Nine Signs That Your New Cat Is Adapting to Its New Environment
Image Credit:Gabriel F.W. Koch
Depending on the cat’s age and personality, the average time it takes for a cat to adapt to a new environment is 3 to 5 days.
If the cat is older or more agitated than usual, this adjustment period may last for several weeks.
Your cat will feel more at ease if you provide a secure area with some of their favorite things close by.
sleeping cat on a bed
In the sections below, we’ll look at the behaviors you can anticipate while moving, how to support your cat during this trying time, and indications that they’re settling in. Typical Conduct Throughout the Transition Period
Cats frequently spend the first few days hiding after moving into a new location since it might be stressful for them. They frequently hide beneath furniture or in small areas.
Cats tend to be more easily agitated during this time because they get more apprehensive in strange environments.
Cats may also:
during the changeover period:
Stay away from the litter box.
Eat less (or not at all, depending on the situation)
Excessively meow
Furniture-scratching or other damaging behavior
Don’t be alarmed;
these behaviors are a normal reaction to moving to a foreign environment.
A transition time is to be expected because cats are creatures of habit and they detest when their regular pattern is disturbed.
These behaviors are your cat’s way of expressing their sadness, anxiety, or fear; but, after a few days, as their new home grows more comfortable and they start to feel happy and safe there, they will start to settle.
Signs They’re Getting Used to Their New Home:
1. Increased Appetite
When a cat first moves, their hunger usually decreases, so when you observe it returning, it’s a really good sign.
kitty consuming wet cat food
Growth in appetite is a sign that your cat is content and healthy overall.
2. Imagination
The best approach to get your cat moving about and feeling more secure in their new home is through interactive play.
plays a black cat
Playing with toys encourages your cat to think less about its surroundings, which promotes adaptation.
As they begin to feel more at ease, your cat will start to act more playful and open to playing games.
3. Scent Deposited
Your cat will probably rub its head and neck against objects; this is how they spread their scent around the area.
removing cat urine
By leaving behind scent, cats not only mark their territory but also make the space smell like them, which makes them feel more at ease.
4. Self-Grooming Content cats will devote more time to self-care.
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They find it more comfortable to lick themselves and groom their coat.
Your cat might be more obedient as well.Additionally, your cat might be more open to letting you or the other cats in the house groom them, which helps to cement your bond.
5. Exploration/Curiosity
Your cat should begin to feel more at ease in the new setting after initially hiding in locations where they feel safe and secure.
cat traveling the globe
They will begin to grow more inquisitive and begin to investigate their environment, as you will observe.
6. Quieter/Lower Meowing
When being petted, a calmer cat will quietly purr, blink slowly, and have more relaxed posture and body language (you’ll likely notice them stretching out more, having their tail up or relaxed, and beginning to expose their tummy more).
meowing insatiable cat
7. Inverted Tail
Your cat is confident, at ease, and pleasant when they are carrying their tails upright. If your cat has an upright tail, it probably feels safe.
8. Making Their Belly Known
Cats will roll onto their backs to reveal their bellies as a way of letting you know they are at ease and trust you.
cat showing its belly
A cat won’t expose their tummy until they are content with their surroundings and the people in them because their belly is a highly vulnerable area of their body.
9. Failure to Urinate Outside The Wastebasket
Cats who are sad or worried tend to avoid the litter box rather frequently.
Dumping cat litter is prohibited. Your cat will use the litter box correctly once they’ve become used to their new house.
How to Help a Cat Feel At Home in a New Place
Your cat will always experience stress when relocating, but there are ways to make them feel safe and secure.
1. Create A Room For Your Cat It is ideal to create a room or quiet area for your cat when you first move into a new house. Then, while they are settling in, this will serve as their safe haven.
tiled flooring and cats
Everything your cat needs should be there, including their litter box, food, drink, hiding spots, beds, and toys.
If their bedding already has their scent, this will help to increase comfort and familiarity.
Your cat will feel more at ease if they perceive themselves to have a spot to call their own—possibly their territory.
2. Place familiar items in the new location.
It will make the place feel more comfortable if you can move a few items from the previous house into the new one.
Use a blanket from one of your cats to make them more comfortable.
Your cat will feel more at ease throughout this change if you bring along their favorite toys, blankets, etc.
3. Promote Play
Make sure your cat has access to toys and a scratching post or cat tree. Cat in calico playing in tunnel
A cat learning about its new environment can have a lot of fun playing with toys. Your cat’s nervousness will be lessened if you keep them amused.
4. Assure Safety In The New Space
As one of the ways your cat will adapt to a new environment is by hiding, it’s important to make sure you block off any areas where your cat could either be in danger or where you just don’t want them to be. You can do this by using deterrents like under-bed blockers, motion-activated deterrents, and other tools.
the tabby cat unwinds
In order to keep your cat safe, we advise providing designated hiding places and preventing access to locations beneath furniture.
5. Pay your cat some mind
Be patient with your cat; they are experiencing uncertainty and anxiety and will enjoy a little extra tenderness.
Cat’s tail is coiled around a person’s leg.
Your cat may enjoy being petted or cuddled depending on their disposition, or perhaps they prefer engaging in interactive play.
Your cat will feel less alone or insecure if you pay them the kind of attention they prefer.
In a new house, how long will a cat hide?
A cat will typically conceal itself for a few days until adapting to its new surroundings.
Depending on the temperament and age of the cat, this may last longer. The cat may hide for about a week if it was a stray and has never lived indoors before before feeling at ease in their new environment.
As your cat adjusts to the new environment, it’s crucial to give them time and space and avoid rushing them.
Ensure that your cat has access to food, water, and anything else they require.
Image Credit:Finn Frode
How Much Time Does a Cat Need to Get Used to a New Owner?
Within a few weeks, the majority of cats become used to their new owner.
A cat may, however, take anything from one week to six months to fully acclimate to a new owner.
Cat was perched in owner’s arms and was perusing a window.
It entirely depends on the particular cat. Older cats typically take longer to adjust because they find it tougher, whereas kittens with outgoing, self-assured dispositions might feel at home with a new owner very quickly.
