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Slow transitions are better than abrupt changes

Posted Mon, Jul 07, 2008, 12:23 am PDT
Cats take comfort in knowing that there won't be surprises when it comes to the important aspects of their lives. Whenever possible, any changes you make to your cat's routine should be gradual. Of course there are situations where things happen unexpectedly, but whenever possible, ease your cat through the transition.
  • While variety in the cat's diet may help prevent finicky eating, slowly transition by mixing a little of the new food brand into the current brand. Gradually make the switch over the course of a couple of days. This will help prevent food rejection and will be easier on digestion.
  • When kitty steps into the litter box she expects the litter to be the same each time in terms of texture, scent, etc. Abrupt changes in brands can result in litter box rejection. Either add the new litter into the current brand gradually or set out an additional box with the new litter so kitty can decide which she likes best.
  • If you're adding a new pet to the household, do a gradual introduction. Give the pets a reason to like each other by introducing them at a distance while offering food or treats. Set up a sanctuary room for the newcomer during the introduction process.
  • If you're expecting a baby, prepare kitty in advance by letting her explore each nursery item as you decorate and set up the room. The expectant mother can start wearing baby powder and baby lotion as well to get the kitty used to the way baby will smell.

Whenever possible, give your cat time to adjust to changes in her life.

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19 Comments

  • 1. shawnmeboy86 - 9:09AM on 07/07/08

    "Whenever possible, give your cat time to adjust to changes in her life." That 's improper English, it should read, "Whenever possible, give your cat time to adjust to changes in its life."

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  • 2. petratheartist - 10:51AM on 07/07/08

    Great article, regardless of the "english". :) I've found that my cats do much better if things are introduced to them slowly. What does one do when moving cats to a new home? Any advice would be great. Thanks. :)

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  • 3. ddnyteskye - 4:51PM on 07/07/08

    Cats are not its. They have genders, just like humans. In a world where he is most commonly used, it's nice to see she, as Pam did throughout the article.

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  • 4. shawnmeboy86 - 9:21PM on 07/07/08

    No, the correction I made is proper English, you only use genders if you know the sex of the animal. Look it up.

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  • 5. KayKay - 4:50AM on 07/08/08

    i hate to say this but in an article like this, does it really matter if the aurthor used proper english. what truly matters is that the author wrote the article so those of us who have cats can care for them better.

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  • 6. petratheartist - 9:39AM on 07/08/08

    Oh, for crying out loud...she was making the article more personal because to us pet owners, our pets are personal...they are "he's and she's", not its. Shawn, me boy, please get over the whole correct english thing. Do you have any other comments about the article besides the english used? Can you give me advice on what to do with my three cats when we decide to move? How can I make it easier for my two girls and one boy? Advice on this from anyone would be great. THanks!

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  • 7. cleodookie2000 - 4:12PM on 07/08/08

    Petratheartist, I have two cats and together we have moved several times over the course of their lives. It is always stressful, but here are some things that seemed to help my girls adjust. I try to act excited, not stressed, when I am packing and stuff...I know it's hard, but they respond well to it and usually start trying to 'help'. :) I get their carriers ready and out where thy can get to them like a week in advance of the big day, so they can explore them and start believing they are not going to be left behind. Also, I don't know if you can do this, but I try to move things gradually, a couple of carloads a day so nothing is really too abrupt. And on their moving day, I set up one room, usually my bedroom, with their own beds, and some of my dirty clothes or sheets or whatever, so they have familer scents around them immidiately. Oh, and LOTS of treats and praise and happy things. Good Luck!!

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  • 8. petratheartist - 5:23PM on 07/08/08

    Thanks Cleodookie! I will keep your ideas handy. :)

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  • 9. froggirl0929 - 10:03AM on 07/09/08

    Also on the move. especially when moving into a larger place, sometimes it helps to keep them confined into a smaller area for the first few days. just so they can get aquainted with the new smells of the place.

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  • 10. Cha-Cha - 4:02PM on 07/09/08

    Pretty interesting that Shawn boy used his gender in his name but not in his babbling. I am quite sure "he" moves and just leaves his cat behind.

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  • 11. MoonWolf - 4:06PM on 07/09/08

    Who cares if the end is improper English!? This woman is trying to help, cut her some slack!! I love the articles and use them in my everyday dealings with my cat.

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  • 12. MoonWolf - 4:07PM on 07/09/08

    Leave Pam Johnson-Bennett's "improper English" alone

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  • 13. kitkat2 - 7:07AM on 07/10/08

    We are getting ready to move 8 to 9 hours away. Does anyone have past experience in moving with 2 male cats just over a year old. The vet suggested large crates with beds and boxes. get them use to them before we go.

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  • 14. MoonWolf - 9:50PM on 07/13/08

    Shawn, Pam wrote she because she had been referring to the cat through out the entire article as a she. Read it again and you'll see that the cat is a SHE!!

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  • 15. Katt - 9:54AM on 07/14/08

    This is absurd. I also love the cat articles and I think saying "he" or "she" for the article adds a nice personal touch to this type of writing. This is not an AP article, for heaven's sake. And shawnie kid, correct english is never "it" unless you're referring to an inanimate object. It would be "... changes in his or her life." Would you ever say "It was driving the car and missed the stop sign?" I hope not..

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  • 16. Katt - 10:20AM on 07/14/08

    Well, folks, it looks like we were all wrong on this "his, her, or it" matter. Here it is, straight from the AP Stylebook: His, Her: Do not presume maleness in constructing a sentence, but use the pronoun "his" when an indefinite antecedent may be male for femle: "A reporter attempts to protect his sources." (not "his or her" sources, but note the use of the word "reporter" rather than "newsman.") Frequently, however, the best choice is a slight revision of the sentence: "Reporters attempt to protect their sources."

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  • 17. DM - 2:05PM on 07/16/08

    shawnmeboy86 visits Yahoo!Answers a lot. Here are some verbatim posts by "Mr. Grammar": "dude we are ****** either way, and even if mccain wins were screwed this the worst election yr ever"; "spirits don't go in them, but ya animals do have emotions and some are very smart, makes ya think though"; "woah...5'10 and a skeleton...eat more choclate"; "haaaaaiiiillll naw"; "players are untrustworthy fools who will get their's in the end"...on and on. For a 22-year old, self-admitted virgin and Christian, he's pretty, um, Pharisaical.

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  • 18. Laura S - 8:05AM on 08/05/08

    I'm introducing my 4 year old cat to two 1 year old cats, one female one male. He is moving into my boyfriend's appartement and I'm moving into a dorm (that's why I can't take him with me). Any suggestions?

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  • 19. deb - 2:27AM on 08/09/08

    I just moved about 2 months ago.My cat is around 6 yrs. old & she "sammy" my cats name, is acting like she is still not comfortable.I have been given her lots of attention as well as my kids.When I did get sammy from petsmart which told me she is fixed.if she is why is sammy spraying the house ?How do I stop her from doing that? i have something , don't know what it's called but you spray it on her to stay calm when sammy is verry nervouse.Some one please help me to help my cat. thanks

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