Congratulations on your new cat!
Now what?
Welcoming a new cat into your home is exciting, but the transition can take time. Some cats settle in quickly, while others may feel nervous and need extra patience and care to feel secure. It’s normal for a cat to be shy—or even a little grumpy—during their first week. By following these guidelines, you’ll help your new companion adjust smoothly and start building a happy, trusting relationship. Visit my Cat Care page for advice and tips on all things cats, from feeding to common medical problems.
Things to Remember:
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This is a scary time for a cat, so it is completely normal for them to hide for the first week, but consistent interaction is key!
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Don't force your hand on a cat, let them come to you
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Be quiet and go slow
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Patience, Patience, Patience. This stuff takes time!
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It's common for a cat not to eat for the first couple of nights. If this is happening, be sure to leave food out overnight.
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Always provide a small hiding box; carriers, covered cat beds, or cardboard boxes are great for this.
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Plan to spend 20-30 minutes each session, then give them space. You don't need to check on them every 10 minutes
Essentials:
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Litter Box: one big enough to fit the entire cat
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Litter and a litter scoop: Tidy Cats clumping clay litter is my go-to
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Food and water bowls: cats prefer small and shallow bowls. Cat water fountains are also great!
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Food- Any cat kibble that you can get at the grocery store will do. I prefer Purina One kibble and Friskies wet food.
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Hiding box, this can be a carrier, a covered cat bed, or even a cardboard box
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Cat scratcher: I like the wide cardboard ones, but posts are great for stretching, too.
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Toys: cats love a good string toy
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Treats: Churu is always a favorite
Step 1:
Setting Up
Prior to releasing your cat into its new home, set up a small room, such as a bathroom, where there are few crawl spaces (high and low) or furniture to hide under. This room should be free of other cat or dog smells, so clean it ahead of time, restricting access from other pets if necessary. The room should contain all the essentials listed above and a small place for the cat to hide, but where they're easily accessible, something they'll feel safe in, but not completely hidden away. Be sure to keep the food and water separate from the litterbox; cats don't like eating next to their poop!
Oftentimes, owners release their new cat into a bedroom, and the cat runs under the bed and stays hidden for days. Cats often crawl up into bed slats, inside sofas or recliners, making them impossible to get to. If you cannot access your new cat, you cannot socialize with them; this is the root cause of poorly acclimated cats in their new homes and frustrated owners. A scared cat is unlikely to socialize on their own and will choose to hide rather than explore its new surroundings. Starting with a small space allows them to settle in without being too overwhelmed, and allows the owner to spend quality time with their new pet. Even if it's a small, 1/2 bathroom, that's totally fine. Ideally, this should be the new pet's living area for the next 7-10 days on average, depending on their comfort level. You can still use your bathroom as you normally would; they need to get used to different sights and sounds, and it usually does not set them back as far as socialization. If you do not have a small room or bathroom that is ideal for this, an XL dog crate is also an option. Set it up with all the same essentials, and using a blanket or sheet, cover the back half of the crate for added privacy.
Dog crate set up:
*Pro-Tip* Bathroom cabinets/vanities often have holes along the bottom that lead to a crawl space behind the cabinet. Cats WILL find them and they will crawl into them, making it very difficult to get them back out, especially if they're scared. Shoving a washcloth or hand towel to block the hole is usually enough to keep them out. I recommend doing this regardless of how big that cat is; you'd be surprised at how small a hole they can fit through. And if they don't crawl under the cabinet, they will often weasel their way into the drawers to hide. If they do this repeatedly, I like to line it with a blanket and make it their hiding spot for the week. Additionally, if using a bathroom, keep the toilet bowl closed; a scared cat can fall in when in a panic.
Step 2:
Socializing- Day 1
Short, frequent socialization sessions during this 7-10 day period are crucial in establishing a strong bond between you and your new pet. You should do this at least 3-4 times a day, again depending on your new pet's comfort level. If they are fearful and hiding, give them a few hours between sessions so you don't overwhelm them.
The first day should be light socialization as your cat adjusts to being somewhere new. Keep the house quiet and do not try to introduce other pets at this time. Once the bathroom or small room has been set up, release the cat or open their carrier and see what they do. Plan to spend 30-60 minutes talking to them softly, offering high-value treats like Churu, cheese, or chicken, and as many or as few pets as they're comfortable with.
But don't be discouraged if they don't come out for any treats or toys the first couple of days, this is completely normal. Continue the 30-60 minute session off to the side, but where they can still see you. Gently speak to them and offer toys and treats. Sometimes, cats are more willing to play with toys, especially string, before letting someone pet them. This also builds their confidence. But again, don't force the toys or food on them; let them come to it.
Remember: Never force your hand on a cat. Instead, gently offer the back of your hand to them while crouching down, preferably off to the side with little direct eye contact. Try to avoid doing so with the cat backed into a corner, as this will make them feel threatened and trapped. Allow them to sniff your hand
Step 3:
Days 2-7
Repeat the socialization step 3-4 times a day, gradually increasing your contact with your cat as much as they'll allow. Hopefully, your cat will start warming up to you within a couple of days. If they seem curious and eager to explore, allow them to finish acclimating the 7 days, then slowly introduce them to new parts of the house. If you have additional house pets, day 7 is a good time to start introducing them through or under the door.
With cats that are seemingly brave and well-adjusted, I will let them out into a bedroom after just a few days and see how they do. "Seemingly brave" meaning they are out and about, not hiding in the bathroom, greeting you at the door when you come in, and eating regularly.
Step 4:
Additional Socialization Techniques:
If it has been more than 5 days and your new cat has not improved and continues to hide all day, it may be time for additional socialization techniques. A scared cat won't socialize on their own, so we have to make the next move and go to them. This is intentional socialization. To do this, we need to get them out of their hiding spot and interact with them one-on-one. Basically, you need to show the cat that you're not going to hurt them by giving them love and attention. Sometimes that's all it takes to get them out of their shell.
If your cat does not tolerate this well, then you may need to move to the Bundle & Bond technique. This is a fast-track socialization method that dramatically improves a cat's confidence and comfort level. This can be intimidating as it requires you to restrain a scared cat. But, when done properly, it will take your cat from scared to loving in just a few sessions. Click here to see how to do this.
Example:
Part 1: Remove cat from hiding
Part 2: Holding and Petting
Once I have her on the ground, I keep one hand on her at all times so she does not run away. Usually, gentle pressure on their chest is all that is needed to keep them in place. Then I pet her all around her neck and head while softly speaking to her.
I open the drawer slowly and quietly. I place my hand on her so she doesn't run or jump out, and then I pick her up and place her on the towel I have set up on the floor
Part 3: Repeat
This is me socializing with her later that same night. I remove her from the drawer and she's already more comfortable. She's not crouching on the ground, she's standing and interacting with me and wanting to be pet. I then let her roam around the bathroom while I sit in there with her, offering treats and petting her without holding her (See below). This is all within 48 hours of bringing her home from the shelter.
Bundle & Bond:
The videos above are of Little Grey on the second day I had her. The first day she was way more fearful and I could not hold onto her without a towel so I utilized the Bundle & Bond technique to get her used to me. Every cat is different and may or may not need additional socialization. I will note that this was only 1 day after being brought home from the shelter, so had I given her 4-5 days she probably would not have needed the Bundle & Bond, I just didn't have time to acclimate her here. This method is a more secure and safe way to interact with a cat who is very fearful. Please go to my Socialization page for a step-by-step guide on how to do this.