Dear Molly, "New Cat"
Updated: Jun 13, 2023
I just got a new cat from the shelter a few days ago and she is acting really shy. I don't understand it because she seemed very friendly in the shelter; reaching out to us, purring, rubbing on our ankles, but now that she's home with us, all she does is hide. Are we doing something wrong? Was she just desperate at the shelter and not really friendly? Maybe she doesn't like us after all? I'd hate to return her but we really wanted a confident, friendly cat, and that's what we thought we were getting.
Dear New Cat,
Thank you for adopting from the shelter! It is not uncommon at all for cats to take longer than dogs to settle into a new home. First of all cats HATE change; it really upsets them and makes them feel insecure. They like predictable environments when things happen at the same time every day.
Be patient and give kitty some time to settle in. We go by the 3/3/3 rule - see below:
I think she will be just fine if you give her some time to get used to her new surroundings. If she was confident and friendly in the shelter, she will very likely be that way in your home soon. There may be things in your home that are scaring her so be sure to do introductions to any other animals carefully and keep noises low, etc. You might want to listen to this podcast on ways to reduce stress for your cat: https://www.catbehaviorsolutions.org/podcast/episode/46303458/what-stresses-out-your-cat
Patience is definitely key with a newly adopted cat! Giving them time to decompress in a safe quiet room makes all the difference. When taking a little break while letting them settle in, playing Pokemon 2D Arena has been a fun way to relax.
A newly adopted shelter cat often hides for several days while she learns the house is safe, so a quiet room and letting her come to you is a sound first step. If you are sitting nearby while she settles, GachaPlay is a simple browser game hub to pass the time.
Adopting a shy cat requires so much patience and gentle care. Giving them quiet space to decompress makes all the difference. When keeping a timid rescue cat company during quiet hours, I find it relaxing to play Dressmaker Game in the browser for a cozy break. Thank you for these practical suggestions!
Adopting a shy cat requires so much patience and quiet time during the transition period. Giving them safe spaces to decompress and letting them explore at their own pace makes all the difference. When spending calm hours keeping a new pet company, I like to unwind with Dressmaker Game for a cozy creative break. Thank you for sharing such wonderful and empathetic advice!
This is such thoughtful advice for new adopters dealing with shy rescue cats. Giving them quiet time to decompress makes all the difference while you relax with something engaging like Class of '09 Online. Patience and positive reinforcement really help them come out of their shell.