What to Expect When Bringing Home a New Cat
So you brought home a new cat! It's always an exciting feeling to bring home a family member and you look for any way to make them feel at home, but it takes time and patience for your new feline friend to settle in.
Many new pet owners should be aware of the 3-3-3 rule as this clearly defines what to expect when bringing a new cat home: 3 days to decompress, 3 days to learn your routines, and 3 months to finally feel at home. This applies to both dogs and cats, but here we will discuss what it looks like with a feline friend. It is important to go through these steps to ensure your cat gets enough time in their new home and you can evaluate if they are a good fit for your family.
3 days to decompress
When your cat first arrives at their new home, they will most likely hide right away. Some cats do not even exit their carrier until they are alone. It is normal for cats to be nervous or scared at first. You may notice your cat does not eat or drink often and the litterbox may not be used much either. This is also completely normal. So what do you do?
Give them time.
The best thing you can do is give your pet time and space. Do not try to pick them up or grab them. Show them you are a part of their life and let them come to you. You can start small and give them a room of their own so it is easier to decompress. There is less going on around them and eventually they will want to explore more when they are more comfortable. Your feline friend will grow accustomed to seeing you daily, especially for meals or treats and will eventually expect to see you as days go by.
Cats crave security and warmth so small spaces where they can watch their surroundings is best. This is why cats tend to hide under beds or furniture. Give them spaces that are dark and secluded so they can get used to their surroundings and feel safe until they are brave enough for more.
3 weeks to learn your routines
After the first few days, your feline is used to seeing you more often. In the first three weeks with you, they will start exploring more and will cautiously seek you out to see what you are up to. This is the point where cats start showing you more of their personality. A quiet cat may start talking more and a shy cat may be more rambunctious than you originally thought. They will play with things and find new spots to hide and explore in as they begin to let their guard down.
It is important to note that cats are crepuscular, which means the most active parts of their day are at dusk and dawn! So do not be surprised if those are the times they are out and about.
Your new feline will begin finding their new favorite spots and you may see them try different areas out until they find the right one! This is also the stage where cats tend to test boundaries and see what they can and cannot get away with. This could be what areas they are allowed in or what they can or cannot scratch/ jump on.
You should set boundaries with your cat at this stage. If they are not allowed on the counter, then remove them from those places every time. Establish where they are allowed to be and where they shouldn't be. It is important to be consistent! Introduce them to nail trims and hair brushes. Cats will be wary about these things already, but show them it is safe with you and have treats on standby. Start slow and give treats for cooperating and behaving as you want them to. Do not force your cat to stay, but praise them for whatever duration they cooperate.
This is also the stage where you can figure out what form of play they prefer. Some cats prefer solo play and some only play when you engage with them. Try a variety of toys and play with your feline to build that bond and tire them out so they get into less trouble.
3 Months to Feel at Home
At the three month mark, your new kitty is starting to feel at home! They start letting their guard down and settle into a new routine. They know when meals happen and their internal clock knows when you arrive home and when you leave for work. This is when your feline starts bonding and building trust with you. They realize this is their home and you are a part of their life. You will see your feline in your spaces more and they will look for you more often. Expect to find them in open areas where you normally spend your time, they will choose to spend time around you rather than on their own.
You will clearly start to see what your cat likes and dislikes and their full personality and small quirks. They may still test boundaries, but stay consistent with training out bad behaviors and they will come to understand.
Your kitty now knows this is their home and they will feel safe and comfortable with you around. Keep building a bond with your cat during this time by showing affection and playing often. Soon enough you will have a strong bond and a long lasting friend!
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