Training & BehaviorNew cat: How to bond, feed salmon/tuna, and indoor vs outdoor life?
Glad to hear you decided to get yourself a kitty! Some cats take longer to get used to their owners than others. It is great that she gets along with dogs, as so many cats and dogs are not able to functionally coexist. The best think you can do is just give Crystal some time and let her come to you. Any time she comes to you, take it very slowly and offer her love and treats. Cats respond similarly to positive reinforcement as dogs, but has to be done with a little more finesse. In terms of the food, any type of food labeled for cats is OK, with some brands being of higher quality than others. By six months of age, you should be able to feed regular adult cat food instead of kitten food. If you are thinking of letting your cat outside, I would make sure that she is fully vaccinated against FeLV in addition to the FVRCP combo and Rabies. Obviously allowing cats to go outside puts the at a greater risk for illness and injury. Depending on the cat, sometimes they simply don't function well as indoor only. I don't know if you rescued her or got her from a previous home, but if she was already indoor-only I would not change this. If she was outdoor-only, I would consider all the pros and cons and also strongly think about the type of neighborhood / environment in which you live. If there is a high likelihood of being attacked by a wild animal or being struck by a car, I can't say I recommend it.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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