Key takeaways

  • Start your cat in one quiet room with everything they need: litter, food, water, a bed, a hiding place and a scratcher.
  • Let your cat come to you. Hiding for the first days is normal.
  • Introduce other pets slowly, starting with scent swapping before any face-to-face meeting.

Prepare a safe room

  • A litter box, away from the food and water
  • Food your cat already eats, and fresh water
  • A bed and at least one hiding spot, like a covered bed or a box on its side
  • A scratching post
  • A couple of toys
  • The carrier left open, so it becomes a familiar den

The first days

Open the carrier in the safe room and let your cat come out in their own time. Sit quietly, talk softly and let them approach you. Many cats hide for a day or two; that's normal. Keep visitors and noise to a minimum.

Watch that your cat is eating, drinking and using the litter box. If they haven't eaten within a day or two, call your vet.

Expanding their world

Once your cat is relaxed, eating well and exploring the room, open the door and let them investigate the rest of the home at their own pace. Keep the safe room available as a retreat.

Meeting other pets

  1. Swap scents first: rub a cloth on each pet and leave it near the other's bed.
  2. Feed on either side of a closed door.
  3. Let them see each other through a baby gate or cracked door for short, positive sessions.
  4. Allow supervised time together only when both are calm, and keep sessions short.

Book a vet check

Schedule a check-up within the first couple of weeks to review vaccinations, parasite control, microchipping and neutering.

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Questions, answered

How long does it take a cat to adjust to a new home?

Many cats settle within a couple of weeks, but shy or older cats can take longer. Let your cat set the pace.

Should I let my new cat outside?

Keep a new cat indoors for at least the first few weeks so they learn where home is. Ask your vet about outdoor access.

Sources

We base our care guides on guidance from veterinary schools, veterinary associations and animal welfare organizations, written in our own words. If your pet is unwell, your vet is the right first call.