11 Signs Your New Cat Is Adjusting To Your Home

Let’s discuss the most common signs your new cat is adjusting to your home…

Bringing home a new furry friend can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for both you and your new cat.

It’s important to give your cat time to adjust to their new surroundings and create a comfortable environment for them.

But how do you know if your new cat is adjusting? Keep an eye out for these signs that your new feline friend is settling into their new home.

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Signs Your New Cat is Adjusting to Your Home

There are several signs that your new cat is adjusting to their new home. First, they may start exploring their surroundings and becoming more comfortable with their environment.

Second, they may start to become more playful and active. Third, they may begin to eat and drink more regularly.

Finally, they may start to show affection towards their new family members.

It’s important to give your new cat time to adjust and provide them with plenty of love and attention as they settle into their new home.

Let’s break it down further…

The following are some of the most common signs your new cat is adjusting:

1. Litter Box Usage

Cats are naturally clean animals, and their litter box habits are important markers of how they are adjusting. A well-adjusted cat will routinely and appropriately utilize the litter box.

They will excavate and hide their feces with no signs of anxiety or avoidance. To encourage proper litter box usage, keep the litter box clean and easily accessible.

2. Exploration and Curiosity

When a cat enters a new area, it becomes curious. They may begin to investigate their surroundings, looking for nooks and crannies, climbing on furniture, and even inspecting their new human family members.

This conduct implies that they are becoming more at ease and confident in their new surroundings. Allow them to research at their own pace and give them secure venues to do so.

3. Playfulness and Energy

Cats are naturally lively creatures, and their fun side emerges as they become more at ease in their new environment.

They may pursue toys, swat at items, and interact with you or other members of the home. Playing allows cats to expend energy, bond with their owners, and feel secure and fulfilled.

4. Reduced Hiding

A new cat may first seek out hiding spots as a coping method to feel safe in strange circumstances. They will gradually minimize their concealing behavior as they acclimate and acquire confidence.

You may see them spending more time in open settings, freely exploring, and seeking interaction with human family members. Reduced hiding is an indication that they are feeling more confident and at ease in their new surroundings.

5. Social Integration

Cats are well-known for their independence, yet they can also be gregarious creatures. As your new cat adjusts, the cat may begin to interact positively with other pets or family members.

They may interact with one another through friendly sniffing, grooming, or play. These social interactions show that they are increasingly embracing and integrating into their new social group and that they are building positive ties and connections.

6. Normalized Body Posture

Observing your cat’s body language might provide useful information about their adjustment. A relaxed and comfortable cat will adopt a natural body position.

Their ears will be forward, signifying alertness rather than fear. Their tail will be held erect or swaying softly, indicating confidence. There should be no indications of anxiety or tension, such as a tucked tail, flattened ears, or arched back.

7. Affection and Bonding

Cats can create strong ties with their human counterparts. As your new cat grows accustomed to you, he or she may begin to seek your attention, rubbing against your legs, or perhaps getting onto your lap.

When you pet them, they may purr, suggesting contentment and trust. These affectionate behaviors indicate that your cat is building a favorable relationship with you and regard you as a source of comfort and security.

8. Sleeping Comfortably

Cats are adept at finding comfortable places to slumber. Your new cat will begin to seek out pleasant places to sleep, relax, and recharge as they acclimate.

You may spot them cuddled up in warm corners, perched on plush pillows, or even snuggling up with you. If your cat can sleep easily and soundly, it indicates that they are at ease in their new surroundings.

9. Grooming Themselves

Cats are known for their grooming tendencies, so when a new cat begins grooming itself, it’s a good indication. Grooming not only helps them maintain their hygiene, but it also serves as a form of self-soothing.

When a cat begins grooming, it indicates that they are secure and content in their surroundings. Excessive grooming, on the other hand, may suggest underlying stress or health issues that should be treated by a veterinarian.

10. Soft Meowing

Cats communicate via a range of vocalizations, and their sounds might indicate how comfortable they are. A new cat may meow more frequently at first as they acclimatize and try to communicate their wants.

However, when they calm down, you may observe softer and more pleasant sounds like purring, trilling, or chirping. These vocalizations suggest that your cat is becoming more at ease.

11. Eating and Drinking Frequently

A healthy appetite indicates that your new cat is settling in nicely. They may begin eating quickly and finish meals without reluctance. Similarly, they will drink water on a regular basis.

Keep in mind, however, that some cats may be reluctant to eat or drink at first owing to stress or unfamiliar circumstances. If your pet refuses to eat or drink for an extended period of time, you should visit a veterinarian.

Learn more about the signs your cat is traumatized.

Signs a new cat is not adjusting to a new home

Here are some common signs that a new cat may not be adjusting well to their new home:

Hiding: A new cat may spend a lot of time hiding and avoiding interaction with humans or other pets in the home.
Refusing to eat: A new cat may not feel comfortable eating or drinking, causing them to decline food and water.

Aggressive behavior: A new cat may show aggression towards humans or other pets in the home, such as hissing, growling, or swatting.
Excessive grooming: A new cat may use excessive grooming as a coping mechanism, resulting in bald spots and skin irritations.
Vocalization: A new cat may meow excessively, meaning the cat may be calling out for their previous owner or simply as a sign of distress.

Destructive behavior: A new cat may act out and engage in destructive behavior such as scratching furniture or household items.
Urinating or defecating outside the litter box: A new cat may refuse to use the litter box, instead choosing to go to other areas around the home.
Overactivity: A new cat may become overactive, showing signs of restlessness or engaging in excessive play.

Sickness or lethargy: A new cat may show signs of illness or lethargy, which may be symptomatic of stress or other underlying issues.

Learn more about ways to stop a cat from wanting to go outside.

Ways to help a new cat adjust to a new home

Here are some common ways to help a new cat adjust to a new home:

Start slow: Don’t overwhelm the cat by introducing too many new things at once. Start by limiting the cat’s access to a single room or a small area where they can feel safe and secure.
Provide hiding places: Cats like to hide, especially when they are in a new environment. Provide hiding places and give them plenty of options so they can choose where they feel safe.
Create a familiar environment: Bring familiar things from their old home that will help reduce their stress. These could include a favorite toy or bed.

Establish a consistent routine: Cats thrive on routines, so try to establish a consistent daily routine as soon as possible. This will give the cat a sense of security and help them adjust more quickly.
Provide plenty of food and water: Make sure the cat has access to plenty of food and fresh water, and try to keep the food and water in the same place each day.
Provide a clean litter box: Make sure the litter box is kept clean and in a quiet, secluded area of the house.

Keep the environment calm and quiet: Try to keep the house calm and quiet during the first few days. Loud noises and sudden movements can scare the cat and set back the adjustment process.
Give them space: Allow the cat to approach you when they are ready. Don’t force interaction, but instead, let them come to you when they are feeling comfortable.
Be patient: It takes time for a new cat to adjust to their new home, so be patient with them. Don’t expect immediate results, but instead, give them time to adjust at their own pace.

Learn more about how to identify a cat that trusts you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a new cat can be an exciting and wonderful experience, but it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your feline friend is adjusting to their new home.

Remember to be patient, give them space when they need it, and don’t be afraid to seek help or advice if you’re unsure about anything.

With a little love, care, and attention, your new cat will feel right at home in no time!