Adjustment period

Its important to remember that all new pets will need a little time to acclimate to their new home, family, and other pets. Because the adoption is often traumatic, it may take the cat 2 weeks to adjust to their new home, It takes longer for an adult cat to adjust then kittens, so you should keep an adult cat before returning it.

When you get home, set up a small territory for the cat: any small bedroom, bathroom, or even large walk in closet. Any small room works just as well. Keep your cat in its carrier while you are setting up its room, allowing it to get used to the sounds and smells. Make sure to put everything your cat needs inside its room: litter box, food, water (make sure food and water are placed away from the kitty litter), toys, scratching pots, bed, etc. Then open up the carrier and let the cat decide whether he wants to explore or to remain inside the carrier. Most times a cat will remain inside the carrier for hours.

You will need to give the cat time to adjust to its new territory. Come back to the room to visit often, but let the cat set the pace of your visits. Don’t force your attention on the cat because, when he wants affection, he will ask for it. When the cat is comfortable in this room (it may take a day, a week, or more) open the door and let him explore the rest of the house at its own pace. Cats usually begin investigating at night. It is rare for a cat to explore a new territory without any hesitation. While some cats take days to adjust others take weeks or even months.

Multi-cat household: