Until you have an ARISTOCAT, you won't know what its arrival will bring. Basically because each ARISTOCAT is a world unto itself. Many mistakes are often made when trying to "force apply" advice you've read or someone has recommended. That's why today we're sharing some basic guidelines with you to ensure a smooth welcome. The goal is to help you combat impatience, balance expectations, and reduce the demand for an immediate connection between your cat and you.
Give him "his space"
When a cat arrives home, it's disoriented, nervous, and scared. It doesn't know the place, it doesn't know you... If it's a kitten, you also have to add the separation anxiety from leaving its mother and siblings... It might have had a long journey and be tired. It's not the time to overload it with cuddles, but to leave it in peace.
It's best to leave him undisturbed with everything he needs: bowls, litter box, scratching post, toys, a bed... (remember that everything you need can be found at ARISTOSHOP). For the first few days, this will be the cat's corner or room. Ideally, avoid a lot of noise (from outside or from appliances), although it's good for him to hear your voice and even a murmur of cat music, as well as the scents of the house...
If you don't have a room or corner available, leave his carrier open in a high place (sofa, bed, table) and let him come out when he wants.
Give him time
Some cats take hours to come out. Others come out immediately. The most common is that they explore a bit and as soon as they find a hiding place, they stay there. At the other extreme, there are cats that start to explore openly, approach you, and don't feel fear or confusion. Although that's less common. Let him go at his own pace.
Don't intimidate him
A cat that wants to show goodwill will lie down and look away. Or blink. But one that feels aggressive will stare intently. So avoid doing that yourself, because it will seem threatening to him.
Live your life and let him live his. Let him take the reins of the relationship, as they say. When you least expect it, he'll come close to smell you. And based on that, you'll see how much you can advance: try to pet him, play with him (ideally with a wand, to keep your distance. Little by little you'll be able to introduce other games to improve his physical and mental health).
Act normally
Enter the room several times a day. Replenish his food (he might eat little at first. Keep an eye on it. If three days pass without him eating, take him for a check-up without fail), change his water, clean the litter box, and stay there for a while, ideally sitting or lying down. Just do your own thing.
When the cat stops being scared when you enter (although he might still hide), you can consider opening the door. And see what happens.
Let him explore
When he starts to move around the house, let him do his own thing. Let him explore. Most cats will explore a part of the house, return to their room, and after a while go for another walk... Depending on the cat's personality, he will choose his new favorite spot quickly or take a few days. In any case, take advantage of this new state of mind to gradually move his things to his definitive "corner." Once you have that, you can start thinking about enriching his environment.
It's normal for your ARISTOCAT to adapt in a couple of days, but it can take up to a month. So be patient, don't stress yourself out, don't stress him out, and everything will be fine.
