Settling your cat into a new home

Whether adopting a rescue, moving home, or bringing home a new kitten, the first few days can sometimes be overwhelming for our feline friends.

Some cats can be very adaptable and confident in their new surroundings, while others may want to sit and hide in the corner until they get a bit more used to their new home.

Here are some useful hints and tips to make the transition into their new surroundings as stress-free as possible.

Picking a room

It is important not to overwhelm your cat while they are settling in. This is why we would advise keeping them inside for a minimum of two weeks, while they get used to their new environment.

For the first few days, it’s a good idea to set up a room as a base for your cat where they can settle and feel safe. Where this is, will all depend on the personality of your cat. For quieter, more nervous, or less social cats, you may want to pick a room that is calm and not often used by humans, where you can visit them from time to time until they acclimatise.

For more confident cats, or cats that crave attention, this room could be a living room or dining room, where they can settle in, whilst still enjoying the hustle and bustle of normal everyday life with lots of attention. It is also important that the space you chose is escape proof.

Make sure they have everything they need

Food & Water: Whilst settling your cat into their new surroundings make sure they have all the essentials around them. Access to fresh water and food, preferably placed in a quiet corner of the room as many cats like to eat in peace. They will also need access to a litter tray placed away from the food bowl and any doors.

Bedding: It is important to make sure your cat is comfortable and happy in their new home and has somewhere they can feel warm and cosy to sleep. The positioning of their sleeping place is also important as some cats like to sleep up high so they can peer down on a room and keep a watchful eye on their surroundings, whilst others like to sleep hidden away, or low to the ground.

Ensure they have a bed or blanket with a familiar scent on, as this can really ease their stress and help to make them feel safe and secure, especially when they are overloaded with lots of new smells and new family members to get used to.

Scratch Pole: A scratching post not only helps to keep their claws down but lets them deposit familiar scents from the glands in their paws, making their new home smell more familiar to them.

Playtime: Playtimes are very important as well. These make your cat feel like their new home is a fun and pleasant place to be, while strengthening the bond between feline friend and owner. They might also be missing the outside world if they are normally outdoor cats. Having toys in the room that they can safely play with while you are away from them, will help prevent them from getting bored and lonely.

Overall, settling your cat into their new home may take time and patience and lots of reassurance. Just remember that like us humans, each cat has their own unique personality. While some will settle quickly, others may take a while longer but hopefully with these hints and tips, your cat will eventually settle in and feel safe, secure and happy in their new home and soon become a valued member of the family!