Adult cat adoption - settling in

Having adopted quite a few adult cats over the years, I’d say it all depends on the individual cat. Some are chilled out right from the start and I’d let them have the run of the place, whereas others are more stressed and I’d settle them in a spare room with all their bits and bobs. It’s up to you to judge if he’s really stressed; if he is, I agree with Blue—put him in a separate room with some pheromones and go in to see him every now and then. Don't try to grab him, just talk to him gently to reassure him. Tell him all about your day—cats love being talked to—and always make sure you’re sitting or lying down near him.

You could also try playing with him using a fishing rod toy or a feather wand; play is the best way to relieve stress. A soft belt can work too, gently luring him towards you without touching him. Give him some treats, of course, just so he sees he’s going to be well looked after. Cats are very food-motivated and often prefer wet food to dry food as it’s much more tempting.

But above all, patience! This is a huge upheaval for him, and he needs time to settle into his new surroundings, with all the new smells and new owners.

Once you feel he’s doing better, leave the door to the room open and let him explore as he pleases. Regarding going outside, however, wait until he’s properly settled indoors first—allow at least another month for that.

Hi again,

Yes, it’s best to set him up in a quiet room with all his essentials, making sure his litter tray is kept well away from his food. It’s ideal if he has a good hiding spot in there, like under a bed for instance. There’s nothing to stop you from popping in to talk to him softly on a regular basis, but don’t try to grab him; he needs to feel sure that he won't be disturbed while he's in his hiding spot. You could also try lying down on the floor with a tasty treat in the palm of your hand, so he associates your scent with something positive. Just don't reach under the bed and don't try to catch him. A human standing up and moving about is far more frightening than one lying still.

It’s not uncommon for a cat to seem quite relaxed in the first few hours after adoption. Often, the stress only really catches up with them a bit later – I’ve seen it happen many times. The main priority is that he’s eating, drinking, and using his tray; he'll settle in properly in his own time.

Thanks a lot for your reply. Do you think we should put him in a bedroom, somewhere a bit more secluded so he can have some peace and quiet? 

He’s currently hiding under our sink, which is in the room we’re in most of the time, but it’s also the only room he knows so far. 

What worries me is that he seemed less scared during the first few hours and looked like he was settling in. 

I’m worried that he might stop eating or going to the toilet... I left the house for an hour to give him some proper space, but he hasn't moved an inch either. 

We’re going to leave him well alone for the time being :)

Thanks again

Hi there,

Adult cats often take much longer to settle in than kittens. Cats are very territorial creatures, so any change in environment is a huge source of stress for them. Don’t try to force any interaction; in fact, it’s actually better to ignore him when he comes out of his hiding spot. However, if he comes looking for some fuss himself, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure he’s eating and using his litter tray, at least during the night. You could also leave a piece of clothing with your scent on it near his hiding place, as cats primarily familiarise themselves through their sense of smell.