Your cat has had the run of the house for years, but now someone else is going to be moving in. Below, you will find out exactly how to prepare your territorial furry companion for the big change.
Be respectful and patient with your pet
It is important to understand that your cat has feelings too, even though he may not be able to communicate them to you verbally. As such, you will need to be respectful of this fact and approach the situation with understanding and compassion. He will be trying to cope with lifestyle changes, which likely include receiving less attention from you, and this can lead to stress and resentment. Luckily, with thorough preparation well in advance of the big change, you will be able to keep the stress and potentially bad behavior at bay.
Seek professional help
Finding good professional help may be necessary if you notice that your cat isn’t adjusting well. He may start to display aggressive behaviors or become hyperactive. By having a professional on hand to assist in dealing with these issues, you will be able to resolve them fast and efficiently.
Set rules and boundaries
It is not fair to only set rules and boundaries for your feline friend, especially if the new family member is old enough to understand them too. In other words, if the cat is not allowed to scratch the toddler, the toddler shouldn’t be allowed to play roughly with the cat.
Start training early
Training the cat before the new member arrives is a great idea. Begin by getting your cat used to being around other people and in new environments. Most felines will need social interaction in order to adjust. Take the cat out of the house for walks, and attempt to take a different route every day. Pay a visit to the groomers on a more regular basis. If the cat has not been to a vet in a while, make an appointment for a check-up with a reputable one, such as those at easyvet Frisco, and ensure that he is up to date with his shots. Also, be sure to invite friends and family members to your home more frequently so that your cat has the chance to meet plenty of new people and overcome any fear, aggression, or anxiety that he may have.
If you’ll be bringing home a new baby, train the cat not to jump up on the furniture or on the counter. Doing so will take the stress off of you in terms of the cat getting into the baby’s crib when he or she is sleeping.
Finally, it is also wise to get the cat on a regular schedule for eating, exercise, and relieving himself (if your cat goes outside). This will leave you with more time for other things that need to be done without having to worry about tending to the cat’s needs intermittently.
There is no escaping the fact that there will be changes once the brand-new member arrives, so you will want to do everything in your power to help your cat adjust to those changes. Spend time with him and make the changes well in advance so that he has time to get used to and accept them. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind, and you can be sure that you’ll be able to maintain your close friendship with your furry feline no matter how many changes take place!
