New cat: What's dangerous? How long to adjust and learn its name?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear that major health problems have set you back. Hoping all is well now! As for Baby, a change in environment can be quite big for a cat and may take several months for a cat to acclimatize to a new environment. I would recommend using the Feliway products to help calm him down in the new environment and these can be found online or at your local PetCo. Provide plenty of litter boxes in multiple locations in the new house as well. Some cats will urinate and defecate outside of the box in a new environment so providing multiple areas may help prevent this. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would recommend you move in first and get used to the new place before you get the cat. This will help bring everything inside before getting the cat as cats tend to get very stressed when there is a lot of movement or noise in their in new environments. Perhaps wait 1-2 months before you get a cat. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cats, like people, have different personalities; some are very sociable and always want to cuddle, while others can be more reserved and independent. It may be partly personality contributing to his behavior, as well as adjusting to his new environment. A pheromone collar (they can be found on amazon, such as nurturecalm) may be a good option instead of feliway spray, as it is a continuous release for a full month. While the response is variable among cats, it is definitely something I would recommend giving a try. Additionally, if there is a type of treat that Vin really enjoys, I would recommend putting some down by you when you are sitting on the couch watching TV, etc. When he comes to eat them, don't force an interaction, but allow him to nibble on them and then decide where he wants to go. Over time, they can be moved closer and closer to you to encourage him to be more comfortable in close proximity. When he seems playful, play with him with a toy, etc and then allow him to leave when he is done. If he is on a feeding schedule, get his attention by opening a can or shaking food into his bowl, allow him to stand next to you and have a short interaction before you set it down. If he still seems uncomfortable after these suggestions, I would recommend either setting up a consult or reaching out to your regular veterinarian for further advice. Good luck!

I would give her some more time. I would also entice her to come out with some new toys and even an interactive laser. I say give them at least 2 weeks to become fully comfortable with the new house. It can be normal for cats to take some time to adjust to a new place. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Be patient. He hasn’t been with you that long. It may take several more months for him to relax in your home. I do recommend sitting quietly and ignoring him. Cats are curious and when you’re not paying any attention to him he may get curious and come out to find out why. Sometimes they need to be the ones to initiate contact and this trust building will take time. You’ve done a great job so far and the feliway will help also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Blue.

If it has only been a few days since moving into the new house, I would give them some time to adjust. It can take up to two weeks for animals to feel comfortable in a new home. If after another week they are not adjusting I would talk with your veterinarian about anxiety medication for them. I would also make sure both cats are getting a lot of attention, play time, have enough litter boxes and have places they feel comfortable in. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This can be normal behavior. Dogs can take about 2 weeks to get used to things while cats can take a bit longer. Give him attention, play with him and keep things out that are his. He may stay mellow, he may not but it is normal for them to have a behavioral change temporarily and sometimes permanent with a move. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.