How to Introduce a New Cat to Your Home (Step by Step)

Bringing home a new cat is exciting! But for your cat, it's a big change: new smells, new sounds and new people all at once. Going slowly in the first few days and weeks helps your cat feel safe and builds trust faster.

Before your cat arrives

Set up a "safe room": a quiet bedroom, office or bathroom where your cat can stay at first. Put everything they need in it:

• Litter box (placed away from food and water)
• Food and water bowls
• A cozy bed or blanket
• A hiding spot, like a covered bed or a cardboard box on its side
• A scratching post
• A few toys

A smaller space feels less overwhelming than a whole house.

Day 1: let them hide

Bring your cat straight to the safe room, open the carrier and let them come out when they're ready. It's completely normal for a new cat to hide for hours or even a day or two. Sit quietly in the room, talk softly and let your cat come to you.

The first week: build trust

• Keep a routine. Feed at the same times each day.
• Play gently. A wand toy is a great way to connect without getting too close too fast.
• Offer treats from your hand when your cat approaches.
• Let them set the pace. Don't pull them out of hiding spots.

When your cat is eating, using the litter box and coming to greet you, they're ready to explore more of the home.

Opening up the house

Open the door to one or two more rooms at a time. Keep the safe room available as a retreat. Make sure windows are secure, and tuck away cords, toxic plants (lilies are especially dangerous for cats) and small objects.

If you already have pets

1. Swap scents first. Rub a cloth on each pet and swap them, or swap their bedding.
2. Feed on either side of a closed door so they link each other's smell with good things.
3. See without touching. Use a baby gate or a door opened a crack for short, calm meetings.
4. Supervise first meetings and keep them short. Separate them if there's hissing or growling, and go back a step.

Some pets become friends in days; others take weeks. Slow is always faster in the end.

Book a vet visit

Schedule a check-up in the first week or two to make sure your new cat is healthy and to plan vaccines and parasite prevention.

Keep track of the settling-in period

Our printable Cat Care Tracker helps you note meals, litter habits, play and mood each day, so you can see your new friend relaxing week by week.