How to Make Your New Cat Feel Comfortable

Posted by Jeanne on February 6, 2009

Cats are not the least bit uncertain about their ability to take care of themselves. This, however, does not discourage the people with whom they live. By close observation of cat’s habits and preferences, they learn to do for cat many of the things cat ordinarily would do for herself. This is known as cat care.

Actually, of course, cat care harmonizes the mutual existence of cat and man and reduces the inconveniences of their relationship to a minimum. In the cities of the civilized world, which have a few natural accommodations for cats, these arrangements undoubtedly are beneficial and even necessary. But it is also true that the farther out into the country one goes, the less is cat care of real concern to cat or man. With the normal cat, man has to meet only a few basic situations.

First of all, the entrance of a new little cat into a household requires that the creature be made welcome. This is best done by appreciating that, to a kitten standing barely higher than your shoe tops, everything – beginning with you – seems of overwhelming size and potentially dangerous.

Since the cat has both curiosity and courage, she will make her adjustment and her peace with her environment. But you can help by being patient and gentle. Avoid the sudden swift gesture that startles. Tone down the loud laugh. Let the kitten get used to you slowly. Keep petting and handling to a minimum at first. Kittens are fun to fondle, but it is literally possible to kill them with kindness. It is also a good idea to introduce the kitten to its new home one room at a time.

If all this seems like advice designed to keep you from enjoying a cat, that is not the intention. This tempering of your enthusiasm need not restrict your pleasure. What is important is getting your association with your cat off to a good start.