Table of Contents
Puppy cat on the way: welcome, kitty.
Puppy cat: by now the decision is made because you have realized that your life is meaningless without a cat and one is about to arrive in your home, perhaps adopted from a cattery or shelter. Well, in your eager anticipation of the arrival of your puppy or adult cat, you can in the meantime prepare everything you need to welcome the new four-legged member of your multi-species family impeccably. The first thing to do is to secure the house.
Balconies, windows, terraces: watch out for escape routes and falls from heights
Regardless of what floor your house is on, balconies, windows, gardens or patios can provide an escape route for the kitty. A kitten’s eagerness to explore is proverbial, but even an adult cat not yet acclimated may take the opportunity and wander off without returning. Some cats, then, have a propensity to lean out from patios and balconies, also exposing themselves to the serious risk of falling from great heights. By securing outdoor spaces, the cat can move about freely and without danger. Today there are durable, virtually zero-visual-impact grills or nets that can be installed without the need to obtain condominium permits, and can be customized for every need. So, there are no excuses.
The kit to make your home cat-friendly, whether puppy or adult
If securing the house is the first activity to be done, providing the kitty’s “kit is the second.” Kennel, bowls and litter box are the basic elements of the feline kit: finding them already placed in the house will give the cat a feeling of familiarity that will relieve his stress and reassure him. Remember that small kittens have a need to eat specific kitten food.
How long does it take a puppy or adult cat to settle into a new home
Led into a potentially threatening environment filled with unheard of noises and smells, the cat will need to feel safe and comfortable. The time it takes for kittens to settle in the home can vary from a few days to a few weeks depending on the kitten’s temperament. The important thing is to respect their time, avoiding forcing any behavior and never rushing them.
When there are children or other animals in the house
If there are children in the house, watch that they do not scream and make a racket or worse, immediately try to touch or pick up the cat. This would be traumatic and destabilizing for the kitten. Pay close attention even if there is already another cat or a dog in the house. A dog or another cat may not welcome the newcomer enthusiastically, and that is understandable. Would you be happy if they imposed the presence of a stranger in your home without asking your consent? So, proceed gradually: keep the new “tenant” and the incumbent occupant of your home separate for a few days. Swap their kennels and toys so that they get used to each other’s scent, having them eat on opposite sides of the closed door. Interactions between them should take place gradually and always under your watchful supervision, taking care not to leave them alone until you are sure that cohabitation is proceeding without conflict and tension.
How to care for a puppy cat: from food to vaccines
During the growth phase, cat kittens have specific nutritional needs to promote healthy bone, muscle and immune system development. Always ask your trusted veterinarian to direct you tosuitable wet and kibble based on the age of the cat, whether puppy or adult, and don’t improvise.
To have a fecal check and vaccinate your cat or to have your cat checked, contact our staff veterinarians who are always available to help.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
