Having different hiding options is key in helping a cat settle in a new environment. These places can be under a bed, inside a wardrobe or even inside cardboard boxes that you can position at different locations in the room. It's a good idea to make them cosy, snug and private using cat beds, igloos and blankets.
Once your cat shows interest in trying to leave the room, or is begging at the door to come out, they're ready to explore the rest of the house! Most cats will adjust within one to two weeks. If you have a multiple-animal household, it may take several months for everyone to fully adjust.
The introduction must be gradual. Following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do.
In the first few nights, have your kitten close to you in a warm and cosy spot next to your bed. Kittens like to feel sheltered and secure so putting them above the ground, if possible, can also make them feel safer.
On average, a new cat may stay in the Bonding Room for 2 - 7 days, but generally the cat will let you know when he is ready for the next step. He will come to you when you enter the room and will be comfortable in your presence, and when he is ready, may try to follow you out.
Give Your Cat Space
Make sure they have easily accessible food and water in the room that they decide is their new safe space. You can build trust and help them settle in by spending some time just sitting quietly near that area and letting them approach you on their own time.
If your cat is very fearful, offer her canned food several times a day and remain in the room while she eats. This will help create a bond and help your cat learn to trust you. In the beginning, spoon feeding your cat in her hiding place may be the best option.
When interacting with a fearful or shy cat, it is best to sit quietly nearby and let them investigate you on their own terms. Never startle your cat and avoid anything noisy in the house during the introduction period. Put off loud chores or events like vacuuming, moving furniture, or dinner parties until later.
Some cats will want to come to you for comfort when they are afraid, while others will want to hide or be left alone. It's always best to respect your cat's choice and don't force them to come to you if they're scared - this could actually make them feel more afraid. Close the curtains and try playing music or the TV.
The initial twenty-four hours should be a calm period of adjustment so it's probably best for any children in the household to understand that the kitten should be left alone for a while. The kitten room should be prepared in advance to enable the new arrival to settle in comfortably with minimum disturbance.
Introducing too quickly with little preparation will often lead to cats feeling threatened and scared, which increases the chance of aggressive behaviour being shown. Once cats feel this way about each other, it can be extremely difficult to change their minds.
Cats are notorious for disliking change and need plenty of time to adjust to their new environment. For some cats this could be a few hours, but for others it could be weeks, or even months, especially for the more nervous or timid cats. So be prepared to be patient and you will get there.
Letting your kitten roam freely around the entire house right away is a recipe for disaster. It's better to have a confined and controlled space for them to move around until they get completely settled in.
Cats are very territorial and may be reluctant to accept a new environment as their home. If a previous home is nearby, cats may wander back and try to take up residence with the new people! If the move is further away, they may attempt to return home and get lost along the way.
Cats are creatures of habit and don't do very well with change. Your furry friend may display signs of anxiety and depression if you bring home a new pet or baby, move to a new home, rearrange the furniture, or if you move the litter box to a new location.
Help them feel cozy and secure.
This will reduce their exposure to things that might frighten them. Make sure to cat-proof by blocking off any small spaces where the cat might try to hide but do provide several appropriate hiding spots such as cardboard boxes, a cat carrier with the door propped open, or a cat tree.
Please allow at least 3 months for your shy cat to adjust, but be mindful that others may need a little extra adjustment time. Your cat appreciates your patience. Know that with time, kitty will give you all the love they have!
For example, if your resident cat enjoys sleeping in your bedroom, ideally the new cat is kept in a room other than your bedroom. During this separation period, you can switch the cats' bedding so that they get used to each other's scent.
Again, some hissing when they see each other is normal so don't be alarmed. Some light swatting is also common. Separate them if the hissing doesn't die down after 1 or 2 minutes or if there is any sign of threat (swatting with force, chasing, screaming, ears flattened, etc.).
In the safe room, there should be a litter box, food and water dishes, soft blankets or a cozy bed, a scratcher, and a variety of toys. You can also add some cat grass to nibble or sprinkle a little catnip on a blanket for your kitty to enjoy.
It's not uncommon for cats to display behavior problems during the first days in a new home, but these usually disappear over time. New cats and kittens often bolt under furniture. Some may spend hours or even days hiding. Sit and talk quietly to the cat.