SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-first-week-let-approach

During the first week, how should people handle a shy new cat?

Let the cat approach when it is ready, and avoid forcing contact.

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  1. Let the cat approach when ready ✔
  2. Pick it up every hour
  3. Chase it around the house

Why: Forced contact makes fear worse. A cat that can choose when to approach will settle in faster.

Huh, didn't know that: International Cat Care says it can take some cats several weeks to feel safe in a new home.

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What do cats put on French fries? Catsup.
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References

Answer: Let the cat approach when ready. Forced contact makes fear worse. A cat that can choose when to approach will settle in faster.

  1. International Cat Care: Helping your new cat or kitten settle in icatcare.org/articles/helping-your-new-cat-or-kitten-settle-in
    They may retreat to a hiding place, and this is fine - allow them to decide for themselves when it’s safe to explore.

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