What To Expect The First Month After Adopting Your New Cat or Dog

The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. It’s common for your pet to be confused about where he/she is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your pet will be bases in making as smooth of a transition as possible.

The First Day

Picking up your Cat

When picking up your cat most shelters will give you a carrier, however I would recommend calling your shelter and being sure they have carriers to provide you with. If not, make sure to buy a carrier big enough for your new kitty.

Introducing your cat to your home

Sit on the floor and let them come to you. Don’t force it you want them to get acquainted on their own time. If your cat doesn’t approach, leave them alone and try again later. Some cats are particularly frightened, and they may retreat to their hide away and not come out when you’re around at all. They may only come out at night when the house is quiet. Give her time. Your new cat may not eat much or at all at first. It’s best to give your cat the same food they had at the shelter or in her foster home, at least at first. Keeping some things familiar will make her feel more secure. Be sure to change her water frequently and make sure that she is drinking. If your cat hasn’t eaten for a few days, call your vet to ask for advice.

Litter Box

Fill a litter box with one or two inches of litter and place it in a room where he can use it undisturbed. After all, everyone deserves some privacy when pottying.

After a few weeks

As your cat adjusts, they’ll show signs that she wants to explore outside her safe haven. Make sure other pets or family members won’t startle them while she gradually expands her territory. She may be ready to play, so you can furnish some toys. Many cats like feather wands from the pet supply store, but homemade toys are often favored.

Picking up your Pup

When getting your pup remember to ask what type of food and when they were getting fed. It’s best to replicate that schedule for at least the first few days to avoid an upset stomach. If you wish to switch to a different brand, do so over a period of about a week by adding one part new food to three parts of the old for several days; then switch to half new food, half old, and then one part old to three parts new. Your goal is to help climate your pup to your new food. this is important at any age.

On your way home

When bringing your New Pup home you want to make sure they are safely secured or crated in the car. Some dogs find car rides very stressful so make sure your pup has a safe spot to stay on the way home. this will make the car ride easier for you and your pup.

Once you’re home

Take your new pup to there toileting area immediately. Spend a good amount of time with there so they will get used to the area and relieve themselves. Even if your dog does relieve himself during this time, be prepared for accidents. Coming into a new home with new people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most housebroken dog off-track, so be ready just in case.

Introducing your Dog

We know moving is stressful, and your new dog feels the same way! Give him time to get used to your home and family before introducing him to strangers. Make sure children know how to approach the dog without overwhelming him. Teach children to let your new pup smell their hand. Most dogs who are still getting used to, you will be skittish we wouldn’t recumbent petting the top of the pup's head. When you put your hand over the pup's head they can’t see your hand so it can make them nervous.

Crate Training

If you plan on crate training Be sure to introduce your pup to the crate gradually. Make it a Safe place for your pup to be. Put a blanket and some of their toys and treats in the crate. You don’t want to make the crate something your new pup fears.

For the first few days

You want to be calm and quiet around your dog, limiting too much excitement (such as the dog park or neighborhood children). Not only will this allow your dog to settle in easier, it will give you more one-on-one time to get to know him and his likes/dislikes. A lot of people say they don’t see their dog’s true personality until several weeks after adoption. Your dog may be a bit uneasy at first as he gets to know you. Be patient and understanding while also keeping to the schedule you intend to maintain for feeding, walks, etc. This schedule will show your dog what is expected of them as well as what they can expect from you.

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