How to Help a New Cat Settle In
Bringing a cat home? Set up a safe room, let your new cat adjust at their own pace and introduce the rest of your home gradually.
Moving to a new home is a big change for a cat. Unfamiliar smells, sounds and people can make even a confident cat feel uneasy for the first few days or weeks. By preparing ahead and letting your cat set the pace, you can help them feel safe and build trust with you from the start.
Prepare a Safe Room
Rather than giving your new cat the run of the house straight away, set up one quiet room as their base. A spare bedroom, office or bathroom works well. Before your cat arrives, add:
- A litter box, placed away from food and water
- Food and water bowls
- A cozy bed or blanket
- A hiding spot, such as a covered bed or a cardboard box on its side
- A scratching post and a few toys
Check the room for hazards. Close windows, tuck away electrical cords and remove toxic plants; lilies, for example, are extremely dangerous to cats.
Bring Your Cat Home Calmly
- Transport your cat in a secure carrier, with a towel draped over it to reduce stress.
- Carry the carrier straight to the safe room and close the door.
- Set the carrier down, open the door and step back. Let your cat come out when they’re ready.
- Sit quietly in the room, talk softly and avoid reaching for your cat.
- Leave the carrier in the room as an extra hiding spot.
It’s normal for a new cat to hide, skip a meal or stay quiet for the first day or two. Keep noise and visitors to a minimum.
Build Trust Gently
Spend time in the safe room several times a day, reading or working quietly so your cat gets used to your presence. Let them approach you. Offer a hand to sniff, and if they rub against it, gently stroke their cheeks or head. Interactive play with a wand toy is a great way to build confidence and a bond.
Stick to a regular routine for meals, play and litter cleaning. Ask the shelter or previous owner what food your cat has been eating, and if you plan to change it, do so gradually over about a week to avoid an upset stomach.
Open Up the Rest of the Home
Once your cat is eating, using the litter box, playing and seems relaxed, usually after several days to a couple of weeks, you can let them explore more of the house. Open the door and let them wander at their own pace, while keeping the safe room available as a retreat.
If you have other pets, introduce them slowly. Start by swapping bedding so they can learn each other’s scent, then allow short, supervised meetings.
Settling-In Tips
- Keep your new cat indoors for at least the first few weeks.
- Make sure they’re microchipped and that your contact details are up to date.
- Book a vet check-up soon after adoption to discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention and neutering.
- Call your vet if your cat hasn’t eaten for more than a day or isn’t using the litter box.
