Dear Critter Corner: I have recently adopted a pair of shy kittens from a local rescue and noticed that they have been a bit hesitant to use their litterbox in the base camp area that I had set up for them. The litter box is very spacious, with a wide lip and a cover to provide privacy for the cats to use the restroom. They have been hiding during the day and only seem to be coming out at night to eat. Do you have any tips or ideas on making the transition to a new space more comfortable for them?
Congratulations on the new additions to your family! First, I would suggest reaching out to the rescue to see what litter substrate and type of boxes they used with the kittens previously. Each cat is different and might prefer one substrate over another, so it would be worthwhile to try different types of litter. Another thing that you can try is an uncovered litterbox that your kittens can easily enter and exit. It is important to remember to clean the box daily and to have one litterbox for each cat plus one extra one.
Adjusting to a new space can be challenging for a new pet, and it is important that owners remember that each pet will need time to decompress once they are in their new home. This time can range from a few days to a couple of weeks or more, depending upon each individual pet’s personality and past experiences. You can start by having a consistent routine for your new pets to provide predictability while they are settling into their new environment. If they are still too nervous to come out of hiding, I would suggest starting off with a regular feeding schedule. Also plan times throughout the day when you keep your cat company and provide enrichment activities. When in the room with them, you can offer high value treats or rewards that they only receive when you are around (play time or food/treat that they really like). Allowing them to approach you on their terms will help build trust and create a strong bond that will continue to grow as time goes on!