Your new cat's first week at home

The first week in a new home is a big adjustment for any cat, whether you have adopted a bouncy kitten or a dignified senior. Cats are creatures of territory and routine, so everything about your house will feel unfamiliar at first. A little preparation helps them feel safe much sooner.

Prepare a base camp

Choose one quiet room, such as a spare bedroom or a home office, as your cat's starting point. Before they arrive, set it up with:

• Food and fresh water, placed well away from the litter box
• A litter box filled with unscented litter
• At least one hiding spot, such as a covered bed or a cardboard box on its side
• A scratching post and a couple of toys
• A blanket or bed that smells of their previous home, if you can get one

Let your cat set the pace

Open the carrier and let your cat come out when they are ready. Hiding for the first day or two is completely normal. Sit quietly in the room, read or talk softly, and let them approach you. Offering a treat from your open hand teaches them that you are good news.

Expand their world gradually

Once your cat is eating, using the litter box and exploring the base camp confidently, open the door and let them investigate the rest of your home at their own speed. Keep the base camp set up as a safe retreat for a while longer.

Introduce other pets slowly

Keep resident pets separated at first. Swap bedding between them so they get used to each other's scent, then move on to short, supervised meetings. Rushing introductions is the most common reason they go wrong, so take as long as you need.

Book a vet visit

Schedule a check-up within the first week or two, even if your cat seems perfectly healthy. Your vet can review vaccinations, parasite prevention, microchipping and diet, and the visit gives you a health baseline for the years ahead.

Patience is the secret ingredient. Many cats that hide for days become confident, affectionate companions within a few weeks.