Cats experience a new home very differently from dogs. Where a dog might bound in, a cat needs to feel in control of a small, safe territory first. Rushing the welcome is the fastest way to a stressed, hiding cat; patience in the first 48 hours pays off for months.
Set up a safe room
Before the cat arrives, prepare one quiet room with everything they need: a litter tray, food and water (placed away from the litter), a cosy hiding spot, a scratching post and a few toys. This becomes their base camp while the rest of the house stays off-limits for now.
The first two days
- Let the cat come out of the carrier in their own time — do not tip them out.
- Sit quietly in the room and let them approach you; avoid looming or picking them up.
- Keep noise, visitors and other pets away.
- Expect hiding and a small appetite — both are normal.
Reading the signs
A cat that starts eating, using the litter tray and exploring the room is settling well. Slow blinks, relaxed posture and a willingness to be near you are all good signs. Only once they are confident in the safe room should you gradually open up the rest of the home.
Expanding beyond the safe room
When the time comes, open the door and let the cat explore one additional room at a time rather than the whole house at once. Leave the safe room set up and accessible for a few more weeks — many cats like having a known retreat to return to even after they've grown confident elsewhere.
