How to Welcome a New Cat? Your New Cat’s First Day

Congratulations — you’re the proud parent of a newly adopted cat or kitten or are about to be one! As excited as you may be to bring your new cat or kitten home, it’s important to remember that their first day in their new home might be confusing or stressful for them. The good news is there is plenty you can do to make their transition into your family as seamless as possible. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare, so you can be ready to make the first day the best it can be and get the rest of your life together off to a good start.

How should I prepare my home for my new cat or kitten?

First and foremost, before bringing your new cat or kitten home, you should cat-proof your home. We all know how curious cats can be, and though they can often appear invincible (and may think they are), it’s important to make sure their environment is safe. Here are a few essential precautions to take:

• Keep breakable objects out of reach

• Anchor unsteady or top-heavy furniture to the floor

• Cover electric cords, cables, and phone chargers

• Make sure your windows are secure

• Get rid of any poisonous plants

• Close or lock kitchen cabinets

• Make sure household cleaners are inaccessible 

• Hide sharp objects

Basic supplies

Before your new family member arrives home, you’ll also want to stock up on the following supplies:

• A nice big litter box (a low-sided one for kittens)

• Cat litter

• Cat food

• Food and water dishes (preferably stainless steel or pet-safe ceramic)

• Toys

• A scratching post

• Grooming tools, including nail clippers and a cat brush

• A cat bed, pillow, or blanket

Starter room

Once you’ve cat-proofed your home and gone on a shopping spree, there’s one more important step to take: prep a starter room. Many kittens and cats are scared in their new environment at first and may even be inclined to hide. Putting them in a starter room — like a small bedroom, big airy bathroom, or another room with a door you can close — will help your new kitten or cat get used to that smaller space before being faced with the larger environment of your entire home. Having this personal space can go a long way to helping them acclimate. 

Once you choose which room will be the starter room, put all your cat’s supplies in there, including a litter box filled with litter. Check to make sure windows and any other possible escape routes (like loose vent grills) are securely closed. Unplug or securely tape down any electrical cords, and remove any small ingestible or breakable objects — pretend you are childproofing for a two-year-old human.

If you’re bringing home a kitten especially, you’re probably wondering where a kitten should sleep at night and remain safe. The starter room is the perfect solution for what to do with a kitten at night. 

This starter room will also be very useful if you already have a pet (or pets) at home. When introducing new pets — especially a new cat to a resident dog — you’ll want to separate them initially not only to give your cat space to adjust but to give your resident pet time to get used to their new family member’s presence at a distance. You can slowly introduce your new cat to your resident pet by following these steps.

How can I help my new cat or kitten feel comfortable and safe?

The first few days with your new cat or kitten will be exciting, but they may also be challenging, as your new family member may not immediately feel comfortable in their new environment. It’s important to give your new pet space and remember that all cats are different: the pace at which they’ll grow comfortable in their new home will vary. 

There are a few things you can do, however, to make them feel as safe as possible.

What should I do on my first day with a new kitten or cat?

When you bring your new cat home, close any other pets (and humans) in a separate room, and carry your new cat into the starter room while they’re still in their cat carrier. Set the carrier down, and open the carrier’s door. Allow the cat to come out (or not) at their own speed. Leave the carrier in the room with them if they want to hide in it.

Be patient and understanding

Take it slow. Some cats will walk around and want to explore right away, but more typically, cats will take between one to two days to a couple of weeks to adjust to a new home. This is totally normal, and you should give your cat space — but make sure they are eating and using the litter box daily, even if they are hiding.

Commonly asked questions:

How often should I play and interact with my new cat or kitten?

Every cat and kitten is different, and the amount of playtime they’ll need will vary, but they will generally need two to three play sessions a day, if not more. These sessions can be short bursts; providing your cat or kitten with toys can also go a long way toward engaging them. Kittens may need more playtime than cats, but adult cats still need playtime. 

In terms of other people playing or interacting with your new cat or kitten: avoid friends meeting your new cat until they are relaxed and happy in their new home. Once your cat is acclimated, however, socialization is important, especially for kittens. Exposing your kitten or cat to new people and environments can help them decrease fear and stress in new situations in the future. 

When should I schedule a visit to the veterinarian for my new cat or kitten?

Within the first week or so, you will want to bring your cat to a veterinarian for an exam, to get preventatives and vaccines, and to potentially be spayed or neutered. If your cat has just been spayed or neutered before you brought them home, follow your vet’s instructions on monitoring their behavior and health. 

What should I do on my first day with a new cat or kitten?

Take it slow. Some cats will walk around and explore right away, but typically cats will take between one to two days to a couple of weeks to adjust to a new home. 

How should I prepare my home for my new cat or kitten?

Prepare your home for a new cat or kitten by cat-proofing your home, stocking up on supplies, and setting up a starter room.

What should I feed my new cat or kitten on their first day?

You can decide what food to buy your new cat or kitten based on that food’s nutrition and any specific needs your new kitten or cat may have.

How can I help my new cat or kitten feel comfortable and safe?

When you bring your new cat home, carry them into a starter room, separate from other humans and pets. Give them time and space to acclimate to their new environment.

When should I schedule a visit to the veterinarian for my new cat or kitten?

Schedule a visit to the veterinarian for your new cat or kitten within the first week of them coming home. 

How can I help my new cat or kitten adjust to their new sleeping arrangements?

Keeping your new cat or kitten in a starter room with a comfortable bed or blanket will help them adjust to their new sleeping arrangements.

How often should I play and interact with my new cat or kitten?

Every cat and kitten is different, and the amount of playtime they’ll need will vary, but they will generally need two to three play sessions a day.