How to Acclimate a Cat to a New Home

How do you go about introducing a cat to their new home? This adjustment can be very difficult for a cat, especially if they are a stray that’s used to living outdoors. During the initial adjustment period, you will need patience and understanding to help your new cat feel more at home.

Start by thinking about your cat’s previous experiences. If you’re bringing a kitten home, it may have recently been separated from their mother and littermates. The cat may have had to deal with the transition of a shelter or the stress of being spayed or neutered. An adult cat may have been separated from a familiar home and may have been forced to break their bond with human companions or other household pets. In every case, the cat will need to adjust again to totally new surroundings.

How to Help Your Cat Adjust to Their New Home

It may take several weeks for your cat to adjust to their new living situation, but they primarily need to get used to you as their new provider of love, food, and shelter. It is not uncommon for cats to display behavioral problems during this adjustment period, but these problems should disappear in time. If your cat hides under the furniture, just sit and talk quietly to the cat. Also, place their food and litter box within reach.

When you take your cat out of the carrier, immediately show them the location of the litter box. Provide a bowl of water, but don’t feed them immediately, and try not to overwhelm the cat with attention. Allow them to acclimate to their new surroundings on their own terms.

It is best to introduce your cat to their new home gradually, so begin by restricting them to one room. During this time, isolate other animals from your new cat and supervise your children when they interact with the cat. Try to spend a few hours with your cat as they settle into their new home. You may also want to place a cozy cat bed in a quiet corner of the room.

Helpful Products to Ease Your Cat’s Transition

Creating a comforting and engaging environment is key to helping your cat feel secure in their new home. These thoughtfully selected products can support your cat’s physical and emotional adjustment during this sensitive time.

Product Spotlight: Feandrea Multi-Level Cat Tree Tower

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Give your cat a kingdom of their own with this towering multi-level cat tree. Designed for climbing, scratching, and lounging, it offers a safe retreat and a way to burn off nervous energy.

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Product Spotlight: Interactive Cat Toy Assortment Box

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Keep your cat mentally stimulated with this colorful variety pack of toys. From feathers to crinkle balls, it’s a treasure trove of entertainment that helps reduce stress and boredom.

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Product Spotlight: BALANCE Cozy Cat Bed

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A soft, secure place to rest is essential for a cat adjusting to new surroundings. This anti-slip, washable bed offers warmth and comfort in any quiet corner.

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Product Spotlight: Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box

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Ease the stress of litter box training with this smart, self-cleaning solution. It keeps your cat’s area fresh and odor-free, which is crucial for a smooth transition.

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These products not only support your cat’s physical needs but also help foster a sense of safety and routine—two things every cat craves when navigating a new home.

Cat-to-Cat Introductions

After bringing a cat home, they should be put in a private room during the first week in their new home. Your resident cat should not be allowed to enter this room or stay at the door hissing.

Your cats will be more likely to get along if they are happy in their environment. Make sure there are plenty of hiding places for them, and place the food, water, and litter boxes out in the open so the cats don’t feel trapped.

Cat-to-Dog Introductions

Follow these guidelines when introducing a cat to a new home’s resident dog:

Cat-to Bird or Other Small Pet Introductions

Cats are natural predators, so keep your small furry friends safe by housing them in an enclosure that cannot be opened by an agile paw. Try to keep them in a room that is off limits to your feline family member when not supervised, and follow this same protocol with your feathered friends, but be careful where you choose to keep them. Birds have some restrictions as to where they can be kept for health reasons (not in direct sun or near a draft).

All products featured in this article were independently selected by our editorial team. As an Amazon Associate, PetPlace will earn if you click on the provided links and/or purchase a qualifying product from Amazon.