You Adopted a Cat. Now What?
Helping Your New Cat Adjust Comfortably to Their Forever Home.
In This Guide You’ll Learn:
A calm start makes a lifelong difference.
Bringing a new cat home is exciting — and it can also feel a little overwhelming for both of you. New sights, smells, sounds, and routines can be stressful for cats, even in the best of circumstances. This guide walks you through a calm, supportive approach that helps your cat feel safe, secure, and confident as they settle into their new home.
What’s normal behavior during your cat’s first days and weeks at home
How to prepare a calm, safe space for a smooth transition
Signs of stress to watch for — and how to respond
Best practices for feeding, litter boxes, and routines
When to slow down or reach out for support
Before You Bring Your New Cat Home
A smoother transition starts with preparation—and by remembering your cat may be adjusting from a very different environment (cage, shelter room, foster home, other cats/no cats, noisy/quiet routine changes, etc.)
Have these basics ready:
Food and water bowls
Food they’re already used to (then transition gradually)
Collar with ID tag
Litter box and litter
Scratching post
Cat bed, toys, and brush
Recognizing Stress
Your new cat will likely be stressed at first—especially if they’ve had multiple “homes” in a short period of time.
Common signs of stress include:
Decreased appetite
Decreased grooming
Hiding
Less interest in attention/affection
Sleeping in unusual locations
Being unusually quiet (easy to miss)
“The process takes time and patience, but it’s worth the wait! Give your cat a chance to become part of the family and finally feel forever home.”
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 — Set Up a Safe Room
Create a quiet room—like a bedroom or office—where your new cat can decompress during the first several days.
Include:
A litter box placed away from food
A comfortable bed
Safe hiding places (boxes, carriers, tunnels)
A scratching post or vertical space
Food and water
Step 2 — Let Your Cat Set the Pace
Your cat may hide, act quiet, or avoid touch at first. That’s okay.
Do:
Sit quietly near them
Talk softly
Offer treats or toys without forcing interaction
Stay close while they eat to build positive associations
Avoid:
Pulling them out of hiding
Forcing cuddles or holding
Introducing the whole house too soon
When they begin exploring the room confidently, they’re ready for the next step.
Step 3 — Gradually Expand Their Space
Once your cat is comfortable:
Open up additional rooms slowly
Keep doors open so they can retreat to their safe room
Supervise early explorations
Every cat has their own timeline—some take hours, others take weeks.
Step 4 — Monitor Eating, Drinking and Litter Habits
Stress can reduce appetite and alter bathroom habits. Keep a close watch.
Your cat should:
Eat at least something within the first 24 hours
Drink water regularly
Use their litter box without distress
If they’re not eating, try:
Warming canned food
Mixing a little canned food with dry food
Offering plain meat baby food (no onion/garlic)
If they still won’t eat after 24 hours, reach out to us.
Tip from The Rescue Crew
If possible, start with the same food, litter type, and daily routine your cat is familiar with. You can transition later, but keeping things stable now reduces stress.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
-
No—hiding is a natural coping behavior. Give them time, and avoid disturbing their hiding places.
-
Totally normal. Play is often suppressed when cats are stressed. Keep offering toys and try again later.
-
Monitor closely. If they are eating small amounts consistently and improving daily, that’s okay. If appetite drops further, contact your vet.
-
New sounds and spaces can make nights feel overwhelming. Add a soft light, leave a piece of your clothing nearby, or play quiet calming music.
Additional Resources
You may find these helpful:
How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
Litter Box Basics (future resource)