(2 of 10) The Big Day: What to Expect When You Bring Your British Shorthair Home

The Feline Advisor

08 Dec 2024 — 2 min read

Congratulations! The big day is finally here. Your British Shorthair is about to step (or more likely, cautiously tiptoe) into their forever home. While it’s tempting to smother your new feline friend with love and attention, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure their arrival is as smooth as their velvety coat.

Picking Up Your New Furry Friend

The first step is getting your British Shorthair safely from point A (the breeder, shelter, or rescue) to point B (your home). Here are some tips:

Use a Carrier: A sturdy, comfortable cat carrier is non-negotiable. Your cat may protest at first, but it’s the safest way to transport them. Add a soft blanket and maybe a toy to make it cozier.
Stay Calm: Cats are experts at sensing your emotions. If you’re nervous, they’ll be nervous. Play some calming music in the car and speak to them in soothing tones (even if they’re giving you the stink eye).
Plan Your Route: Get home as quickly as possible, avoiding unnecessary stops. No one wants their grand entrance delayed by a coffee run.

Managing the First 24 Hours

Once you’ve arrived, the real fun begins. Or rather, the cautious sniffing and hiding begins. Here’s how to handle it:

Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, enclosed area for your cat—like a spare room or a corner of a larger room. Include their litter box, food, water, and a cozy bed. Think of it as their personal VIP lounge.
Let Them Explore: Keep the rest of the house off-limits for now. Let them acclimate to their safe space before expanding their territory. Patience is key.
Don’t Force Interaction: As much as you’re dying to cuddle them, let your British Shorthair come to you. They’ll appreciate the respect for their royal boundaries.

Reading the Room (or the Cat)

British Shorthairs are known for their calm demeanor, but every cat reacts differently to a new environment. Here are some behaviors to watch for:

Curiosity: If they’re sniffing around and checking things out, that’s a good sign! It means they’re feeling brave.
Hiding: Totally normal. Give them time and space to come out when they’re ready.
Purring or Kneading: Congratulations, you’ve been deemed worthy of affection. Cherish it.
Hissing or Growling: They’re feeling scared or overwhelmed. Keep your distance and give them some peace and quiet.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Start

Snacks Are Your Friend: Treats can be a great way to win over your new companion. Just don’t overdo it—you’re building trust, not a bribe-based relationship.
Stick to a Routine: Cats love predictability. Establish feeding times, play sessions, and quiet hours early on.
Keep Kids and Other Pets in Check: Introductions to children or other animals should be slow and supervised. British Shorthairs are patient but not pushovers.

Wrapping Up the Big Day

By the end of their first day, your British Shorthair might still be unsure, but that’s okay. Building trust takes time. Remember, you’ve just brought a fluffy ball of love and sass into your home. The beginning might be quiet, but soon enough, your British Shorthair will be ruling the roost and demanding chin scratches on their terms.

Stay tuned for the next blog post where we dive into feeding your British Shorthair and ensuring they’re dining like the royalty they are. Spoiler: No, they cannot have your leftovers.