So you adopted a cat… and now you’re staring at a pair of glowing eyes from under your couch wondering if you brought home a furry friend or a shadow creature from another dimension.
Take a deep breath, cat parent — your new feline overlord is just following the 3-3-3 rule, and it’s purr-fectly normal. Let’s break it down, laugh a little, and help your new buddy feel right at home.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule?
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple way to understand your cat’s journey as they adjust to their new kingdom (a.k.a. your home).
Think of it like levels in a video game—except instead of fighting dragons, you’re bribing a suspicious kitty with treats and toys.
The First 3 Days – “Who Are You and Why Is Everything Terrifying?”
Typical Cat Mood: Suspicious blob under the bed
The first few days are all about decompression. Your cat is in shock. They just left a shelter or foster home, rode in a weird moving box (your car), and landed in a strange place with unfamiliar scents and sounds.
You might notice:
- Hiding (like, where-did-the-cat-go hiding)
- Little to no appetite
- Minimal interaction (unless it’s to dart past you like a furry ninja)
What to do:
- Give them space and quiet
- Set up a safe zone with a litter box, food, water, and cozy hideout
- Use soft voices, slow blinks, and treats (aka cat diplomacy)
Photo Idea: Snap a peek of your kitty poking their nose out from under the couch — caption it: “Day 2: Suspicion levels still high. The hooman seems… edible?”
The First 3 Weeks – “Okay, Maybe This Isn’t a Trap”
Typical Cat Mood: Cautiously curious
At this point, your kitty is starting to realize you’re not planning to turn them into a hat. They’re warming up, exploring more, and possibly even throwing in a casual leg rub or chirpy meow. That’s basically cat-speak for “You’re tolerable.”
You might notice:
- Increased activity
- Playfulness (watch out for sneak attacks)
- Some boundary testing (e.g. “Can I nap on the stove?”)
What to do:
- Stick to routines: feeding time, playtime, cuddle time
- Introduce new rooms slowly
- Respect their space, but reward curiosity with love and snacks
The First 3 Months – “This Is My House Now”
Typical Cat Mood: Confident ruler of their kingdom
By now, you’ve been thoroughly trained by your cat. They know your routine, your weak spots (treats! head boops! snuggles!), and they’ve fully claimed the comfiest chair.
You might notice:
- A strong bond forming
- Clear personality quirks (the Zoomie Queen, the Silent Stalker, the Purring Potato)
- Full-on trust — belly exposure, headbutts, and The Slow Blink
What to do:
- Celebrate milestones (first cuddle, first chirp, first lap sit)
- Stick with positive reinforcement
- Keep being their favorite human (you’re doing amazing)
Social Caption Idea: “Month 3: She finally sat on my lap. I have been chosen. Send snacks.” 🥹❤️
Let’s Get Real – Every Cat is Different
Some cats might take 3 hours to settle in. Others need 6 months. And that’s okay. The 3-3-3 rule isn’t a strict law—it’s a loving guideline to remind you to stay patient and supportive.
Remember, to a cat, you’re the big, loud, weird-smelling giant who just changed their entire world. But if you give them time, they’ll reward you with headbutts, biscuit-making paws, and endless entertainment.