Mary Allen
Second-hand cats are usually already grown up, have already had experiences with one or many people, have likes and dislikes. Read here how you can make it easier for them to acclimate.
When an adult cat comes to its new owner from an animal shelter or from its old home, it initially vacillates between curiosity and distrust. Cat and humans first have to discover and get to know each other. Depending on the previous life, such a second-hand tiger then approaches the two-legged friends without prejudice, conquers its new kingdom with its tail stretched up and its ears pricked. Or runs through the rooms in a stand-by position, one step “lowered”, crouched and always looking for cover.
The self-confident ones quickly find their toilet corner and the various drinking sources at home all by themselves and are happy about a filled feeding bowl. The shy, on the other hand, long for a safe, quiet place from which they can calmly process everything new. They are much too excited for a welcome snack.
The Days After Moving In
In the days after they move in, the cats will gradually reveal their true personalities. They show which games encourage them to perform at their best and which are beneath their dignity. They occupy their favorite places, which are then reserved for them. They coo in agreement when their favorite dish is in the bowl and wrinkle their noses reluctantly when a meal isn’t to their liking. And they learn: When the new people wake up, leave the house, gather at the table, put in TV hours. When it’s worth sneaking around her legs, which shelf visits cause cries of horror.
However: Even after a year, they still remain piñatas whose soul secrets sometimes never get out. Or come to light by accident because a voice, a shape, a piece of clothing reminds you of something from your past life. Because cats never forget their experiences. They just don’t always use them all.
It is important that you give the cat as much time as it needs to get used to it. Respect it if the cat doesn’t want to be touched just yet. Spend time near the cat. In the beginning, it helps just to be in the same room, reading or sleeping. In this way, the cat can determine the distance itself and slowly gain trust. Even small games with the feather rod often lure shy cats out of their reserve.