Being taken to a new home can be very scary for a cat or kitten. Everything is new and unfamiliar… New scents, new sounds, new rooms, and unfamiliar people. Cats are known to dislike change, and they will need time to adjust to a new environment. For some cats this can be a few hours, but for others it could be weeks or even months — especially for nervous or timid cats. Patience is key, but you will get there.
Below are some gentle guidelines to help your new family member settle in safely and confidently.
🏡 Preparing a Safe Space Before Their Arrival
Having their own quiet area will help your new cat feel safe. Too much space — on top of all the new sights, scents, and sounds — can be overwhelming for most cats. Start small. They will let you know when they’re ready to explore the rest of the house.
A safe space can be:
- a spare bedroom
- an office
- a bathroom
- or any quiet, closed‑off area in your home
This is especially important if you already have pets.
Make sure the room is secure:
- block fireplaces and any nooks or hiding spots
- ensure windows and doors are shut or securely latched
- cover or lock any accessible cat flaps
If your new family member is shy, offer a hiding place and, if possible, access to a high spot — a perch on a tall scratcher, a sturdy shelf, or even a cardboard box on a chair. Something with a familiar scent from their foster home, like a blanket or toy, can also help them settle.
If you don’t have a suitable room, a medium or large dog crate can work as a temporary safe space. It allows the cat to be near you while still having a secure area of their own.
Once home, place your cat in their safe room and give them time to decompress.
When you do go in, get down to their level, speak softly, and let them come to you. If they choose to hide, simply sit in the room and let them get used to your presence and your voice. It’s perfectly normal if they don’t eat or use the litter tray straight away — sometimes it takes a day or two.
🚽 Accidents Can Happen
Moving home is incredibly stressful for cats. If your new cat or kitten has an “accident” on their bed or anywhere outside the litter tray, it doesn’t mean they aren’t litter trained. They were likely too nervous to go to the tray.
If it happens once or twice, there’s no need to worry. If it continues, your cat may have developed a stress‑related urinary issue and will need a vet check.
For very young kittens, remember they may still be perfecting their litter skills.
Loose stools can also be caused by stress. In rare cases, a cat may have a mild flare‑up of cat flu. Probiotics or a small amount of natural yoghurt can help settle an upset tummy. Mild symptoms usually pass quickly, but if they worsen, a vet visit is needed.
You’re always welcome to contact us for advice.
🚪 Ready to Explore the Rest of Their New Home?
When you feel your cat is ready, simply open the door and let them explore at their own pace.
Some cats will zoom around like they’ve lived there forever. Others will take cautious, careful steps.
Keep their safe room available — they may want to retreat after all the new impressions. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t join you on the sofa straight away. For now, their safe space is the only part of your home they truly know.
🐾 Introducing Your Cat to Existing Pets
Take introductions slowly.
Let your new cat settle first and become comfortable. This also gives your current pets time to adjust to the new scent in the house.
Helpful steps:
- swap blankets or toys so they can smell each other
- feed them on opposite sides of the door
- swap areas so each pet can explore the other’s space safely
When it’s time for them to meet, start with short, supervised visits.
Hissing, growling, and puffed‑up fur are normal reactions — they’re scared and unsure. Stay calm so they understand everything is okay. Offer praise and treats after each meeting.
If you’re introducing a cat to a dog, keep the dog calm and on a lead. Never restrain a cat or force them to approach each other.
⏳ It Will Not Happen Overnight
Some pets become friends after a hiss or two. Others need time and many supervised meetings. Some will learn to co‑exist without being best friends. And some simply won’t get along — and that’s okay. We don’t love every person we meet either.
We’re always happy to give advice. And if it truly doesn’t work out, we will take the cat back — but please give it time and a fair chance before making that decision.
🌳 Introducing Your Cat Safely to the Outside World
Before thinking about outdoor access, make sure your cat is fully settled and understands that this is home. Newly adopted cats should ideally stay strictly indoors for at least 8 weeks. Many cats go missing because they escape or are let out too soon.
It’s also important to know that keeping cats indoors only is the safest option. Indoor‑only cats avoid many of the risks outdoor cats face, such as traffic, fights, infectious diseases, getting lost, or being injured. Many adopters choose indoor‑only living because it gives their cat a long, healthy, and secure life.
That said, every home is different, and there are several safe ways to give your cat outdoor enrichment without exposing them to danger.
🏡 Safe Alternatives to Free Roaming
1. Catios
A catio — whether small or spacious — allows your cat to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and outdoor smells while staying completely safe. They can be simple DIY builds or fully enclosed garden structures.
2. Cat‑Proofed Gardens
Some adopters choose to secure their garden with:
- inward‑leaning fencing
- cat‑proof mesh
- enclosed runs
- or barrier systems
This allows cats to enjoy the garden while preventing escapes.
3. Harness Training
Many cats enjoy exploring the garden or patio on a harness. It’s a gentle way to introduce the outdoors while keeping them close and safe.
🌱 If You Choose to Allow Outdoor Access
If you decide to let your cat roam freely outdoors, introduce it gradually and only once they are fully settled.
Tips for safe outdoor introduction:
- Let them out shortly before mealtime so they’re motivated to return
- Keep first outings short
- Go outside with them
- Call them back every 10 minutes
- Keep the door open so they can retreat if they feel unsure
- A harness walk around the garden can help them learn the area
Never force a cat outside — the outdoors can feel big and overwhelming at first.
🧡 The Most Important Thing
Whatever option you choose — indoor‑only, a catio, a secured garden, or supervised outdoor time — the goal is always the same:
A safe, happy cat who feels at home.
