05/12/2026
Did you know? There is a helpful guideline for the adjustment period of a new cat or kitten. The 3-3-3 rule helps pet parents understand that kittens need time to decompress, learn routines, and build trust to prevent becoming overwhelmed.
π3 Days: Initial Decompression & Overwhelm
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Kittens may hide, show fear, or refuse to eat/drink due to initial stress and being overwhelmed by the new environment. Provide a "safe space," such as a small, quiet room or a cat carrier, and let them come to you.
π3 Weeks: Learning Routine & Building Trust
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Kittens are settling in, learning your routine, and feeling more comfortable. Behavioral issues like hiding or accidents may diminish, and the kitty will start to show their true personality.
π3 Months: Feeling at Home
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The kitten has fully acclimated to the home and trusts its new environment, and a sense of security and bond has been established.
β3-3-3 RULE TIPS
Patience: Let the kitten adjust at their own pace.
Safety: Consider confining the kitty to one room initially, then allow exploration of the rest of the home at their own speed. Maintain consistency by keeping feeding times and routines predictable to build trust.