How to Introduce Cats to a New House: Complete Guide

Welcoming a new cat into your home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with questions: How to know if my cats like me? How do I make them feel safe? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide walks you through essential pre-arrival preparations and practical post-homecoming tips to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new friend.

• Part 1: Pre-Arrival Essentials – Setting the Stage for Success
• Part 2: The First Days – Patience Wins the Purr
• Part 3: Building Trust – How to Get Your New Cat to Like You
• Part 4: Troubleshooting Common Challenges
• Final Thoughts: Celebrate Small Wins!

1. Create a "Safe Room"

Before moving a new cat to a new home, designate a quiet, cozy space (like a spare bedroom) with new kitten checklist:

• A comfy bed or blanket
• Fresh water and high-quality food (ask the breeder/shelter about their current diet)
• A new litter box placed far from food/water
• Scratching posts and interactive toys to reduce stress

Pro Tip: Use pheromone sprays like Feliway® to calm anxious kitties.

2. Health First: New Cat Vaccines and Vet Visits

Schedule a new cat vaccine checkup within the first week. Core vaccines (e.g., rabies, FVRCP) protect against common diseases. Discuss flea prevention and microchipping with your vet.

3. Cat-Proof Your Home

• Hide electrical cords and toxic plants (e.g., lilies).
• Secure windows and balconies.
• Provide vertical spaces (cat trees or shelves) for climbing.

1. Let Them Set the Pace

Your new kitten scared and hiding under the bed? That’s normal! Avoid forcing interaction. Leave them alone in a safe place and wait patiently for them to come out and explore the new territory. Don't disturb them until they actively interact with you. Sit quietly nearby, speak softly, and let them approach you.

2. Solve the Midnight Serenades: "Why Is My New Kitten Meowing So Much?"

Nighttime vocalization often stems from loneliness or disorientation. Try:

• Leaving a dim light on.
• Offering a warm snuggle toy with a heartbeat simulator or warm cat clothing.
• Playing calming music designed for cats.
• Establish a set of rules for your own routine, and if your new kitten comes to you for interaction in the middle of the night, it's better not to respond to it.

3. How to attract cat to new litter box

If your cat avoids the new litter box

• Use unscented, clumping litter (most cats prefer it).
• Place it in a low-traffic area.
• Gently place your cat in the box after meals or naps.
• The appropriate thickness of cat litter is usually 8-10 centimeters.
• If your cat is a medium to large cat, have a litter box large enough so they can turn around freely in the litter box

1. Speak Their Language

• Slow-blink to show trust. Slow blinking is a sign of friendliness for cats.
• Offer treats from your palm (never force hand-feeding).
• Engage in short play sessions with wand toys to build confidence.

2. Decode Their Feelings: "How to Know If My New Cat Likes Me"

Signs they’re warming up:

• Purring or kneading
• Head-butting or rubbing against you
• Showing their belly (a sign of ultimate trust!)

3. Multi-Cat Household? Master the Introduction

When introducing cats to a new house:

• Keep new and resident cats separated initially.
• Swap bedding to familiarize them with each other’s scent.
• Supervise face-to-face meetings gradually.

- "My New Cat Hides All Day!"

Hiding is natural. If new kitten scared and hiding, ensure their safe room has hiding spots (cardboard boxes work wonders) and avoid loud noises.

- "Moving a Cat to a New Home Made Them Stop Eating"

Stress can suppress appetite. Warm their food slightly or try a premium wet food to entice them. Keep them in a safe, quiet place and don't force them to eat.

Every cat adjusts at their own pace. Whether your kitty is a shy observer or an instant cuddle bug, patience and consistency will strengthen your bond.