Bangladesh Animal Care

The first thing you should do when you bring your cat home is to put its cat carrier in a safe, quiet place and leave it alone for about half an hour. This should preferably be in the area of the house you are planning to keep your cat in for the first few days. Choose an area away from activity and other animals. If your carrier is of the open-top variety, place a towel over the top and one side to make your cat feel safer. You do not have to leave the room at this stage, but should sit quietly and watch your cat from a comfortable distance. Do not stare at your cat as they may find this threatening.

Do not be surprised if your cat wants to hide for much of the first day or two - new surroundings are stressful and the more a cat is pressured, the more likely it will feel stressed. Do not do anything in the first few days to add to your cats stress. Leave worming, etc until your cat has settled in - unless an emergency crops up. When you first leave the room, wait at least half-an hour before returning. This will give your cat time to explore the room alone.

If you bring a cat treat or toy when you return, this will serve to associate good things with your presence. For the first few days, do not pick your cat up unless it comes to you. A cat can feel threatened by being restrained, but still needs to become used to being held, so handle your cat as often as it will let you. When your cat seems comfortable with its room or large cage, and with you and anyone else who will be caring for it, it is time to allow it to explore the rest of the house. This is best done one room at a time.

Small children and other animals should be kept away from the cat or confined until the cat is comfortable with its surroundings. If your cat is to live outside, it will be more difficult to monitor its exploration and to keep it safe. To ensure your cat returns, wait until you are sure that your cat trusts you before letting it out and feed your cat at the same time each day. I recommend confining your cat at night, especially in areas where your cat and/or wildlife is at risk. To do this, it is best to ensure that your cat returns by feeding them in the late afternoon, just before locking them up for the night.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAT.

As you and your cat get to know each other, you will become aware of each others likes, dislikes, personality and daily routine. Your cat will have its moods, much like your own, and will slowly fill a gap in your life you may not have known was even there.