We’ve all been there. You’ve just adopted a new cat (or two), and you’re excited to be taking them home—but at home, they’re different. What you may not know is this: that’s completely. normal! In fact, you should expect periods of adjustment, because your cat(s) won’t be their true selves overnight.
So please be patient! The 3-3-3 Rule explains it all.
3 DAYS to Decompress
Your new feline friend has had quite a day by the time you arrive home with them. They’ve left the routine and home they knew, ridden at least once that day in the dreaded carrier and car, and they’re plopped into a new life. As much as it’s going to be a wonderful life, they’re probably going to be overwhelmed and maybe feel afraid or unsure about what’s happening.
They may not want anything to do with food, water, or humans for a while—even a couple days. They may act “shut down” and hide behind furniture. They may even tell you about their boundaries with hissing. And all of that’s OK! They’re going to adjust, they just need to feel safe for a little while before they’re going to feel comfortable.
3 WEEKS to Learn Your Routine
After your new cat decompresses, the next step is learning their new family’s routine. As they understand this might be a safe place, they’ll start feeling more comfortable, letting their guard down, and showing more of their real personality. They’ll even start establishing their own routine alongside yours. And of course, they’ll learn and find favorite spots in their new environment.
All of this feels like your new cat is comfortable and happy—and they probably are, but there’s still one more stage.
3 MONTHS to Start to Feel at Home
By about the three-month mark, your new feline is going to finally come into their true personality. They’ll finally feel completely comfortable in their new home and have a firmly established routine. In addition, they’ll have a sense of true safety with their new family, and you’ll begin to build trust and really bond.
We promise, this will all truly happen. Of course, some cats will adjust more quickly and some will take longer. But all felines go through these stages when they go to a new home, so we encourage you to understand, be patient, and help your new cat with whatever they need to blossom into their true selves.