Everything in your home is a threat to their nervous system. Here is how to stop the cortisol spike before they shut down.
Shelters and transport keep stress hormones at peak levels. It takes days for their brain to realize they aren't in danger. Silence is the first medicine they need.
Avoid high-traffic spots like the kitchen. Use a guest room or a walk-in closet. Narrow their world to 100-150 sq ft (9-14 sq m) so they can stop monitoring for threats.
Hardwood floors amplify scary sounds. Throw down a thick rug to dampen noise. Use white noise to mask the terrifying creaks and hums of a new environment.
Harsh overhead lights flicker at frequencies animals hate. Use warm LED lamps or dim smart bulbs to signal 'rest time' to their internal clock.
Avoid candles or air fresheners. Your smell is the new safety. Leave an unwashed t-shirt in their zone so they learn your presence is non-threatening.
Seeing movement they can't reach causes frustration. Cover glass doors or low windows. What they don't see can't startle them while they recover.
Slippery floors feel unstable to a stressed animal. Use non-slip mats under bowls and near their bed. Physical stability builds mental confidence.
Don't reach for them. Sit in the room and read a book or scroll your phone. Let them approach you on their terms. Being 'boring' makes you safe.
3 days to decompress. 3 weeks to learn your routine. 3 months to feel at home. Don't rush biology; respect the timeline of trust.
If they suddenly hide again, they're overwhelmed by too many small stressors. Simplify. Dim the lights. Give them another 24 hours of total quiet.
Decompression isn't just 'waiting it out.' It's a clinical intervention for a nervous system in crisis. Peace is the best gift you can give a new family member.
Get the complete $100 budget gear list and the specific room layouts for dogs vs. cats.