Your home is like Disneyland, with so much to see, smell and explore, and it can be quite overwhelming.
It can take up to three months for pets to feel like they are home. That’s why it’s so important to remember the 3-3-3 rule, which is a general guideline for timing on letting your new pet acclimate. Every animal is unique and will adjust differently, so give them some space and allow them to go at their own pace when acclimating.
The first few days in your home are special and critical for your new pet. Here’s what it’s like for them:
- Your home is like Disneyland, with so much to see, smell and explore, and it can be quite overwhelming.
- They are probably confused about where they are and what to expect from you.
- They might not be feeling comfortable at just being themselves yet.
- They might not want to eat or drink.
They may also try to test the boundaries too, and act out. Correct them, but without yelling at them, and they will soon realize what’s right and wrong.
They may shut down and want to just curl up in a crate or hide. This is especially true with cats, who will probably spend a lot of time hiding or in a corner. Don’t expect you’re going to come home with a new cat and think you’re going to have an immediate lap cat curled up with you. They need to adjust, sniff everything out (including you) and explore their new surroundings.
If you have other pets in your home already, they are trying to figure out if this is a friend or foe. The one that you’ve had is wondering why you brought that thing here and the new one is probably thinking, who’s that? Give them time to work up to meeting each other and getting to know one another. Don’t push the issue and pay attention to all of them, so none feel left out or like they are being replaced. There is a lot of great information online that will set the “guidelines” for introducing your furry family to each other.
When I brought my second cat, Tigger, home, Pooh Bear, my first cat, wanted nothing to do with him and Tigger wanted nothing to do with Pooh. I did everything you’re supposed to do, introducing them and giving them time to adjust. In all honesty, I almost gave up, and then all of a sudden, a couple days later, I woke up and they were both together on my bed with me, not right next to each other, but they were both there. The next day, they got a little closer and within about a week, they were best buds.
By not pushing the issue and letting them figure it out and get to know each other and new surroundings, nature took over and Tigger realized he was home and had a new family. The same thing happened when I brought home Cassidy Roo, who was just a puppy. She wanted to play so badly with them and again, they wanted nothing to do with her, especially Tigger. By giving them their own place and space and allowing her to acclimate to a new home and these two cats that obviously did not want her there, we eventually achieved harmony, and everyone now knows that they are home, safe and loved. Are there still disagreements among them? Yes, there are, but even we humans have disagreements, and we don’t give up on each other, right?
What to expect after three weeks:
- They are starting to get settled in.
- They are feeling more comfortable and realizing this could possibly be their forever home.
- They are figuring out their environment and starting to get into a routine with you.
- They are starting to show their true personality and are probably starting to let their guard down.
- In some, behavior issues may start showing up as they start being themselves more.
What to expect after three months:
- They are finally feeling comfortable in their new home.
- They are building, or have already built, trust and a true bond.
- They have gained a sense of security with their new family and are now set in a routine.
By having realistic expectations and patience, bringing a new pet into your family can be a lot less stressful on both you and them while creating your own “happily ever after.” QCBN
By Loree Walden
Loree Walden is the marketing manager for the Yavapai Humane Society.