Cats can be sensitive to changes in routines or the presence of unfamiliar people.
Maintain a consistent schedule and provide a quiet, safe space for your cat to retreat to.
Vacation:
Pet sitter: Hire a pet sitter to stay with or visit your cat daily. Introduce the sitter to your cat beforehand and schedule play dates to build a positive relationship.
Refuge: Create a safe, familiar space for your cat while you're away, equipped with your scent, toys, and comforting white noise from a radio or TV.
New Person Moving In:
Maintain routine: Keep your cat's daily routine as normal as possible.
Increase interaction: Provide extra playtime and grooming sessions to reassure your cat.
Slow introduction: Allow your cat to investigate the new person at her own pace, and involve the new person in play sessions with treats.
Introducing Your New Baby:
Preparation: Familiarize your cat with baby scents and sounds before the baby arrives.
Nursery: Allow your cat to explore the nursery gradually, maintaining her refuge nearby.
Crib deterrent: Make the crib undesirable to the cat by placing empty soda cans or using a crib net.
Temporary Absence of Primary Caretaker:
Interaction: Have other family members spend more time with the cat.
Refuge: Provide a safe, familiar place for your cat while you're gone, with your scent and calming background noise.
Familiar Person Leaving:
Maintain routine: Keep your cat's routine consistent.
Increase interaction: Provide extra attention and playtime to comfort your cat.
Death of a Human or Animal Family Member:
Understanding grief: Recognize that cats experience grief and may exhibit changes in behavior.
Maintain routine: Keep your cat's routine as normal as possible.
Provide comfort: Increase playtime and grooming sessions to reassure your cat.
Entertaining Guests:
Refuge: Provide a safe space for your cat to retreat to during hectic times.
Respect privacy: Ensure guests respect your cat's space and don't force interaction.
