The Importance of a Landing Room
Introducing a new cat to your home is an exciting experience, it’s essential to do it right to ensure a smooth transition for your newest family member(s). At Into Loving Homes, we recommend setting up a ‘landing room’ for your new cat. This designated space can be a bathroom, laundry, or bedroom, providing a safe and controlled environment for your cat to acclimate to the new sounds, smells, and routines without the overwhelming experience of a large, unfamiliar space.
The landing room helps your cat feel secure and reduces stress. Some cats might need just a few hours in this room, while others might require up to three weeks to decompress. It all depends on their individual personalities and how they show interest in exploring the rest of the house.
In the landing room, set up clean kitty litter on one side of the room, and food, water, a bed, and a hiding spot on the other. This arrangement ensures your cat feels comfortable and maintains hygiene. Avoid placing food and bedding next to the kitty litter.
This approach is particularly crucial if you have other pets or small children. The landing room allows your new cat to adjust to the presence of other animals and people with the comfort and security of a wall between them.
By following these guidelines, you help ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for your new cat into their forever home.