How to get your cat used to a new home

Every foreign sound, every smell he doesn’t recognize and every unknown corner can be a source of fear for the feline. This is a situation that can increase his level of anxiety, and his behaviors can range from prolonged hiding, to refusing to eat, to aggressive reactions. It is important to understand that these reactions are natural for a cat experiencing a sudden change in its environment. Without a territory to know and control, the cat feels vulnerable, and the feeling of security must be rebuilt step by step.

To make this change as easy as possible, the transition should be as smooth and gradual as possible, so that the new home quickly becomes the place where they feel as safe as in their old territory. How can you do it?

1. Prepare a safe space

The first step in placing your cat in a new home is to prepare a safe space. Choose a quiet room where the cat can retreat and feel protected. In this space you should place everything necessary for the cat: litter box, water and food bowls, his bed and some favorite toys. This will become the cat’s «comfort zone» where he can retreat when he feels he needs time to adapt to new smells and sounds.

This space does not have to be large. Start with a small room so the cat doesn’t feel overwhelmed. You can also add a playset to give him the opportunity to mark his territory by scratching, which will increase his confidence and reduce stress. As the cat gets more comfortable, you can allow him to explore the rest of the house.

2. Let her explore at her own pace

Cats are curious by nature, but their rate of adaptation can vary greatly. Some cats adapt quickly and start exploring right away, while others may be more reluctant and prefer to stay in their safe space longer. It is important not to force the cat to explore, but to let it do so at its own pace.

Instead, you can encourage your cat to explore the new space by using interactive toys or placing treats and treats in various corners of the house. These will encourage a positive discovery of the house. Remember to keep the doors of rooms you don’t want your cat to have access to again closed, so that he can explore gradually and doesn’t feel overwhelmed.

3. Maintain a familiar routine

Cats are animals of habit and any major change can cause them anxiety. That’s why it’s essential to maintain as much of the routine your cat had before the move as possible. Feed him at the same time as before, use the same type of food and water, and keep the same toys or blankets with his familiar smells. This will give the cat a sense of continuity and comfort, even in the new home.

Even if your home is different, maintaining a familiar routine can significantly reduce your cat’s stress level and help him adjust more easily.

4. Spend more time with her

Spend more time with your cat and you will see how, step by step, his anxiety will begin to dissipate and his new home will gradually become a place of comfort and security. Cats are creatures who, although they often seem independent and sometimes lonely, need time spent with you, especially during difficult times, such as adapting to a new environment.

Therefore, establish a daily gaming schedule, which you must strictly follow. Play is an activity that not only gets rid of your cat’s pent-up energy, but also provides mental stimulation, which helps keep him engaged and occupied. Use your cat’s favorite toys, whether it’s a magic wand to stimulate his hunting instincts or a laser that he can chase enthusiastically. Such activities give him purpose and enjoyment that helps reduce stress and eliminate fear associated with environmental change.

Additionally, playtime can be followed by a relaxation session where you pet the cat and talk to it in a calm tone. These simple gestures will help her associate the new home with positive feelings and feel that nothing has changed when it comes to the affection between the two of you.

Ultimately, your patience and affection are the resources your cat needs most during this transition period. The more time you spend with her, the easier it will be for her to adjust, overcome her anxiety, and enjoy her new home with you.

5. Understand his fear reactions

It’s not uncommon for cats to get scared at first, especially if they hear new noises or encounter unfamiliar objects. In these cases, let the cat hide and avoid pushing it out of the place where it has taken refuge. It is very important to give him time and respect his need to adapt to his rhythm.

If you notice that your cat exhibits behaviors such as growling, hiding for a long time or refusing to eat, you can consult a veterinarian. In some cases it is useful to use synthetic pheromones to reduce the cat’s anxiety.

Adapting a cat to a new home takes time, patience and a lot of affection, but it can become an adventure full of positive discoveries if you provide your cat with all the elements it needs: a safe place to take refuge, objects that know its smell, a stable routine and many moments of play and affection. Every little detail, from the layout of the room where he will spend the first few days, to the familiar smells of his beds, matters enormously in the adaptation process.