Jo Ann Beehler, LHS volunteer and regular contributor to our Pets of Central Virginia column in the Lynchburg News & Advance, wrote such a great piece on bringing a new cat home that I wanted to share it with you:
When you adopt a new pet, you are making a commitment to love and care for your new friend for the rest of his life. Adoptions commonly fail because humans set unrealistic expectations for their new pets. Don’t put yourself and your new pet through this heartbreak.
Instead, be prepared to allow your new pet ample time to become acclimated to his new family and home. For example, if you adopt a cat, don’t be surprised or disappointed if he hides under the bed for several days or even weeks. Don’t take this personally. Cats, like humans are disconcerted by change. You must allow your new friend the time he needs to recognize his new home and trust his surroundings and new family members. Our companion animals provide us with tons of unconditional love and support; however, we humans must earn their trust and affection with patience and consistency.
My husband, Ed, and I adopted our third cat, Terry Tiger, on January 31, 2009. Prior to Terry’s arrival we set up a “safe room” for him. This room contained a new cat tree, a cozy bed mounted atop a modified windowsill perch, food and water, and at the opposite end a new litter box.
Terry, who was about 9 years old when we adopted him, spent over two weeks hiding in his safe room. Whenever Ed or I entered to give him fresh food, clean his litter box, or try to interact with him, he would hide behind furniture. Of course we could have pried him from his hiding spots, but we knew that would not help him trust us. Instead Ed and I took turns reading or taking short naps in Terry’s room.
Seventeen days after his arrival, Terry decided he was ready to meet his new canine siblings; during this meet and greet session with the dogs he finally allowed Ed to pet him. Subsequent similar meet and greet sessions allowed both Ed and I to interact with him. Thanks to our dogs, Terry learned to trust us.
Seventeen days may seem like a long time to you; however, most animal welfare organizations caution new adopters that it may take one month or LONGER, for a newly adopted pet to become acclimated to his new home.
Because we were patient, Terry is a happy and affectionate member of our family. He will occasionally retire to his safe room, but he also enjoys napping on the upstairs couch. In the evenings, he diplomatically shares his affection with Ed and me. If we’re busy he is more than happy to cuddle with one of his feline or canine siblings.
Realistic Expectations when You Bring a New Cat Home
by Jo Ann Beehler
Are congratulations in order? Did you recently adopt a new pet from a local humane society? Are you planning to do so soon? If yes, then now is the time to begin setting realistic expectations for your new pet. In order to make the adoption of your new pet a success, you must have realistic expectations firmly in mind.When you adopt a new pet, you are making a commitment to love and care for your new friend for the rest of his life. Adoptions commonly fail because humans set unrealistic expectations for their new pets. Don’t put yourself and your new pet through this heartbreak.
Instead, be prepared to allow your new pet ample time to become acclimated to his new family and home. For example, if you adopt a cat, don’t be surprised or disappointed if he hides under the bed for several days or even weeks. Don’t take this personally. Cats, like humans are disconcerted by change. You must allow your new friend the time he needs to recognize his new home and trust his surroundings and new family members. Our companion animals provide us with tons of unconditional love and support; however, we humans must earn their trust and affection with patience and consistency.
My husband, Ed, and I adopted our third cat, Terry Tiger, on January 31, 2009. Prior to Terry’s arrival we set up a “safe room” for him. This room contained a new cat tree, a cozy bed mounted atop a modified windowsill perch, food and water, and at the opposite end a new litter box.
Terry, who was about 9 years old when we adopted him, spent over two weeks hiding in his safe room. Whenever Ed or I entered to give him fresh food, clean his litter box, or try to interact with him, he would hide behind furniture. Of course we could have pried him from his hiding spots, but we knew that would not help him trust us. Instead Ed and I took turns reading or taking short naps in Terry’s room.
Seventeen days after his arrival, Terry decided he was ready to meet his new canine siblings; during this meet and greet session with the dogs he finally allowed Ed to pet him. Subsequent similar meet and greet sessions allowed both Ed and I to interact with him. Thanks to our dogs, Terry learned to trust us.
Seventeen days may seem like a long time to you; however, most animal welfare organizations caution new adopters that it may take one month or LONGER, for a newly adopted pet to become acclimated to his new home.
Because we were patient, Terry is a happy and affectionate member of our family. He will occasionally retire to his safe room, but he also enjoys napping on the upstairs couch. In the evenings, he diplomatically shares his affection with Ed and me. If we’re busy he is more than happy to cuddle with one of his feline or canine siblings.
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