How to Introduce a Cat to a New Home
Nervous and excited to bring home a cat for the first time? Most people feel the same way. There’s so much to think about. And, as you know, cats love to not like things.
The good news is it’s not as bad as it seems. Your cat will most likely adjust to the changes, as long as you put a little prep work and give them some time. I’m going to break this process down so you and your new kitty can be less stressed.
Prepare a Safe Room First
Before your cat comes home, prepare one quiet room for them to de stress. This can be a spare bedroom, a bathroom, or even an office. The most important thing is that the room can be closed off from the rest of the house.
Prepare the room with the following: a litter box in one corner, food and water bowls in another corner (away from litter), and then a cozy bed or blanket, plus a few toys. Instead of having most of the house to explore, cats tend to feel safer and more secure in a small space.
Many experts recommend holding off on letting your cat out of this room for at least a few days. Depending on the cat's personality and past experiences, some might even require a week or more of being kept in the small room before being released from the space.
The First Few Hours Matter
As you arrive at home, take your cat in their carrier to the designated safe room. Open your carrier and let your cat come out at their own timeline. It is important to never force your cat to come out of their carrier.
While some cats may immediately begin to explore their new surroundings, other cats may hide in a corner or under the bed for a long period of time and that is all normal behavior. It is recommended to quietly sit in the room and read or look at your phone, so the cat can become accustomed to your presence, and then you should leave the cat in remain in the room so they can settle.
Let Your Cat Set the Pace
For the next few days, please stay in the safe room and be calm and available. You might try talking softly, offering treats, or gently dragging a toy. Allow your cat the chance to come to you. Do not reach for them.
Look for signs that your cat is starting to feel more comfortable. Signs include regular eating, self grooming, playing with toys, face rubbing on furniture/post, etc. These all indicate that your cat is starting to relax.
If your cat is overly fearful or has not eaten for more than a day, you should call your vet to ensure that nothing else is going on.
Gradual Introduction to the Whole House
After your cat has become comfortable in their safe room, you can start letting them go into other places. You can open the door, so your cat can go out whenever they want. Leaving the safe room open will allow your cat to go back in if they are feeling stressed.
Some owners like to introduce individual rooms rather than the entire house all at once. This is different for every house. Just follow your cat and their signals and take your time.
What About Other Pets or Kids
For the safe room phase, the cat will need to gain some confidence and then you can start integrating the animals or kids. To start introductions, plan this over a week or so and begin by switching the pets’ bedding so that they can adjust to each other’s scents. After you may want to try feeding them from opposite sides of a closed door. Once you feel ready you can start supervised meetings to see how they interact. Make sure the time is kept short and it is positive. If anyone seems stressed, go back a step and slow down. Problems can be avoided if you are patient.
Common Challenges and How to Help
Don’t worry if your cat is hiding when you first bring them home. It is very common cat owner activity when bringing their cat to a new environment. With time, your cat will get more comfortable. Just make sure that their hiding spot has access to their food, water, and litter box. Give your cat time to adjust and feel comfortable.
It is very common for stressed new housemate to not use their litter box right away, and there may be some accidents. If there are cleaning messes, be sure to use enzyme cleaner, and check to see if the litter box is being blocked or if it is in a noisey location. If it’s been more than a week, you need to bring your cat to the vet.
It is also regular for cats to have no appetite for the first day. However, if your cat does not eat at all for over a day, it is worth a vet visit. A stress situation can indeed be very harmful for your furry friend, and it is better to be safe and to get some reassurance.
It's fine to adjust in their own time. The most important thing is your patience, consistency, and your willingness to let take the lead. Soon they will be taking their daily cat nap in the sun on the couch as if they have always been there.