The first 7 days
14 cards · 2 quizzes · Source
Set up one quiet room with food, water, litter and a bed.
Why? Starting in one small room is less overwhelming; kittens especially should stay in one room before exploring the whole home.
Open the carrier and let your cat walk out on its own.
Why? Pulling a cat out only scares it more. An open carrier also doubles as a safe hiding spot for the first hours.
In week one, keep the food your cat already knows.
Why? A sudden food change on top of moving stress often causes diarrhoea. To switch, mix in the new food over about a week.
Litter trays: one per cat, plus one.
Why? Every cat always has a free tray, with no competing. Put trays somewhere private, away from food.
Keep lilies out of the house.
Why? Every part of a lily, even pollen and vase water, can cause kidney failure in cats. If you suspect a nibble, call a vet at once.
Source: [6]
Net windows and balconies before your cat goes near.
Why? Cats watching birds fall surprisingly often, and even low floors cause serious injuries. Child bars still leave gaps a cat can slip through.
Source: [7]
Book a vet check as soon as you can.
Why? The vet checks general health and parasites, then plans vaccines and deworming that suit your cat.
Source: [3]
Ask your vet about a microchip.
Why? A microchip is a tiny implant under the skin carrying your cat’s ID number, the best permanent way to get a lost cat back.
Source: [1]
Introduce people one at a time, not all at once.
Why? A crowd overwhelms a new cat. Don’t pick it up in the first days; wait until it comes to you.
Source: [2]
Resident cat? Swap scents on a cloth before they meet.
Why? Getting used to each other’s smell first makes acceptance easier. It can take a day or several weeks; never force it.
Source: [2]
Get a scratching post tall enough for a full stretch.
Why? Scratching keeps claws healthy and marks territory. Praise or treat your cat for using the post so it learns where scratching is allowed.
Play with a wand toy for a few minutes, never your hands.
Why? Cats play in short sprints. Kittens taught to attack hands grow into cats that bite and scratch people.
Source: [5]
Eating, playing, rubbing on furniture? Your cat is settling in.
Why? Then open up other rooms bit by bit. Shy cats can take several weeks to feel confident.
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Sources (7)
- International Cat Care – Helping your new cat or kitten settle in
- Cats Protection – Bringing a cat home
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Choosing and Caring for Your New Cat
- International Cat Care – How to change your cat's food to a new diet
- International Cat Care – Playing with your cat
- ASPCA – Which Lilies Are Toxic to Pets?
- ASPCA – High-Rise Syndrome: Lifesaving Tips for Cat Parents
Accessed: 2026-10-03. For general information only; it does not replace advice from your vet.
3D art: Microsoft Fluent Emoji (MIT)