Welcoming your new cat

Wondering how to settle a cat into a new home? Here’s everything you need to know about helping your new pet to adjust.

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Welcoming your new cat into your home is exciting – but you’ll also need to be patient and take things slow as they settle into their new environment.

Follow these simple steps to help your cat feel relaxed in their new home.

Before your new cat arrives

The process of introducing your new cat to their new home will be less stressful if you tick these things off before they arrive.

Find a vet

If you’re getting a kitten, they’ll need vaccinations. Older cats may need health checks or vaccination boosters. Make sure you know where your nearest vet is, or ask for recommendations from friends and family. If your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, you’ll need to schedule this. They should already be microchipped, as this is now mandatory for cats in the UK.

Sort out cat insurance

Insurance provides peace of mind that your cat’s vet bills are covered in case of accident and emergency. With Petplan cat insurance, you can also access the Pet Expert Chat feature, a free service that connects you with vet professionals, 24/7.

Prepare your house for a new cat

Follow these tips to make sure your house is ready for your new arrival.

Cat-proof your home

Remove toxic plants, dangerous chemicals and any easily accessible electrical wires. Make sure all windows and doors are secured.

Set up a dedicated area for your cat

Allowing your cat free access to your entire home can be overwhelming for them at first. Instead, it’s better to set aside one room as a safe and cosy space for them to settle into (often called the ‘sanctuary room’). The goal is to provide for all your new cat’s needs – easy access to food, water and a safe place to sleep – all in the same secure area.

This room should be quiet, so your cat isn’t overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the home. Make sure to include:

• A bed
• A scratching post
• A selection of cat-safe toys
• Places to hide, including high up
• Food and water bowls, placed away from each other
• A litter tray, positioned far away from food and water bowls

Your new cat or kitten’s first 24 hours at home is bound to be a little stressful. You can help make things as easy as possible by giving them the same food they’re used to and placing a blanket from their previous home in their bed. The familiar scents will be comforting as they settle into their new home.

What to do once your new cat arrives

When you bring your new cat home, take their carrier to their room. Place the carrier on the floor, unfasten or remove the door and allow your cat to exit in their own time. Some cats will be more comfortable doing this when you leave the room.

Remember, some cats will take longer to settle in – it all depends on their previous experiences and personality.

Here’s some general ideas on how to manage their first few days.

Minimise stress

Stress isn’t good for a cat’s health and can cause health issues like feline lower urinary tract disease, so it’s important to help your cat avoid anxiety. The most important way to reduce stress in cats is providing them with plenty of hiding places, giving them a consistent, predictable routine and taking things slowly at the cat’s pace.

A pheromone diffuser in the rooms they spend the most time in can help your cat feel secure. These diffusers imitate a cat’s pheromones – natural chemicals they use to mark their territory – which helps them feel more at ease.

You can also keep stress to a minimum by feeding your cat several small meals per day. This mimics their natural hunting patterns. You can also use a puzzle feeder, which makes cats work for their food – something they enjoy. Start with a simple one if they’ve not used one before.

Some cats may initially feel rather overwhelmed and fearful when they first arrive, so may not feel like playing. But once they start to settle in and relax, playing together with toys is a great way to bond but also keeps your cat mentally stimulated so they don’t become bored or stressed. It’s a good idea to end these play sessions by giving your cat a small treat while they are getting to know you, to satisfy their predatory instincts.

Introduce new people slowly

Cats can be sensitive to noise and too much activity – for example, loud music, over-enthusiastic children or visitors who are keen to meet them. Your new cat might not be used to much attention and fuss, so they might find this stressful.

For the first few weeks, limit introductions to immediate family only. Let your cat make the first move and don’t put any pressure on them. Offering small treats when your cat seems relaxed in your presence – such as when they give you a slow blink as a sign of trust – can help to reinforce this behaviour.

As your cat becomes more confident, try bonding with them by touching them on the cheek and chin briefly – but make sure they can always move away if they’re not happy. Pause after a few seconds to see if your cat asks for more fuss.

When your cat feels comfortable and confident with your immediate family, you can slowly start introducing other people – but always let your cat set the pace. Now is also a good time to let your cat meet other family pets.

Let your new cat explore

Once your cat is comfortable in their room, you can slowly allow them to explore the rest of the house. Start with the hallway or area closest to their room, and gradually leave other doors open so they can explore in their own time.

It’s a good idea to place cardboard boxes with a blanket inside them in other rooms. These act as a refuge for your cat to hide in, which they’ll still appreciate even if they’re feeling adventurous.

Don't rush to let your kitten or cat explore the great outdoors. Making their way outside will be a gradual process, and they first need to be comfortable and relaxed in your home. The last thing you want is a frightened cat bolting into the distance and getting lost. 

A good place to start is by introducing the cat flap. Hold it open and encourage them to walk through with some treats. Over the next few weeks, spend short bursts of time outdoors, but don’t leave your cat unsupervised until they’re completely comfortable.

Signs your new cat is adjusting

Each cat is an individual, so the time it takes them to settle into their new home can vary. Look out for signs that your cat is becoming more comfortable in their new surroundings, including:

• Grooming
• Playing with toys
• Eating and drinking
• Seeking out attention
• Exploring their new home
• Using their litter tray regularly

Signs your cat is struggling

It takes some cats longer to settle into a new home than others, so make sure you give your new cat all the time they need. Don’t rush them and respect their need for space, and you’ll soon earn their trust.

Signs your cat hasn’t fully settled into their new environment include:

• Hiding
• Running away from people
• Spraying
• Scratching
• Lack of appetite
• Under or over-grooming
• Unusual litter tray habits
• Lack of interest in playing

Some of these behaviours are normal at first, but if you don’t see any signs of improvement after a week or so, it’s best to seek advice from your vet and then a qualified cat behaviourist.