How to Help Your New Cat Adjust to Her New Home

Fluffy fur, fuzzy tails, and attitude to boot! The thought of bringing home a new kitty makes me swoon. In reality, introducing a new cat to the home isn’t all cuddles and purrs. It takes a lot of preparation. This is especially true if you’re a first-time cat parent. 

Contrary to popular opinion, kitties aren’t as low maintenance as they might seem. Sure they don’t require daily walks or beg to play a game of fetch. But cats need lots of time, love, regular veterinary care, healthy food, and plenty of toys and supplies.

Plus, cats can live anywhere from 12-18 years, (sometimes longer). Introducing a new cat to your home is a serious commitment. But it’s worth every extra step of preparation! The bond you form with your kitty will stay with you for a lifetime.

One thing I learned when I brought my cat, Olivia, home, is the importance of the first few hours and days after adopting a new cat. Giving them a thoughtful start can set the stage for how well and how long it takes your cat to adjust to her new home.

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Why Your New Cat May Be Anxious

Cats are creatures of habit. Even small changes in a cat’s routine can trigger anxiety. An anxious cat is an unhappy cat. Imagine how your new cat may feel coming into an unfamiliar environment with new people and new smells. 

Understanding and recognizing symptoms of anxiety in cats can help you be proactive as you introduce your cat to her new home. Here are a few signs that may indicate your new cat is anxious:

• Dilated pupils
• Trembling
• Twitching tails or ears
• Freezing in place
• Hair standing up
• Hiding
• Hypervigilance
• Increased vocalization
• Increased respiratory rate

You may recognize some symptoms of cat anxiety within the first few days of introducing your cat to her new home. But if the symptoms persist, it’s best to visit your veterinarian to make sure she’s okay.

How to Introduce Your New Cat to Your Home

Prepare for the Car Ride Home

Before setting the first paw into her new digs, your new cat will need extra love and attention for the car ride home. Unlike dogs, many cats aren’t fans of road trips, even short ones. Your new kitty might panic, cry, or even get motion sick on the way home. But with advanced preparation, you can make her journey a little easier. Start by getting a high-quality pet carrier. 

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Buy The Best Supplies For Your New Cat

Kittens and cats may be small, but they need a lot of supplies! So start shopping before you bring a new cat into the home. Stock up on these essential supplies for your cat and she’ll feel at home in no time:

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Lots of toys. Toys are a great way for you to play and bond with your kitty without getting your hands scratched to death. Plus they can keep her entertained when you’re not around. After all, if your new cat is bored, she’ll have a harder time transitioning into her new environment. Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy combines playtime and scratching into one fun toy! Try buying a bunch of toys and rotating them every few days so the novelty never wears off. Read more about the ten most purr-fect kitten toys here.

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How to Cat-Proof Your Home

Cats have a knack for getting into mischief. Although no plan is totally cat-proof, these steps will create a safe environment when bringing a new cat into your home. 

• Keep string and cords out of reach. Kitties love to play with anything long and stringy, but they can easily become tangled and choke. It’s best to stash the string and tie your blind cords up out of reach. Beware of electrical cords too – some kitties love to chew on them. Put your cords in a cord protector or coat them with something that tastes bad.
• Stowaway cleaning supplies and medications. Childproof containers aren’t necessarily cat-proof! Keep all harmful substances out of reach, preferably in a cabinet equipped with child-proof latches.
• Know your plants. Cats love to nibble on greenery, but some plants are harmful to pets. Put away or throw away anything that could make your feline friend sick.
• Pay attention to dangerous spots. Cats love to squeeze into small, tight spaces, so recliners, sleeper sofas, and dryers are all potentially dangerous. You probably can’t get rid of these things, but it’s a good idea to know where your kitty is before you fold out the recliner or start the dryer.
• Put away breakables. Never assume that your kitty won’t find a way to that top shelf where you’ve stashed grandma’s crystal vase. Until you’ve seen your little acrobat’s capacity to climb, it’s best not to leave out anything you don’t want knocked over. 

The First Few Days Introducing Your New Cat

Once you’ve prepared and purchased all the essential supplies for your new cat, it’s finally time to bring kitty home! True, it can be a little overwhelming bringing a cat into the home. But, you can make the transition easier by restricting her to a single room (like a laundry room or a bathroom) for the first couple of days. If you decide on the bathroom, keep the toilet seat down so kitty doesn’t fall in while she’s exploring. Make sure she’s got a nice secure place to hide out while she adjusts. When she begins to feel more comfortable, then you can expand her boundaries.

Don’t force her to socialize. Even though you’ll be dying to hold and cuddle your new kitty, allow her to get to know you on her own terms. The best approach is probably to sit still and let her come to you. Don’t take it personally if she hides. She’ll come around eventually.

Once your new cat is comfortable with you and her new home the two of you will be inseparable. The first few days and weeks go by so fast, but if you spend time playing, snuggling, and bonding you’ll be rewarded with a special feline friend for life!