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Building trust on your cat's timeline

Eating, exploring, playing or approaching you may help you notice comfort, but they are not a fixed ladder of trust or proof of good health. Let the cat choose whether to approach or accept touch. Sit quietly, speak softly, and end contact when the cat moves away. Do not force cuddles or use a promised bonding deadline.

Visit calmly without crowding the cat. Offer opportunities for comfortable play and contact, with space to withdraw. Expand access gradually when the cat is comfortable, keeping a route back to the room and securing external doors and windows. If there are resident pets, keep them separated during exploration and follow a separate introduction plan. A calendar date alone does not show readiness.

A new home can be stressful, but stress does not rule out illness. Contact a veterinarian promptly if your cat eats less or stops eating, vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea, seems unwell, or changes litter habits. Trouble breathing or repeated straining with little or no urine needs immediate veterinary help. Do not wait for a checklist day or a settling-in deadline.