From Shelter to Home
Bringing home a new pet can be stressful for both the owner and the animal. A good rule of thumb is the 3-3-3 Rule: 3 days for the pet to decompress, 3 weeks for them to learn the routines, and 3 months to truly feel at home. Follow the steps below to make this transition time go as smoothly as possible. These pictograms can help you recognize different cat body language and their needs.
Things to Remember:
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This is a scary time for a cat, so it is completely normal for them to hide for the first week, but consistent interaction is key!
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Don't force your hand on a cat, let them come to you
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Be quiet and go slow
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Patience, Patience, Patience. This stuff takes time!
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It's common for a cat not to eat for the first couple of nights. If this is happening, be sure to leave food out overnight.
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Always provide a small hiding box; carriers, covered cat beds, or cardboard boxes are great for this.
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Plan to spend 20-30 minutes each session, then give them space. You don't need to check on them every 10 minutes
Essentials:
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Litter Box: one big enough to fit the entire cat
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Litter and a litter scoop: Tidy Cats clumping clay litter is my go-to
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Food and water bowls: cats prefer small and shallow bowls. Cat water fountains are also great!
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Food- Any cat kibble that you can get at the grocery store will do. I prefer Purina One kibble and Friskies wet food.
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Hiding box, this can be a carrier, a covered cat bed, or even a cardboard box
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Cat scratcher: I like the wide cardboard ones, but posts are great for stretching, too.
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Toys: cats love a good string toy
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Treats: Churu is always a favorite
Step 1:
Setting Up
Prior to releasing your cat into its new home, set up a small room, such as a bathroom, where there are few crawl spaces (high and low) or furniture to hide under. This room should be free of other cat or dog smells, so clean it ahead of time, restricting access from other pets if necessary. The room should contain all the essentials listed above and a small place for the cat to hide, but where they're easily accessible, something they'll feel safe in, but not completely hidden away.
Many times, owners release their new cat into a bedroom, and the cat runs under the bed and stays hidden for days. Cats often crawl up into bed slats, inside sofas or recliners, making them impossible to get to. If you cannot access your new cat, you cannot socialize with them; this is the root cause of poorly acclimated cats in their new homes and frustrated owners. A scared cat is unlikely to socialize on their own and will choose to hide rather than explore its new surroundings. Starting with a small space allows them to settle in without being too overwhelmed, and allows the owner to spend quality time with their new pet. Ideally, this should be the new pet's living area for the next 7-10 days on average, depending on their comfort level. If you do not have a small room that is ideal for this, an XL dog crate is also an option. Set it up with all the same essentials, and using a blanket or sheet, cover the back half of the crate for added privacy.
*Pro-Tip* Bathroom cabinets/vanities often have small openings along the bottom that lead to a crawl space behind the cabinet. Cats WILL find them and they will crawl into them, making it very difficult to get them back out because they are often scared. Shoving a washcloth or hand towel to block the hole is usually enough to keep them out. I recommend doing this regardless of how big that cat is; you'd be surprised at how small a hole they can fit through. And if they don't crawl under the cabinet, they will often weasel their way into the drawers. If they do this repeatedly, I like to line it with a blanket and make it their hiding spot for the week. Additionally, if using a bathroom, keep the toilet bowl closed; a scared cat can fall in when in a panic.
Step 2:
Socializing- Day 1
Short, frequent socialization sessions during this 7-10 day period are crucial in establishing a strong bond between you and your new pet. You should do this at least 3-4 times a day, again depending on your new pet's comfort level.
The first day should be light socialization as your cat adjusts to being somewhere new. Keep the house quiet and do not try to introduce other pets at this time. Once the bathroom or small room has been set up, release the cat or open their carrier and see what they do. Spend 30-60 minutes talking to them softly, offering high-value treats like Churu, cheese, or chicken, and as many or as few pets as they're comfortable with.
Remember: Never force your hand on a cat. Instead, gently offer the back of your hand to them while crouching down, preferably off to the side with little direct eye contact. Try to avoid doing so with the cat backed into a corner, as this will make them feel threatened and trapped. Allow them to sniff your hand
If they do not allow you to pet them, don't fret. They are still getting used to you. Continue the 30-60 minute session off to the side, but where they can still see you. Gently speak to them and offer toys and treats. Sometimes, cats are more willing to play with toys, especially string, before letting someone pet them. This also builds their confidence. But again, don't force the toys or food on them; let them come to it.
Step 3:
Days 2-7
Repeat the socialization step 3-4 times a day, gradually increasing your contact with your cat as much as they'll allow. Hopefully, your cat will start warming up to you within a couple of days. If they seem curious and eager to explore, allow them to finish acclimating the 7 days, then slowly introduce them to new parts of the house. If you have additional house pets, day 7 is a good time to start introducing them through or under the door.
With cats that are seemingly brave and well-adjusted, I will let them out into a bedroom after just a few days and see how they do. "Seemingly brave" meaning they are out and about, not hiding in the bathroom, greeting you at the door when you come in, and eating regularly.
Step 4:
Advanced Socialization:
The Bundle & Bond Technique:
If you new cat does not allow petting, is not interested in toys or treats, hides in their box all day, or only seems to eat their food or use the litter box in the middle of the night, it may be time to incorporate the Bundle and Bond technique if it has been 5 or more days since bringing them home. This is a fast-track socialization method that dramatically improves your cat's comfort level and friendliness. This can be intimidating as it requires you to restrain a scared cat. But, when done properly, will take your cat from scared to loving in just a few sessions. Click here to see how to do this.
The first video demonstrates how to pick up a cat WITH a towel, I am just not using one, so you can see how my hands and arms are positioned.
