Some cats walk into a new environment like they own the place – others aren’t so sure! I recall one story from an adopter of a 6 year old cat who was relinquished to a shelter when his owners were moving. The cat was hiding behind the washer the first day, then at one point the adopter came home to find the cat – Sam – had dragged a package of hot dog buns into the closet with him and was eating the buns. Maybe he wasn’t sure he was going to get fed! That cat quickly came around though, and now, at over 19 years old as of this writing, barely leaves his person’s side. So the key is to meet the cat where they are, understanding that especially for one which came from a shelter or rescue, or even found on the street, they may have had to hide or struggle even to survive and everything is new and even scary.

The good news is, like with Sam, a cat can learn that he or she is safe and be a friend for life. Check out these five tips to help your new friend know he’s home for good:

1. Patience! A cat likes continuity and is anxious around change. Aren’t we all! Especially if the cat has come from a shelter or rescue environment and has been moved around prior to adoption, it will take awhile to feel safe and comfortable. Please remember, this is all new to the cat.

2. Especially if there are other animals in the house, and even if not, it is best to start the cat out in a smaller space rather than letting the cat into the whole house. The cat may have been in a kennel or cage for weeks or more, and a large, unfamiliar space can be overwhelming. Setting up a cozy bed, litter box, food, water and toys and one room to start can help the cat acclimate as he or she settles in.

3. Establish a routine. Cats are very much creatures of habit and like us are comforted by knowing what will happen and when and having a routine. Feed them at the same time and keep their environment quiet and predictable to start with. Not a lot of visitors at first. 

4. Spend time with your new friend, but respect their boundaries. Use interactive toys and gentle play to build trust and familiarity with you.

5. Provide toys and a radio or TV on low to get the cat used to some activity in the household.

Please remember, the cat may have come from an environment in which they were confined, or even rescued from an unsafe situation, and one in which they didn’t have people with them. It will take time to adjust, and most of all patience, understanding and compassion, but it will be worth it! You will have changed – and maybe even saved – a life.

About the Author
Deborah Felin Magaldi is the Director of Helen Sanders CatPAWS, a nonprofit cat rescue and advocacy organization based in Seal Beach, California, that she has led for 16 years. She began fostering more than 20 years ago and never stopped, eventually filing the paperwork that turned a grassroots effort to care for a feral colony into a multi-program organization serving the greater Long Beach and North Orange County area. With a background in psychology and an MBA, she has built her work around one idea: helping people help themselves and the cats they care about. Learn more at helensanderscatpaws.com. 

Connect: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/helen-sanders-catpaws – Instagram: @helensanderscatpaws – Facebook: facebook.com/HSCatPAWS