How best to make new cats feel at home?

Savvy_Sue

Fitzmichael wrote: »

Nothing to be sorry about. What much more intellectually (or emotionally) satisfying pursuit should I give up in order to (be obliged to) pay attention to a cat?

that is not for you to decide. If a cat should choose to accept you as their personal staff, they will let you know what they require.

We had one who was never happier than when snuggled in the crook of my brother's arm, sucking his jumper.

gloriouslyhappy

Fitzmichael wrote: »

Nothing to be sorry about. What much more intellectually (or emotionally) satisfying pursuit should I give up in order to (be obliged to) pay attention to a cat?

No need to give anything up! But much intellectual and emotional satisfaction may be had from knowing you've provided a safe haven for a cat (dog, ferret, rabbit - delete as required) in need of a good home.

And there's the added bonus of the jumper-sucking and half-eaten 'presents' too..

Slinky

Fitzmichael wrote: »

When I was a child, none of my, fairly wide, family had pets and none acquired them as we grew older. I have no idea why people want or, apparently need them and as for talking to them.....??

I feel sorry for you that you've never had the joy of caring for a pet.

gloriouslyhappy

Slinky wrote: »

I feel sorry for you that you've never had the joy of caring for a pet.

Or the joy of being cared for by a pet..

taurustime

We took two rescue cats - sisters! - some years back. Other than their being returned to the cat sanctuary because one of them wouldn't sit on their new owner's lap[!], we knew nothing of their background. On arrival in their new home, the more timid immediately disappeared behind the washing machine! All efforts to gently encourage her out failed. She fed, watered and littered so we had no major concerns. In time, as she got used to the 'flow' and the noises of the house, she ventured out and soon became a major player in the household - as only cats do! Give it time. Be natural. Make NO moves to extract them from what they feel and believe to be a place of safety. Keep noise to a minimum, especially from children. Avoid contact/confrontation with any other pets and territorial issues. They'll come around in time. Good luck with your new cats, the thinking person's pet!

brownie17

I think you need to give the cats time to settle in at home and not touch them for the first time. Wait for the moment when they get used to the new home and to the owners. At first, you just need to feed them and be affectionate.

Robin9

emilierobbins wrote: »

Create cozy place where it will stay and sleep. ……………...

Cats will sleep where they want to - every now and again they will find somewhere else.

I've known mine crawl into cardboard boxes and places which should be most uncomfortable and if I tried to put them there I would be considered cruel.

As I write one is curled up in a chair (last week on a bed) and the other - I don't know.