Summary: Being in a new place can be scary, even for the most confident cat; there are lots of new sights, sounds, and smells to get used to. You can set up your kitty to feel safe and confident about their new home.
First Days and Weeks
A Safe Place
Set up new your cat(s) in a small room, such as a bedroom or large bathroom, for the first 1-2 weeks. Make sure your kitty has access to everything they need. Beyond food, water, and a litter box, this should include toys, a soft place to sleep, something to scratch, a raised perch, and a place to hide. Cats settle in much more quickly if they can get used to a home a little at a time.
Bonding
Give your cat lots of play sessions while in their safe space. If your cat is unsure of play or petting at first, start by sitting with them while they eat and offering extra yummy treats. Don’t force interactions but let your cat approach as they are comfortable.
Ready to Explore?
Once your kitty seems completely at home in their safe space (eating, grooming, using the litter box, and approaching you for attention), you can start introducing them to the rest of the house. Do so a little at a time and give them the option to retreat back to their safe space.
Set Up For Success
Your cat’s environment has a major effect on their behavior. The right setup will encourage good behavior in your cat and help them feel more confident and relaxed. Take a look at your home through the eyes of your cat.
Think in 3D
Cats think vertically in their space and it is very important they have options for perching or resting up off the ground. This can include cat trees, beds on tables, desks, or bookcases, or a perch in a window.
A Place of Their Own
Cats like to have a safe place to watch the action. Create places for your kitty to hide or get away when they are uncomfortable. Cat trees, covered beds, or even a cardboard box can provide your kitty with safe cover.
CAT FACT: A cat's natural routine is hunt (play), eat, groom, sleep, and repeat. Encourage play before meal times for a relaxed and happy cat.
Good Bathroom Habits
Use these guidelines to help your new cat maintain a lasting habit of using their box.
Choose a large, uncovered box with sandy, unscented litter.
Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location.
Scoop the box daily and replace all the litter every 1-2 weeks.
For multi-cat home, provide one litter box per cat in the home plus one and separate them throughout the house.
Litter box accidents are often either caused by a medical issue or the result of stress so addressing them early is best.
Everything They Need
Give your new friend ways to exercise their body and brain and to provide outlets during the day, especially during a cat’s active bursts in between naps. This should include:
Food puzzles and toys, like treat balls or treats hidden in boxes
Scratching posts
Window perches to view the outdoors
Tunnels, paper bags and boxes to explore
Small toys that encourage batting and pouncing
Playtime
Every cat is a natural born hunter. Interactive play with your cat uses up natural energy, relieves stress that can cause illness, and helps prevent unwanted behavior.
Choose an interactive toy such as a wand or “fishing pole” style toy. Don’t use your hands to play as this encourages your cat to use their mouths and paws on you, even when you may not be playing.
Move the toy to mimic the movement of prey creeping on the ground or flying through the air.
Challenge your cat and make them work for it. Some cats may need you to start slow but then you can build up the movements to keep it exciting.
Play for 5-15 minutes then start to slow down the movements of the toy and calm down the session.
Let your cat catch their "prey" one last time and reward with treats or a meal.
