckier than anyone in terms of choosing a name, unless of course you call him Ryzhik or Snezhka. Although some joke this way too.

The most popular names for black kittens:

• Night
• Black
• Chernysh
• Aza
• Ember
• Batman

Black is a noble color, which means the names Lord, Earl, King, Richard, Tsar will sound beautiful.

Kitten adaptation

It is recommended to separate the kitten from its mother and transfer it to new owners after 2 months. The main thing for a newly arrived pet is to provide the basic needs: safety, food, sleep. Before a kitten appears in the house, you need to purchase a tray with filler and a spatula, food and a bowl, and a scratching post.

It is optimal to move the kitten to a new apartment on the weekend, since it is advisable not to leave it alone in the first days for better adaptation. It is advisable to transport the animal in a carrier so that it does not get scared and cause harm to itself. In the new home, leave the open carrier in the room and wait until the kitten comes out on its own. At first, the cat may hide in a corner or hide under the bed. You need to give him time to get used to it and not be afraid to come out of hiding. The rapid adaptation of a kitten to a new home primarily depends on the owner and his attentive attitude towards the pet.

How to help your kitten get used to its new home:

Do not frighten the baby with sharp and loud sounds. Let the kitten sniff and explore the territory of the apartment. On the first day, limit his stay in one room (so that he is always in sight of the owners) with food and a litter box, then gradually let him get used to the whole apartment. Mark the place where the food bowl and tray will be located. The first days, if necessary, show him the way or bring him to those places. Usually kittens are already litter box trained. If difficulties arise and the animal begins to move its paws, get nervous and meow, you need to take it to the tray. If you do not relieve yourself in the tray, do not scold your baby under any circumstances.

It is advisable not to place the tray next to bowls of food. Ask the previous owners for some litter for the litter box and pour it into the new litter box so that the kitten knows by the smell where its toilet is. It is important to pay enough attention to the kitten: play with it, pet it, talk to it, so that it gets used to the owner’s voice. In the first days, if the cat doesn’t mind, carry it in your arms more often. Buy a bed or set up a special place to sleep

If you don’t teach your pet to sleep on a separate bed from a young age, then he will sleep with his owners all the time. Find out from the former owners about the type (dry, wet food, homemade food) and diet and doses. Get used to using a scratching post. It is advisable to place it near the bed. After sleep, bring the cat to the post. Buy special toys at a pet store: balls, mice, feathers. Ask the previous owners for your favorite toys. Pay attention to where the cat is hiding and leave access to this place. Insulate wires and household appliances, do not leave toxic substances in accessible places. In the first days, it is advisable not to let the kitten out of sight, since it is not yet accustomed to the new environment and may be injured.

By adhering to these simple rules, kittens' adaptation will go faster. Usually, for the first 2-3 days, the kitten will be disoriented, eat poorly (or completely refuse to eat), sleep, and not go to the toilet, but after a week it will completely get used to its new home. If this condition lasts longer, this is a reason to contact a veterinarian, as it may indicate an illness.

Food for kittens - where is the best place to buy?

First of all, you need to decide what you plan to feed the kitten in the future. Natural food can be healthy only when the balance of vitamins, minerals and other essential components is maintained. Special foods contain everything a growing body needs; it is enough to follow the dosage and age recommendations. In addition, it is much simpler; you will not need to cook and create a menu.

Usually special foods contain all the vitamins, so there is no need to give them additionally. To make sure of this, read the composition on the package, or better yet, consult with the breeder or veterinarian. If the kitten is small, then up to two months it needs a special mixture, similar in composition to mother’s milk.

It is advisable to buy food in pet stores, as counterfeit products are possible on the market. It would be good to require a quality certificate - reinsurance in this matter will not hurt, not only the health, but also the life of a small pet may depend on it.

First day in a new house: meeting a cat

Not only future owners, but also pets need to prepare for moving to a new place. It's no less stressful for them. To quickly adapt the animal to new conditions, the owners will need to take the following simple steps.

• A couple of weeks before moving, buy a special sedative for cats at the pharmacy. It should be started before the move, so that at the crucial moment the cat’s psyche is stable, and it will cope with the move more easily. Preparation for such an event begins in advance: you put all your things away, remove carpets, curtains and other furniture. This is also incomprehensible and exciting for the pet. This is the second reason why it is necessary to start giving your pet a sedative in advance.
• To quickly accustom an adult cat to a new home, try to complete all repairs before moving. She will be scared anyway, and if there is still noise and dust all the time, then she will not be able to feel safe at all.
• When moving, try to be with your pet. He genuinely doesn't understand what's going on. He needs your help and support. When you enter a new apartment, walk with him through all the rooms. At the same time, it is advisable to stroke and talk to him affectionately.
• Often, in a new environment, cats find a secluded corner and hide there. Don't worry about this. This is natural behavior. Do not try to remove the animal by force. Give him time to calm down and understand that it is safe here.
• Don't forget to bring your pet's belongings to your new apartment. An old house or bed, bowls and a tray will help you quickly get used to the new environment. Even if these items are already worn out and you would like to replace them, do not rush. This can be done a little later, when the pet has fully adapted.

Kittens are usually brought in special pet carriers, boxes, and sometimes just in their bosom. This does not change the essence of the matter. As soon as the owner crosses the threshold of his home, the first rule comes into force - do not force the kitten out of its secluded place. You can put your baby in a box or a special house designed just for him, where he will feel safe.

The second rule is that the kitten should start getting acquainted with its new place of residence in one room: bedroom, living room, kitchen. The carrier or house just needs to be placed on the floor. Once the baby calms down and makes sure that he is not in danger, natural cat curiosity will take over and he will risk going outside. If he does not see anything, in his opinion, suspicious and frightening, then he will boldly go explore the new territory.

At the same time, owners and their children should try not to make sudden movements or scream with delight, so as not to scare the brave baby. Otherwise, it will quickly hide in a corner or under furniture.

But even if this happens, you cannot force the kitten out, this will only worsen the situation. The time will come, the pet will calm down and crawl out on its own.

“Be prepared for anything” - these words should become your motto in the first weeks after the arrival of a new cat in the house.

To help your animal get used to it faster, follow these rules.

So, you are completely ready for a new pet. It is best if the cat arrives at the new home in a special carrier and immediately goes to its room (which you have already prepared) in it.

If she lives in the bathroom for the first few days, don’t forget to lower the toilet lid!

Sit on the floor and wait for the cat to come to you. Don't catch her or forcefully pick her up. Give her time to get comfortable. If the cat doesn't approach, leave it alone and try again later. Some cats become very frightened and may hide in a shelter while you are nearby. She will come out at night when everything is quiet.

At first, a new cat may not eat or eat very little. This is normal, this is how stress manifests itself. It is best if you feed her the food she is used to. A sudden change in food is also stressful, and familiar food will make her feel safer. Be sure to change the water once a day.

If your cat doesn't eat for several days, contact your veterinarian.

Once your cat has adjusted, you can move her litter box and bowls to a permanent location.

Cat and kitten - will they get along?

• The appearance of a new pet will definitely not please an adult cat. He will regard this as a threat to his territory. To avoid a serious conflict, you need to make the habituation gradual
• Place the kitten in a separate room that the cat cannot enter. He will approach, hear a smell or meow. A few days of such isolation will allow an adult animal to understand that he is not alone in the house.
• Then swap the cats for a couple of days. The cat will live in the smell and atmosphere of the kitten. To enhance the effect, first wipe the old-timer with a damp towel, and then the baby. The smells will mix and the cat will not overreact, his sense of smell will be slightly deceived
• The next stage is direct contact. But the kitten must be in a container so that the cat does not harm it. Let him sniff, growl and hiss as much as he can, this is a natural reaction that cannot be avoided

Everything that happens should be under your control. When you are sure that the cat has calmed down and is not showing excessive aggression, try to release the baby, but keep a spray bottle of water ready. In case of an attack, spray both of them - this will pacify the ardor of the older one. But usually such radical measures do not have to be used; gradual addiction gives a positive result.

At first, do not leave animals alone, even if they behave calmly. Feed the cat first, he has the right to do so. Moreover, he will not be jealous, realizing that preference is given to him. And the baby must also understand who is in charge in the house. Soon the animals will become friends.

The appearance of a kitten

The appearance of a new four-legged resident in the house is a significant event both for him and for the new owners. Cats experience stress when their environment changes, so you need to be well prepared for your pet. When preparing, you need to consider the following points:

• Comfortable environment. A cat may find a new space with many rooms intimidating. Animals experience fear and show wariness until they have fully explored the territory. To make it easier for your pet to get used to it, it is better to place it in a small room. After a few days, when he gets used to people and his room, the cat needs to be released to explore the rest of the room.
• A familiar bedding or house. Every cat has a favorite place, a cozy corner where it hides from prying eyes and retires. If the cat had its own house or bed, it is placed in a secluded place. This will create additional comfort and a feeling of peace. If a kitten appears in the house, which previously had no home, then you need to create a corner where it will be calm. A carrier, house or box is suitable for this purpose.

• Tray. In order for the cat to quickly get used to the tray, you need to place it in a safe but accessible place. If your pet is accustomed to one type of litter, you need to use it. If the cat had a litter box, he should move with her.
• Interior items. It is necessary to remove or rearrange vases, paintings, flower pots, and wires in advance, which the pet can damage in the process of mastering the space.
• Safety. Dangerous chemicals, powders, and medications must be removed, and the windows must be checked for screens so that the new pet is not harmed.

• Special devices. Cats need to sharpen their claws, so it is better to purchase a scratching post and install a climbing frame to keep the furniture intact.
• Other pets. If the new resident is not the only pet in the house, then the four-legged animals should not get to know each other right away. The cat needs to adapt so that it calmly accepts the presence of other animals.

How long it will take for a kitten to get used to a new place largely depends on the new owners. Another important factor is the age of the pet. If you take the animal when it is still very small (up to 1-1.5 months), then it will be difficult for him without his mother. At this time, the kittens are completely defenseless. Most likely, the kitten will constantly call its mother and look for the breast.

Therefore, experts do not recommend taking kittens away from their mother at such an early age. An exception will be made only for those unfortunate abandoned fluffies that you found on the street and decided to take in.

When adopting a kitten, you must understand that it needs care and attention. After all, in his previous family, he played all day long with his mother cat and his brothers and sisters

Here he is completely alone. It will be great if you can take a vacation or arrange your work schedule so that someone is always at home.

When you pick up your pet, ask the former owners for a small piece of the bedding on which he slept. Familiar and familiar smells will remain on it for a long time, and the kitten, smelling them, will know that he is safe.

Another trick is to put a wristwatch in the basket or box where the baby will sleep. Their ticking sounds are similar to the baby's mother's heartbeat. It will have a calming effect on the kitten.

Not all owners like their pet to sleep with them. It is necessary to accustom a kitten to a specific place to sleep from the first days. This should become a rule for him. If you decide to take pity on him and allow him to sleep at your feet for the first week, then in the future it will be difficult to rid him of this habit.

Where to buy a tray for kittens? What else does a kitten need?

Trays, like all cat accessories, are sold in special pet stores. The main thing is that it is made of high-quality plastic that does not absorb odor and is easy to clean. This is a tray and a grid into which the filler is poured. The sides of the tray should be high enough so that the contents do not spill onto the floor. After all, the kitten will bury its feces, even if it pees.

You should choose a filler that absorbs moisture and turns into a dense lump that does not emit odor. Then you won’t have to frequently change the entire filler; just remove the lump with a scoop and level the surface.

There is no need for litter with different scents - it will not solve the odor problem, but will only complicate the kitten’s getting used to the toilet.

The instinct and physiological characteristics of cats force them to sharpen their claws and leave deep scratches on furniture and walls. To avoid this, you need a scratching post. It can be installed in a place that the kitten has already chosen, then there will be no need to accustom it to a new object.

But it’s impossible to attach a scratching post to a sofa or chair that has marks of a small predator on it. So we choose the place that is convenient for you and begin the learning process.

Cats are smart, it’s enough to play with him at the scratching post a couple of times to get his claws to catch on a dense surface. The animal will like it and will continue to do what it loves on its own. The first time after a successful experiment, the kitten needs to be treated with a treat, then the baby will understand faster what they want from him.

Dangers at every turn

A kitten is the same child, small and unintelligent. Every day he explores new territory, not even suspecting how many dangers may await him. What should the owner do to protect the baby?

Remove all flower pots

It doesn’t matter whether they are on the windowsill or somewhere else. The kitten may not knock them over, but he can try the leaves “to the teeth”

And some indoor plants can be poisonous.

Raise and secure the curtains. Curtains and especially heavy drapes are a favorite pastime for cats, regardless of age. They love to climb on them. In the best case, the cats will simply tear off the curtain, in the worst case, they will fall down along with the curtain rod. In the worst case scenario, your claw will get stuck in the curtain fabric and your finger will be broken or dislocated.

Close windows and vents. It's good if the apartment is on the first floor. Even after chasing a flying bird, butterfly or fly, the baby will simply jump onto the lawn under the window. The main thing is that he does not hide in fear in the basement, where it will be difficult to find him. It's another matter when the apartment is on the top floors of a high-rise building. A special peak of “catfall” occurs in the warm season, when windows and balconies are open. Therefore, it is worth taking care of a special durable mesh in advance.

Remove all litter from the cat's sight. No matter how well-fed the pet is, animal instincts always kick in. And everything that smells good should be eaten or at least tasted. The result is overturned trash cans, dirt and intestinal obstructions. Even a small piece of plastic from fish or meat can cause trouble. And then you can’t do without the help of a specialist.

Hide the wires. Kittens love to chew on them, which is fraught with tragedy.

However, even the most caring owners cannot always foresee everything. Therefore, if there is the slightest problem with the kitten’s health, they should consult a veterinarian for advice.

How to distinguish a boy's kitten from a girl's?

It often happens that Pushinka turns into Pushka by the age of one year, when the characteristic external signs of a boy begin to appear. To avoid making mistakes from the very beginning, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. A cat's genitals are shaped like a small dot; a cat's genitals are a short vertical line.
2. The distance between the anus and genitals of a cat is slightly greater than that of a cat
3. By the age of three months, you can feel small balls on the cat - these are the testicles beginning to develop

Experienced cat lovers distinguish gender even by the shape of the face. But this method is not available to everyone, and is often deceptive. If in doubt, show the baby to the veterinarian, he will determine exactly who you got.

There is an opinion that only cats are tricolor, but there are exceptions.

Do not believe that the cat gets used to the house, and not to the owner. The environment is important to her, but much more important is a loving and caring family. Having bought a kitten, we take on a huge responsibility for many years, so this step must be balanced and deliberate. Will you have enough strength, patience, and most importantly love? But all doubts will go away when you fall asleep and wake up to the measured purring of a wonderful, cheerful and intelligent creature - a cat.

Some tips on how to accustom an adult cat to a new home

Owners love their pets, but they make many mistakes when they want to accustom their cat to a new apartment. The fault is not selfishness, but a banal misunderstanding of the nature of cats. They live in a world of smells and sounds, and a change of scenery means a lot.

Everyone has noticed that a furry companion prefers a common place of stay with the owner (a room or a sofa).

You should not throw away old bowls - an adult cat will feel calmer in a new place. The same applies to their usual “houses” made of plywood, ladders and “claw posts” (matting).

Imagining themselves on a hunt, cats often “hang out”, looking out the window, and do not respond to the call for dinner. When changing their old place of residence to a new one, they often refuse to eat, are not interested in anything, sit for hours, looking down at an empty corner, and behave completely atypically. When a cat moves in tandem with its owner, everything is simpler.

An old cat gets used to unusual smells slowly. If a new apartment or private house is smoky and has an atypical aroma, the cat will take longer to adapt. It is necessary to create appropriate conditions, reducing stress factors to a minimum.

It is much more difficult when transferring an adult cat to another family, where the environment, lifestyle and attitude towards animals are different. Changes in behavioral reactions and atypical habits are a normal reaction to stress. They cannot be punished for damaged things and aggressive behavior in their new home.

All animals are different, regardless of breed, color or gender. Instead of mutual hostility, offer the animal loyalty and goodwill

There is no need for excessive attention during this period; you should not ignore the cat’s claims either. They unconditionally perceive their place of residence as their own territory, so they can show waywardness

How to help with adaptation when changing place of residence

There are many recommendations on forums and social network groups on how to accustom a kitten to a new place of residence. However, not all advice is useful; some can harm the psyche of an animal that is under stress without “helpers.”

For example, due to difficult adaptation to a new apartment, their fur may fall out in clumps. Bald areas are suggested to be treated with caustic ointments “for lichen” or to carry out anti-allergenic therapy by replacing food. This only makes cats feel more stressed.

In a new home, experts recommend doing the following tricks to help your cat adapt:

1. put a tray from the previous place of residence, where the pet liked to sit in the past;
2. if the cat is hiding, lay there an old woolen sweater with the smell of the previous home (without washing) to create the illusion of being in a familiar place;
3. do not leave the animal alone for a long time, the appearance of an “abandoned” complex may occur, resulting in damage to property;
4. close balconies, windows and doors - the pet will make attempts to return home;
5. Place an old tray, bowl, and toys in your favorite places.

Cats, by nature, are territorial animals - they should have their own den (box, house, niche) with a familiar smell. They mark their area and guard it jealously.

Any adaptation and change of environment is unpleasant, even if the pets behave relatively “normally”. Females are more flexible in this regard than males; kittens are just developing their awareness of the need for their own den.

How to improve relationships if the cat has a new owner

All representatives of the cat family are quite independent. They are capable of extraordinary love and affection for their owners, especially if they themselves have chosen or wandered into a new home. They say this is for happiness and increased prosperity; they cannot be kicked out - they will “take away” their wealth with them.

But what to do if the previous owners are forced to give up keeping their pets, trying to place them in good hands? It turns out that it is not so easy to adapt a cat to a new home with a change of owner.

To adapt your pet to its new owners, it is important to:

1. let them get used to the idea that this is a new home and owners, without imposing unnecessary manifestations of love and care, especially if the cat hisses and does not allow itself to be stroked;
2. try not to aggravate stress with loud sounds, strong smells, flashes of light and cameras;
3. the freedoms of the animal cannot be limited by any requirements or punishments;
4. You can’t “pit” new cats against existing ones - they must become friends themselves.

“A tame and kind cat,” as the previous owners claimed, often turns into an aggressive savage who does not allow herself to be petted. Most likely the problem is stress from moving. Perhaps something really confuses her in the new place - don’t rush to get rid of the animal, get used to each other.

Kind kittens - how to raise a good cat?

The character of a cat partly depends on the breed, but to a greater extent on upbringing and living conditions. From the first second you meet, surround your baby with affection, do not get tired of stroking him or carrying him in your arms. If this is acceptable for you, then sleep with him. Cats are clean, there's nothing wrong with that.

Play more often, talk to the kitten, treat it with treats, pamper it. Never punish physically; anger comes from fear in cats. Allow strangers to hold the kitten so that it does not grow up wild.

Animals subtly sense their mood and attitude towards themselves. And of course, they reciprocate. If you want a kind, affectionate cat, don’t skimp on your feelings - in return you will receive the kindest creature that will give you a sea of ​​positive emotions and pleasant moments.