Adoption is a tender process. Kittens who are up for adoption are often rescues from dangerous roads, found abandoned or occasionally, from litters that have caretakers. Their previous environment and past experiences influence how well they adjust to their new environment and new caretakers. 

This tutorial will provide new owners with insights on what may be causing certain issues with their adoption and how to handle them. Although we want nothing but to cuddle newly adopted kittens, it may take time and effort before this can happen. Your kitten’s trust will have to be earned.

Anxious Behaviors of a Newly Adopted Cat

The following behaviors may be exhibited by newly adopted kittens. These behaviors are due to stress of being taken from a known environment and put into a new one with new surroundings and people. These behaviors will reduce after they adapt to their new environment; this may take a few days, generally about 2 - 5 days.

• Constant meowing

• Uncertainty of their caretaker or the environment 

• Hiding under beds or furniture

• Aggression

• Not consuming any food

Instructions

There are behaviors we can express to counter their anxious behaviors;

• Place the kitten in a specific room in which they will be sleeping in from then onward - preferably your room so they can familiarize with you. Allow the kitten to explore the room at their own pace. They will seek hiding places and often wedge themselves under things or remain in a tight ball in the corner. This is their instincts at play as they are unsure of the new environment and the threats it may have. 

• Leave the kitten to familiarize with their new environment. Do not make any loud sounds or startling movements. Keep their food and water bowls, as well as a litter bowl near them as they may be too anxious to go further than the small area they are occupying. 

• Slowly, start getting the kitten familiar with you by leaving your clothes near it, and extending your hand and letting them smell you (only if it's safe to do so) - they can also be hand fed like this. Allow them to come near you and familiarize themselves with you. Do not rush to carry or cuddle them as tempting as it can be - patience is key.

• If the kitten is showing aggressive tendencies, understand that this is normal defensive behavior and be empathetic and patient with them. Kuppameniya (catnip) is often used in such cases to calm them down, to help them adapt to their new home. This plant can be found in backyards; wash the roots and place it near them. It is fine if they don’t immediately go to it - this is just a common practice.

• It is very important that windows and doors are not left open as the kitten will try to escape. You may leave them alone in the closed room for short periods but it is best to be around so they know they can trust you and get familiar with you. When the kitten has settled down and has grown fond of you, you can take them out for short periods of time under supervision, slowly extending the time as the days go on.

• When they are finally fully comfortable with their environment, they can be let out without supervision. This is recommended only well after they’re completely weaned and independent. Collars can be put on once they’re six months or older - this is a personal choice. It must be adjusted as they grow, to avoid the collar hindering growth in the area. Collars aren’t for all cats - keep an eye on the coat’s health during the first few days and ensure that they’re comfortable with wearing one. 

• When introducing to other pets in the house, allow the kitten to be in the designated room for a week or so first. Then take some of the items and let the other pets smell it to familiarize themselves with the kitten. This must be done only after the kitten is familiar with their environment and with the household, or else it can be stress inducing. With proper introductions, all the pets can coexist peacefully! 

And now, the kitten is an official member of the household.

Photo by Anel Rossouw from Pexels.