How to introduce a cat to a new home?

Question

My sister owned a Bengal cat named Ender. My sister passed away unexpectedly last month in a motorcycle accident. My parents are taking in her cat. We've never owned an indoor animal before both our dog and our cat live outside because they prefer to run around freely but Ender is scared of the outside. My dad thinks it's be a good idea to bring him to our house on a Friday and then take him back to my sisters on Monday. I think that is a terrible idea and that the cat needs to stay here if we take him here. But I want to hear it from someone who had been through this before.

? · Accepted Answer

There isn't a right or wrong, or a 'done' way, because every cat is different and every domestic situation is different. You can only take it home and see what happens.

Anonymous · Answer

You just never do this: expect your cats in the household to sort things out on their own.  Ever.  The best answer you chose is just absurd.

Kitty Desires · Answer

What you you would need to do is prepare your home for the new kitty. Since you already have a cat you would need a new bed and toys specifically for this kitty. This is just in the beginning stages until the 2 cats get used to each other. Put the new kitty in a room that is closed off to the other animals and maybe even keep the cupboards open, this is to find hiding spots. Then keep the new kitty in this room with their newly bought toys and bedding, for a few days, so that they can get used to the smell of the new home.

Everyday you need to then take out time and spend as much time as possible with this kitty, as it will most likely get depressed due to the situation. Eventually start introducing your animals to the new kitty slowly, to get them acquainted. Over time things will get better and the new kitty will start reacting better.

All it takes it patients, love and a non stressful situation. Good luck, I'm sure you will do fine.

And P.S, don't listen to people that say your cats cannot live outside. They are wrong, my cat is 12 now and has been an outside cat all his life, and is healthier and happier than most cats. He sleeps inside and plays outside, and is happy as can be.

? · Answer

Bengals are very sensitive and don't cope well with change.  The cat should only be moved once, to his new home.  Don't bounce him around between houses and people.  Don't be surprised if he hides for the first few days in his new place.

Anonymous · Answer

U should take some personal garment from the dead sister, like a night gown or a t shirt and put it in a place u want your cat to sleep. Then leave him alone

ZotsRule · Answer

Contact the breeder.  If you're someone who thinks it's OK to get cats outdoors they would NEVER want you to have taken this cat.

Anonymous · Answer

They need to surrender the cat. They're clueless.

Elaine M · Answer

Do not let them put the cat outdoors, this is an indoor cat. If nobody can keep this cat then contact a Bengal cat breed rescue, they'll take him.

Star_of_Darkness · Answer

Your parents need to surrender all the pets to a rescue. No dog or cat prefers to live outside. Only the LAZY keep a pet outside therefore you and your parents are lazy and shouldn't have pets

The cat shouldn't stay with you due to sheer laziness and should be taken to a rescue or taken back to its breeder

How to introduce a cat to a new home?

9 Answers