Bringing Home a New Cat? What Every Cat Parent Should Know | Dr. Rachel Geller | Felinésse, by CatsEssentials on YouTube. 40 min 43 s.
- Video length
- 40 min 43 s
- Time to do it
- 2 to 4 weeks
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Set up a safe room before your cat comes home. Use a spare room or bathroom with a litter box, food and water bowls kept away from the box, a hiding spot, a scratching post and a soft place to sleep.
Keep your new cat in that room for the first few days. Sit quietly nearby and talk softly, but let the cat stay hidden and come out on its own.
Follow the golden rule and let the cat lead. Offer a hand or a toy and wait. If the cat backs away, give it space and try again later.
Watch for signs of trust: slow blinks, a relaxed tail, eating while you are in the room and coming closer on its own.
Build trust with play. Drag a wand toy along the floor so the cat can stalk, chase and pounce, then finish with a small treat or meal.
Swap scents before any face-to-face meeting. Rub a clean cloth on each cat's cheeks and place it in the other cat's space so they learn each other's smell.
Introduce the cats slowly. Start with short views through a cracked door or baby gate, then brief supervised meetings, and only move on if both cats stay calm.
Keep one litter box per cat plus one extra, scoop daily and place boxes in quiet spots away from food.
Hold routines and furniture steady. Feed at the same times each day and add any new objects or pets one at a time.
Tips and common mistakes
Never drag a cat out of its hiding spot, as this sets back trust and can lead to scratches.
Keep the safe room door shut and watch outside doors and windows so a frightened cat cannot bolt.
Punishment does not work with cats. Reward calm behaviour with treats and quiet praise instead.
Senior cats often settle in faster and need less intense play than kittens.
Questions
How long does it take a new cat to settle in?
Many cats need a few days to come out of hiding and a few weeks to relax fully. Shy or older cats can take a couple of months, so move at the cat's pace.
Should I let my new cat meet my other cat straight away?
No. Keep them apart at first, swap scents for several days, then allow short views through a barrier before any supervised meeting in the same room.
Is it normal for a new cat to hide and skip meals?
Hiding for the first day or two is normal. Offer food near the hiding spot and keep the room quiet. If your cat refuses food for more than a day, call your vet.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
