How Long Does It Take a Cat to Adjust to a New Home?

You might picture your new cat immediately curling up in a sunny windowsill and settling right into your family’s routine. However, for many cats, the transition to a new home can be stressful. That’s why experts recommend starting your kitty off in a cozy “safe room” with all the essentials. After that, you can gradually expand their world through supervised exploration and slow introductions, while keeping meals, play, and interactions predictable.

The first 30 days with a new cat call for patience. The first week often brings hiding. Curiosity slowly builds in the following weeks. By the end of the month, routines start clicking into place — with the sweet reward of seeing your cat’s true personality begin to shine.

Bringing a new cat home

Moving into a brand-new home is a big deal. New people, new smells, new everything is a lot to take in, even for the bravest kitty. “Most cats are going to hide, hiss, or act a little shy while they settle in,” Marc Smith, veterinarian at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services, explains. 

In the first week, you might notice behaviors including:

• Hiding

• Reluctance to eat

• House soiling

• Scratching or other destructive behaviors

• Trying to escape

• Excessive meowing

• Digestive upset

• Hissing, spitting, and swatting

“These behaviors should subside as your new kitty feels safe and starts exploring,” Smith says. But if your cat refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, if you notice persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or if any of the behaviors worsen over the course of the week, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

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How to help a cat adjust to a new home

Have cat supplies on hand

Before bringing home your new kitty, have the essentials ready: a cat carrier for the ride home, a comfy bed, cat food, food and water bowls, litter boxes, and a scratch pad or post. 

But don’t feel like you need to go overboard right away. “You may want to wait until after the first three days, when you’ve had a chance to get to know this new member of your family, before investing in a large variety or quantity of toys or treats,” recommends veterinarian Nell Ostermeier, who’s also a veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance.

One thing cat parents tend to overlook? “Vertical space,” says Emma Choi, veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospitals and VCA Crocker. “Cat trees or shelves provide cats with a sense of security.”

Establish veterinary care

Don’t just pick out a vet you think you might use — have one on standby, says Stephen Quandt, a certified cat-behavior specialist. Better yet, schedule your cat’s first checkup within their first couple of weeks at home. That initial visit sets a baseline for your cat’s health and gives you the perfect chance to ask all the new-cat questions that will definitely pop up.

Prep a cat room

Starting your cat in a small, quiet space — like a bathroom or guest room — instead of giving them free rein of the house lets them explore at their own pace and build the confidence they’ll need, Choi says. Stock the room with essential supplies, and consider adding a pheromone diffuser to help take the edge off during those first few days, Smith suggests.

Cat-proof your home 

By week two, your new cat’s curiosity may be in full swing, but it’s best to prepare your home ahead of time by catproofing it. This entails tucking away loose wires and removing any toxic houseplants.

Establish a routine

Cats love predictability. So, setting up a mealtime and interaction routine from day one can help ease first-week jitters. In fact, the American Association of Feline Practitioners cites consistent routines as a stress-management strategy that can help prevent health issues. 

Take it slow

Of course, you can’t wait for your pets to meet, but when it comes to cats, slow introductions are best. Quandt says rushing introductions is one of the biggest mistakes pet parents make. “If any of the animals appear stressed, nervous, or conflicted at any point, then you’re pushing them too quickly,” he says. Pushing contact too soon, Smith adds, can establish hard feelings between pets.

The same goes for your interactions with your new cat: Give them plenty of space, and let them set the pace. “Many cat owners expect a new cat to bond right off the bat, but pushing too quickly usually backfires. Cats are very independent and will move along at their own pace,” Smith explains.

Don’t take it personally

So your new cat hissed, swatted, or even gave you a little nip? Don’t take it to heart. Although these are not desirable behaviors, they’re pretty common when a cat is adjusting to such a big life change. 

“Hissing, hiding, or a little swatting at first doesn’t mean the adoption’s a bust, it’s just their way of talking,” Smith says. “If things are getting better, little by little, that’s normal. Let your cat decide when and how they interact, and you’ll build real trust and a stronger bond down the road.”

Signs your new cat is adjusting

Even if you follow every tip, the first 30 days with your new cat can still feel a bit like a wild ride.

• Days 1 to 7: Hiding and stress are normal — your cat is taking everything in.

• Days 8 to 21: Curiosity builds, and they’ll begin exploring as they gain confidence.

• Days 22 to 30: Routines start to click, and you’ll finally see your cat’s true personality shine.

Settling-in behaviors won’t last forever. (But if they do persist, contact your veterinarian for a medical exam, and reach out to the rescue or shelter where you adopted your kitty for behavioral support.) Once your cat starts feeling at home, you’ll notice little signs of adjustment, like:

• Relaxed body language: Stretching out, napping in the open, or slow blinking at you

• Confidence: An upright or gently curled tail, exploring without crouching

• Positive vocalizations: Soft trills, chirps, or purrs

• Self-care: Regular grooming and eating with a healthy appetite

• Social cues: Rubbing on furniture, approaching you on their own, or grooming while you’re nearby

Smith says these little milestones add up to one big message: “This place is mine now.”

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The 3-3-3 rule for cats

“If you’re feeling frustrated, remember that even slow progress is still progress,” Smith says. One helpful guideline is the 3-3-3 rule, which many cat experts use to set realistic expectations. According to this rule, it can take three months or more for a cat to feel fully at home and comfortable in their new space.

Cats might be a long game, but the payoff is worth it. “Stay the course, don’t rush introductions, stick to a steady routine, and celebrate the little wins — like when they finally come out of hiding or take a treat from you,” Smith says.  

Commonly asked questions

Why is my new cat hiding? 

Change is stressful to cats, and many cope by hiding. Hiding helps cats feel safe while they quietly scope out their new surroundings. Giving your cat a small starter space with hiding spots, perches, and lounging areas lets them settle in at their own pace and build the confidence to venture out when they’re ready.

How long does it take for a cat to settle when rehomed? 

The 3-3-3 rule is a helpful guide: It takes cats about three days to decompress, three weeks to get the household routine down, and three months to bond and fully relax. “Shy cats, those with tough pasts, or cats managing health issues may just need a little extra time and patience,” Smith explains. Choi adds that rather than worrying about the timeline, it’s better to focus on keeping your cat comfortable and celebrating small signs of progress. 

References 

Overall, K. L., Rodan, I., Beaver, B. V., Carney, H., Crowell-Davis, S., Hird, N., ... & Wexler-Mitchel, E. (2005). Feline behavior guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners. catvets.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FelineBehaviorGLS.pdf.