Top Tips for Moving Your Cat to a New Home

When a kitten joins a new family, it's a world of unfamiliarity, and the stress response is already in full gear. Therefore, the first and most crucial step is to allow the little feline to explore the new environment at its own pace. Avoid forceful cuddling, relentless chasing, or any form of coercion. Instead, introduce gentle interaction with toys to help the kitten feel more at ease and gradually integrate into the new surroundings.

Secondly, the issue of diet cannot be overlooked. Cats, especially the delicate Ragdoll breed, often have sensitive stomachs. As such, a kitten that has just arrived in a new home will typically need a 12 week transition period for its food. Stick to the meat or the same type of cat food provided by your cattery and feed it in measured portions. This approach will help prevent issues like diarrhea or soft stools when the kitten adjusts to its new home. It's important not to overwhelm the kitten with a variety of new foods upon arrival; doing so can have the opposite effect.

Thirdly, let's talk about bathing. As many cat owners know, cats naturally resist bathing, and introducing it in a new environment can trigger a strong stress response. We recommend waiting at least a month before giving your kitten a bath. Don't worry too much about their hygiene; as long as the living space is clean, cats are naturally very clean creatures and will keep themselves wellgroomed.

Lastly, if there are other pets, such as dogs or other cats, in the household, the new arrival should first be kept in a separate room to allow it to become accustomed to the space. After a few days, it can start to familiarize itself with the other pets without immediate contact. Gradually increase the time they spend together based on their comfort levels and mutual acceptance, eventually allowing for a harmonious coexistence of multiple pets under one roof.