Let your cat get comfortable enough until it wants to venture out into the house. Make sure your cat’s food station is easily accessible, but also not near the litter box. [3] X Expert Source Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KAFeline Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 1 March 2022. If you have other pets, keep them away from your cat until it’s comfortable. [4] X Expert Source Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KAFeline Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 1 March 2022.
Try to designate one room for your cat that they can always retreat to for a quiet time away from the rest of the home. Often, the easiest choice is its original safe space, but you can give it an additional room as well if you’d like. If you have pets or kids, keep them out of your cat’s safe room (s) at all times.
Talk to your cat in a soothing and soft tone to help it get used to your voice. Pet your cat in their room when they’re comfortable with you.
Place mats on top of your bookshelves to create more vertical space. Install wall-mounted or door-mounted shelves for your cat to rest on. Use a treat or feather toy to get your cat onto the shelves.
Your cat is more likely to feel uncomfortable when it feels trapped. Make sure that each room has a way for your cat to escape the room. Try to provide at least one vertical escape route in each room whenever possible. While providing your cat with hiding spots is a good idea, make sure you can reach the pet in them, just in case of any emergency. [12] X Expert Source Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KAFeline Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 1 March 2022.
Lay down on the floor and speak to your cat encouragingly as you give it treats. Don’t ever force the treat on your cat. If it starts to run away, put the treat down and leave.
If your cat is comfortable enough, blink at it as you pet it or hold it in your lap. Talk to your cat in a soothing voice as you blink at it.
Use crumbled paper to play with your cat. Create reflections with a watch, CD, or other reflective item and have your cat chase them. Head to the pet store and purchase some commercial toys for your cat. Be sure to praise your cat as you play with it.
Remember that it will take more than one introduction for your cat to get comfortable with a new guest. Talk to each guest first before you introduce them to your cat and make sure they’re comfortable meeting your cat a few times when they come over.
Never pet your cat until it approaches you.
After petting your cat for a bit, stop. Don’t take too long, as it’s best to play hard to get with new cats. Let your cat nudge your hand or leg with its chin when it wants to get pet. Avoid putting your hand over your cat’s head since it may feel threatened. Pet your cat on the head, under the chin, down the back, and at the base of the ears. Don’t pet your cat on the tummy, tail, and legs or feet.
Always let your cat feel in charge of its interactions with you when it’s adjusting.
