A new home, new environment, and new people can be just as overwhelming for your cat as it is for you. Just like humans, cats need time to adjust to these changes. The experience can be either stressful or exciting for a cat, and it’s important to recognize that they may need some extra support during this critical transition period. By following a careful acclimation process, you can help your British Shorthair feel comfortable and secure in their new home.
Step 1: Acclimation Process
Confine to a Single Room
Before you bring your British Shorthair into your home, prepare a quiet, calm room just for them. This room should be equipped with everything they need, such as a bed, food and water bowls, litter box, toys, and scratching posts. Initially, keep the cat confined to this room to allow them to explore and adjust at their own pace. This prevents them from feeling overwhelmed by the entire house at once.
Allow your cat to explore this room gradually, and make sure to spend time with them there to offer reassurance. It’s important to give them time to settle in without the pressure of the larger home environment.
Scent Exchanges
After your cat has had some time to get used to the new room, begin introducing them to the smells of the rest of the house. This can be done by allowing them to sniff items that have the scent of their previous home (such as their blanket or toys). Alternatively, rub a soft cloth or towel on your cat and then gently wipe it on furniture around the home to allow them to slowly acclimate to the new smells. It’s also important to let other pets in the house get used to your new cat’s scent in a controlled way.
Step 2: Recommended Tools to Help with the Transition
Diffusers
Using a pheromone diffuser (like Feliway) can help calm your cat and reduce stress during the transition. These diffusers release synthetic pheromones that mimic the natural ones that cats produce, helping to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Place the diffuser in the room where your cat spends most of their time.
Scratching Post
Cats need to scratch to mark their territory and to relieve stress. A scratching post can give your cat an appropriate outlet for this behavior and helps them feel more secure in their new environment. Make sure it’s easily accessible and placed near their resting area or where they like to play.
Hiding Spots
Cats are naturally curious but also like having a safe space to retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Providing hiding spots—whether it’s a covered bed, a cat tree with enclosed spaces, or a simple box—gives your British Shorthair a way to decompress and feel safe when they need it. This also helps them establish their personal territory in the new home.
Step 3: Gradual Integration with Other Pets or Family Members
Introducing your British Shorthair to other pets or family members should be done slowly and cautiously. Rushing this process can lead to stress, anxiety, or even aggression.
Timeline for Integration:
- First Week: Focus on getting your cat acclimated to their new room and surroundings. Allow them to build trust with you and feel comfortable in their new environment. During this time, avoid overwhelming them with visitors or new interactions with other pets.
- Second Week: If your British Shorthair seems comfortable in their space and is showing curiosity about the rest of the house, begin slowly allowing them to explore more areas of the home under supervision. This gradual exposure should include allowing other pets to observe them from a distance.
- Third Week: After your cat has gotten used to the new environment, and you’ve allowed them to explore, you can begin short, supervised introductions to other pets or family members. Keep these interactions calm and positive, never forcing them. Ensure that each animal has the option to retreat to a safe space if they feel uncomfortable.
- Ongoing: Monitor your cat’s behavior and continue to provide space when needed. Be patient, as some cats take longer to adjust to other animals or people.
