It Doesn't Happen Overnight
The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline for the adjustment period of a pet after adoption. Every pet is unique and will adjust differently. Please have patience and allow your pet time to settle in.
3 Days
To Decompress
Overwhelmed
Scared/unsure of what's going on
Not yet comfortable to be themselves
May not want to eat/drink
May shut down or hide under furniture
May test boundaries
3 Weeks
To Learn Your Routine
Start to settle in
Feel more comfortable
Realize this could be their forever home
Figures out their environment
Gets into a routine
Begins to show their personality
Lets their guard down
3 Months
To Feel at Home
Feels completely comfortable in their new home
Has begun to build a true bond
Gained a complete sense of security with their new family
Sets into a routine
Bringing Them Home
How to best prepare for your new little one!
CHOOSE A VET. Get recommendations from friends & family. Choose one whose location is convenient, staff is friendly, office hours that work with your schedule, offers a wide range of medical services, financial payment options and is communicative.
24-HOUR EMERGENCY VET. Get the address and phone number of your nearest 24-hour emergency vet. This is often different from your regular vet! You'll feel better knowing who to call for medical help when you need it!
GO SHOPPING! Check out our recommended products page and go do some shopping! Cats don't require much, but you'll want to have the basics to begin with! Start with a litter box, food bowl, a scratching post and a few toys! If it's a Persian or another long-haired cat you are adopting, you'll want to be sure to invest in a good comb and some conditioning spray as well to keep those coats soft and shiny!
PET PROOF! Check for any easy-to-reach substances that could be toxic to your new pet. From human medications to common household cleaners to many household plants, cats are not only curious but are great climbers, so be sure these types of things are locked up or safely out of reach of your little ones! Click the link below for a list of common house plants that are toxic to cats!
COZY SPACE. Designate a small, cozy room for your cat to relax in for the first day or two. No other pets should be in this space. Make sure there is a cozy blanket or bed, a few toys, food & water and a litter box. (Don't put the litter box and food/water next to each other - would you want to go to the bathroom right next to your dinner table?!) Let your kitty get used to the sounds & smells of their new home from this cozy space. Visit them often, giving them lots of love and attention as they allow!
SLOW INTRO. If you have other pets in the home, take a towel or blanket that has your existing pet's scent on it and introduce it to your new cat. And vice versa. Next, allow the pets to interact with just a door between them. (for instance, cats will often paw with each other under a door). This can be a safe way to slowly introduce 2 cats. If possible, allow them to see each other without actually interacting physically. This can be done using a crate or kennel, but only for short periods. Be sure not to let one cat attempt to dominate the other by letting them jump on top of the kennel to scare the other one, etc.
SUPERVISED PLAYTIME! Eventually, allow the pets access to each other under your close supervision. Be prepared for some hissing and growling, which is a quite normal way for animals to establish their boundaries as they meet new friends. As they become more comfortable together, slowly increase the amount of time they spend together and eventually allow them to explore the house together under supervision.
BEST FRIENDS!
By taking your time and introducing them right, your pets will become fast friends in no time!
FAQ's
How many litter boxes should you have per cat?
The "golden rule" is to have one litter box for each cat, plus an additional one.
How can I keep my cat off the counter?
Keep your counter tops & sinks clear of dirty dishes or food that may attract kitty.
Use citrus scented cleaners.
Put double-sided tape on the counter.
Spray kitty with a bottle of water when they jump up on the counter.
How can I keep my cat from clawing at my furniture?
Provide your kitty with clawing alternatives, such as scratching posts or trees. Put double sided tape on the furniture they are scratching at temporarily to break the habit.
Play with your kitty regularly.