How to Introduce an Adopted Cat Into a New Home

Cats are adaptable creatures, and making the transition from a shelter to a new home should be fairly easy both for you and your new pet. However, the adaptation period depends greatly on the pet's age and personality, the way you handle the situation and your home. Whether you have other cats or dogs in your household or this is the first cat you adopt, it's best if you prepare before you take the cat home.

Things You'll Need

Safe room
Bed
Food and water bowls
Litter box
The cat's old toys or bedding

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a safe room with a sleeping area, food and water bowls and a litter box. This is the space the cat spends the first few days. The room should be quiet and should have a door, to act as a barrier between the room and the noises in your home. If the cat is adopted from another home or a shelter, it may help to have a toy or its old blanket in the new room, to make the transition easier.
- 2
  Allow your cat to explore its room. Stay with your new pet, but don't force it to walk in the room. If the cat falls asleep in the room or appears to feel comfortable, leave the room.
- 3
  Keep the cat in the safe room for as long as the cat wants to stay. Keep the door of the room open, and the cat may start to explore the rest of the house. This may happen hours or weeks after the cat is brought home.
- 4
  Introduce family members and other pets gradually so you do not stress the new pet. Perform the introductions only after the new cat has adapted to the safe room. Don't allow other pets or people in the cat's safe room. The cat should know that the room is safe for it to hide from people or other animals.
- 5
  Change the location of the litter box and bed gradually. If you want to place the litter box in the bathroom, move it slowly toward the bathroom and allow the cat to follow the litter box. The cat is likely to choose where it sleeps, so move the bed to the preferred location.