Really, it is super exciting when you bring a new cat to your home., but for your cat, it might be a little scary to adjust at first. Everything’s new, new smells, new sounds, and new people. It’s like waking up in another country without knowing any language!
When I brought home my lovely cat, Coco, she hid under the bed for almost three days straight. I honestly thought she didn’t like me. But the truth is—cats just need time and a gentle hand. Today, she naps on my chest every evening like she owns the place. 😄
Here’s what worked for me—and what the experts say works too.
HOW? Full Guide
🛏️ 1. Set Up a Safe Room
Start with one quiet room that your cat can claim as their own. This will be their “safe zone” while they figure everything out. This will help a new cat adjust to your home.
Make sure this room includes:
| 🛠️ Must-Have Items | 🐾 Why It Matters |
| Fresh water bowl | Hydration helps reduce stress |
| Food bowl | Familiar food offers comfort |
| Litter box (far from food) | Clean and private place to go potty |
| Soft bed or blanket | Warmth and a place to hide |
| Scratching post | Natural way to relieve tension |
| A familiar item (if any) | A toy or blanket from the shelter works great |
🧠 Expert Tip: According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA, New York, Feb 2023), a quiet space helps reduce stress hormones in cats during their first days at home.
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👣 2. Let Them Take Their Time
Close the door to the safe room at first. Visit often, but keep things calm. Sit on the floor, speak softly, and just be there. Let your beloved cat come close to you, sniff you, pass by you, and ignore you.—whatever makes them feel okay.
When they’re confidently eating, using the litter box, and exploring the room, you can crack the door open and let them peek outside. But still—no rushing. Some cats peek out on day two. Others wait a week.
🐈 3. If You Have Other Cats: Start with Smell
Cats don’t say hi with a handshake, they do it with their nose. So if you already have another cat at home, help them “meet” through scent first.
Here’s what I did:
Rubbed a soft towel on Coco and gave it to my older cat, Tiger, to smell
Swapped their beds and toys every other day
Let them hear each other before seeing each other
👃 Expert Tip: Dr. Mikel Delgado from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (June 2023) explains that scent swapping reduces fear-based aggression in early introductions.
👀 4. Watch Their First Meetings
Once the cats seem chill with each other’s scent, let them see each other. Use a cracked door or baby gate. Don’t leave them alone during these first meetups.
Expect:
- Curiosity 👃
- Staring contests 👀
- Maybe a little hissing 😾
All normal. But if anyone growls, flattens their ears, or swipes—gently separate them and try again tomorrow. Short and sweet is the way to go.
🚪 5. Slowly Open the Rest of the House
After your new cat feels comfortable, start opening doors. One room at a time. Follow them quietly as they sniff and explore.
Let them move at their own pace. Some cats will explore the whole house on day three. Others might take two weeks. That’s okay.
🧸 6. Keep Things Fun and Calm
Now’s the time to show your cat that this house is also a fun playground. 🎉
Here’s what helped Coco relax:
- Feather wand toys
- Catnip mice (instant mood booster!)
- Treat puzzles
- Quiet cuddle sessions in the morning
You can also try calming sprays like Feliway—a vet-approved diffuser that mimics the “happy pheromones” cats produce naturally.
🕰️ 7. Be Patient and Keep Things Steady
Cats love routine. Feed them at the same time. Keep bedtime chill. Limit loud noises and visitors in the beginning. The more predictable life feels, the quicker they’ll settle in.
Even now, Coco prefers her breakfast bowl in the same corner—and gives me “the look” if I move it. 😄
✅ Extra Tips to Remember
| 💡 Do This | 🚫 Avoid This |
| Give them space and time | Don’t chase or pick them up too early |
| Cat-proof your house (wires, windows) | Don’t leave unsafe objects lying around |
| Supervise pet introductions | Don’t leave cats alone until they’re ready |
| Contact a vet if the behavior seems off | Don’t wait too long if something feels wrong |
People also ask
1. Can I leave my new cat alone during the adjustment period?
You can leave your cat alone for short periods, but ensure they have food, water, a litter box, and a quiet, secure space to retreat to.
2. What signs show that my cat is adjusting well?
If your cat is eating normally, using the litter box, exploring, playing, grooming, and calmly interacting with humans or other pets are all good signs.
3. How can I help my existing cat accept the new one?
Use scent swapping, controlled introductions, and slow exposure. Allow them to smell each other through doors and gradually introduce them face-to-face under supervision.
4. How long does it take for a new cat to adjust to a new home?
Most cats begin to feel comfortable within a few days to a few weeks. However, shy or traumatized cats may take a month or longer. Patience is key.
Also read How to Groom a Long-Haired Cat at Home (Simple Tips for Real Pet Parents)
Karim Kaifi is an experienced pet owner and writer. He shares practical, research-backed advice based on over 10 years of caring for cats and dogs.
