Helping Timid Cats in a New Home

Cats are animals of habit, and they often do not adjust well to new situations. Getting use to a new home can be very difficult at first, especially for timid cats. Even cats with outgoing temperaments will need time to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. However, shy cats may need extra time and patience from their owners to feel comfortable in their new homes. With your love and gentle attention, most timid cats moved to unfamiliar surroundings will thrive.

  1. Confine Your New Cat to One Room

    • If you decide to bring a shy cat into your home, it is important to allow your new pet to get used to the situation slowly. Giving her the run of an entire house or apartment can be overwhelming to her. She might hide in hard-to-find places, which can make the situation stressful for you and the cat. By putting your timid companion in a confined area such as a spare bedroom, you will provide a less-overwhelming atmosphere for her to begin to adjust to her new surroundings. You can begin to open the door to let her explore the rest of the dwelling as she gains confidence and feels brave enough to leave her room.

    Provide Comfort for Your Pet

    • Providing a quiet and comfortable environment for your new shy cat will help her feel safe and help her adjust more easily to her new home. By placing her litter box close to where she prefers to stay, she will not feel intimidated looking for it. Provide plenty of her favorite cat food and fresh water, and offer treats daily. Keep a soft pillow or pet bed for her to snuggle into. Spend time with her daily, talking softly to her and petting her as she will allow. Gradually, the comfortable environment that you provide will ease your timid cat's fears and help her realize that she is not in danger in her new home.

    Make Introductions Slowly

    • It is important not to overwhelm your shy cat as you help her adapt to her new home. If you have children, teach them to be gentle and calm around your new pet. Keep other animals in the home away from her at first, and introduce them in a controlled situation. She may enjoy the companionship of other animals, but allow her to get to know them at her own pace. If you frequently have visitors, remember that they are strangers to your timid feline. Do not force introductions, but allow your cat to make acquaintance with new people on her terms and when she feels ready.

    Keep Your Shy Feline Safe

    • Shy cats often have the urge to run or hide. Therefore it is important that you keep your new pet's safety in mind as she adapts to an uncertain environment. Keep doors and windows to the outside shut tightly, and make sure she does not try to run out them when people come and go. Make sure there are no dangerous areas in your home where your pet could hide and get lost or stuck, such as under crawl spaces or behind ceiling tiles.

    Be Patient

    • Always be patient with a timid cat that is adjusting to a new home. There are many reasons why your new feline is shy. Perhaps she was abused or neglected in the past, or had little human contact. Because of her past experiences, it may take weeks or even months for her to learn to trust and feel safe in her new surroundings. Work with her daily to help her feel safe and get to know you, and let her come around as she feels comfortable. Consult your veterinarian if she doesn't make progress in a few months. In time, chances are your timid cat will become another well-adjusted member of the family.