The goal is a relaxed cat
Congratulations on choosing to adopt a cat. In general, the more experience you have had with cats, the easier the transition to a new cat will be. If this is your first cat, then the transition period will generally be harder. Work at your cat's pace and not at the pace of someone else's advice, no matter how well meaning the advice may be.
Cat Body Language
In order to know the cat's pace, you need to know a little about cat body language. A stressed-out cat will fluff out its fur, slink low to the ground and flatten the ears against the skull. A relaxed cat moves slowly, with the ears up and the tail up, carrying the body normally. If you can't read the body language because the cat is hiding, do not force the cat to come out unless it is an absolute emergency. Leave the cat alone to relax and get used to the new surroundings.
Quarantine Period
A new cat will usually be too scared to meet other people until they voluntarily come out of hiding. The Humane Society of the United States recommends that any newly adopted cat should stay in a quiet and clean room with water and a litter box. A newly adopted cat will also be too nervous to meet any new pets. Ask your veterinarian or the shelter from where you adopted the cat about how long the new cat should be quarantined from other pets, but generally it's 72 hours. In that time, the cat should be using the litter box, eating, drinking and not showing any signs of illness.
Meeting Others
During the quarantine period, spend a few hours each day in the room to let the cat get used to you and to associate you with good things. You can sit and read aloud or just talk to the cat quietly. Bring a toy or food with you each time. When the cat comes out from any hiding place (such as under a bed, in a closet or behind furniture), let the cat come to you. Move slowly and deliberately, because sudden movements will frighten the cat. When you open the door and the cat tries to walk out of the room or even is sitting by the door, this a good sign the cat is ready to meet others. Keep all meetings between people and pets supervised. For the first few nights after initial meetings, keep the new cat in the quarantine room when you are sleeping and cannot supervise.
Tags: body language