Calling all cat people. Need advice!

[peacefreak2.0]

I will be welcoming a new furball soon. She’s four, coming from a family who love her very much and have taken very good care of her. Unfortunately, their situation has changed and they are trusting me with her.
It’s been about 8 years since I lost my boy and I’m a little scared to take her on. What can I do to make her transition easier? I’m not crazy about closing her in a room for a couple of days. Would it be ok to let her explore on her own? Should I get some feliway? Bribe with snackies? Roast a chicken to entice her?
You guys love your kitties so much, I know you’ll have some great ideas. Thanks so much.

[femmedem]

1. I'm all for handfeeding snacks to win new cats' trust and affection.

A lot will depend on her: is she shy, is she playful, is she comfortable with strangers? A shyer cat might feel safer for a day or two in one room where you can spend quiet time with her.

I also think cats warm up most easily to people who don't push too hard too fast. Sitting in a room reading with her and allowing her to make the first move might work best. But I think you'll know: if she comes up to you purring and headbutting, you won't need to take it slowly at all.

My cats all love those Temptations treats. Interactive toys like feather wands are good. Catnip toys are good, although if cats are exposed to catnip daily it loses its effectiveness.

Mostly, just trust that you are an animal lover and she will be pick up on that. She'll be grateful and loving, even if it takes her some time to get over her anxiety about a new location and her grief about losing her old family.

You're a good soul for taking her in. She's lucky to have found a good home.

Edited to add: if you can, use the same food she's used to, at least for a while.

[Meowmee]

2. First ty for saving her 💕

If she is the only cat she will probably be ok but I would set up an area for her in a room in case she needs a safe place. With a bed, hidy spot, scratcher etc. litter box and so on. Let her go at her own pace. If she is outgoing and doesn’t need that you can just let her know where everything is…she’ll probably figure it out on her own- she’s a cat. I always would just show them where the litter boxes are, where the food dishes will be and so on. I do not use feliway because I have asthma and those things put out some petrol type of substance, also they have been known to melt/ catch fire in the outlets. Some cat nip, some toys and a cat tower near a window would all be great. Spend quality time with her to get her settled in. Some treats are a good idea, most love fresh chicken, and don’t change her food too rapidly as that can cause runs.

And when you are out you could put the TV on with cat television or music for her so she doesn’t get lonely. Purrli is great to calm them if they are stressed.

[tblue37]

3. I have always had multiple cats. I never shut a new one up in a separate room. I just let them come

out from under wherever they are when they feel ready.

[NoMoreRepugs]

5. Agree with your succinct advice.

Would add the cat doesn’t adapt to you as much as you adapt to the cat.

[Polly Hennessey]

12. Same with me. Cats are glorious at

figuring things out in their own time. Be sure to keep her inside until fully adjusted to new surroundings.

[lefthandedskyhook]

4. Really good food and affection is key

House cats are both predator and prey, so play is important and avoid staring contests. If you lower your eyes and gently extend the back of your hand you will probably be accepted

[2naSalit]

8. +1

Staring is a predator's hunting tactic and they know it. The non-aggressive stance is best; slightly tilt head and slowly blink, look away but watch from tide glance.

[lefthandedskyhook]

9. Well put

[Tetrachloride]

6. Put a cat carrier open in a living room.

Use Arm and Hammer soaps / detergent for washing cat blankets.

Let the cat get used to its existence.

[2naSalit]

7. It's a four year old cat...

Like someone above said, give her a spot or room if you have one, and show her the location of important things and let her figure it out. (Do not keep the food near the litter box, they don't like to eat near that, they can smell it more than we can.) Be friendly and understanding, she'll communicate anything she needs if you watch and talk to her in a normal tone. As long as she has a safe, hidey place where she can be alone to think over her knew digs, she should be okay and get pretty settled in by the end of a few weeks.

Also, if there is some thing that you can offer that the current humans can't, will make you more attractive as the new human.

[SheltieLover]

10. Ask her current family what her fav foods/toys are.

Then get them all & add some new things, too.

I've never tried pheremones, but pet stores sell sprays & I believe vets sell collars that emit them.

Cook that chicken if you want it & if she likes chicken.

Get some salmon, albacore, sardines, a cat tree & lots of toys.

Congrats on your new baby!

[Siwsan]

11. I always kept the young kittens separate to let the boys get used to them

I used an old storm window as a barrier to the doorway so they could see them.

When I brought Gryff home he was 4 months old. Maybe I was just lucky but I held him to introduce him to Madoc, who was also 4 months old, and in no time they were thick as thieves.

[peacefreak2.0]

13. Her folks really want me to have her.

They’re setting up food/litter delivery for me and helping with vetting. This is beyond amazing. I’m a little old lady on SS. The truth is she’s saving me.

[RSherman]

14. I took a 6 year old

I adopted a 6 year old female who had lived at the shelter her entire life. She was not really socialized. I let her hide in the closet all she wanted until she was comfortable. She came out swinging at the big boys (ha ha), so they learned to stay out of her way. After quite awhile, she would sit next to me, but I had to leave her alone. Everything on her terms. We were together for 8 years. She was spicy the entire time! She did get to the point where she let one of the big boys sleep next to her. She also became a little more affectionate with me (on her terms). She was the best cat ever! Good luck with your new baby!

[packman]

15. 3 things will win over the cat

Patience - Let her alone for awhile, be there BUT not there. Yes, a Zen thing.

Love - always love, hold out the hand initially, let her know you in small stages. When she is ready, she will let it be known.

Food - Treats - Cats are sleep, eat machines - bless their hearts. My aged cat has developed a problem with solid foods and now is devouring softer paste treats.

Enjoy -just don't rush it

[wackadoo wabbit]

16. Give her a couple of slow blinks

It's how cats tell each other that they're not a threat.

This has always worked for me, and now there's science to prove it works:

https://www.sciencealert.com/you-can-build-a-rapport-with-your-cat-by-blinking-real-slow

[SlimJimmy]

18. That's so true. Slow blinks seem to send the right signal,

that you are not aggressive.

[iscooterliberally]

17. If her current family has any old towels or blankets with her scent on it ask them for it.

If you can bring anything from her old house that has a familiar scent it might help the kitty feel more comfortable. It will take time, but I'm sure you'll win her over. Good luck!