It’s not bad behaviour. It’s a biological breakdown. They need a decompression zone before their system snaps.
3 days to decompress, 3 weeks for routine, 3 months for home. In the first 72 hours, their brain is a cortisol factory.
Open plans and porcelain tiles amplify noise. The gate motor and inverter beeps are terrifying alarms to a new pet.
Hard floors create echoes. Grab a heavy rug from Mr Price Home to dampen the sound and give them a steady grip.
Every person walking past your window is a threat. Use block-out curtains or frosted film to shut out the world.
Skip the scented candles and pine floor cleaners. To a new pet, these are sensory assaults. Keep the air clean.
Plug in an Adaptil or Feliway diffuser. Then, leave an old, worn T-shirt in their bed. Your scent becomes their safety.
Give them a covered crate or a high shelf. They need a place where they aren't forced to interact. Let them hide.
Squeaky toys spike adrenaline. Swap them for Lickimats or snufflemats. Licking lowers their heart rate naturally.
Is your cat flat against the floor? Are your dog's pupils dilated? These are red alerts for sensory overload.
Don't lure them out with treats. Let their curiosity lead. If they retreat, let them. The safe zone is always open.
You aren't locking them away; you're building a foundation of trust. Lower the stimulus to raise the bond for life.
Get the full list of pet-safe cleaners and the DIY soundproofing guide for South African homes.