You’ve decided to bring a new cat into your life. Maybe it’s your first cat ever. Maybe you already have one and you’re adding to your feline family. Either way, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Will they get along? Will the new cat be scared? Will your current cat hate you? These are all normal questions.
Here’s what I want you to know right from the start: introducing a new cat to your home doesn’t have to be chaotic or stressful. It does require patience, planning, and a willingness to slow down and let the process unfold naturally. But when you do it right, you’re setting up your new cat (and your existing cat, if you have one) for success.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about bringing a new cat home and making sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
Before You Bring Your New Cat Home: Preparation Is Everything
The introduction process actually starts before your new cat ever walks through your door. What you do in the days and weeks before their arrival sets the tone for everything that follows.
Set Up a Safe Room
Your new cat needs a sanctuary. This is a quiet, comfortable room where they can decompress, feel safe, and adjust to their new environment without being overwhelmed. This room should be away from high-traffic areas and ideally away from your existing cat (if you have one).
What should be in this room?
- A litter box (placed away from food and water bowls)
- Food and water bowls
- A comfortable bed or hiding spot
- Toys and enrichment items
- A window perch if possible (cats love watching the outside world)
- Scratching posts or pads
The key is making this room feel like a complete, comfortable world. Your new cat should be able to meet all their needs here without having to venture out into the unknown.
Cat-Proof Your Home
Before your new cat arrives, do a safety sweep of your home. Look for:
- Small spaces they could get stuck in (behind appliances, under furniture)
- Toxic plants (lilies, sago palms, dieffenbachia, and many others are poisonous to cats)
- Medications and chemicals stored where they could access them
- Breakable items on high shelves that could fall
- Electrical cords they might chew
- Open windows or doors where they could escape
- Cleaning supplies stored under sinks
This is especially important if you have a nervous cat who might hide in unexpected places or a curious cat who gets into everything.
Gather Supplies
Make sure you have everything you need before your new cat arrives:
- Extra litter boxes (the rule is one per cat, plus one extra)
- Litter and a litter box scooper
- Food and water bowls
- Cat food (ask the shelter or previous owner what they’ve been eating)
- A carrier for transport
- Toys and enrichment items
- A scratching post
- Grooming supplies
- ID tags and a microchip (if not already done)
Having everything ready means you can focus on your cat instead of running around trying to find supplies.
Prepare Your Existing Cat (If You Have One)
If you already have a cat, they need preparation too. Start getting them used to the idea of a new cat in the house:
- Play calming music or use a pheromone diffuser (like Feliway) to reduce anxiety
- Start talking about the new cat in a positive, calm tone
- If possible, get a blanket or toy that smells like the new cat and let your existing cat investigate it
- Make sure your existing cat’s routine stays consistent (feeding times, playtime, attention)
The goal is to normalize the idea of a new cat without creating stress or resentment.
The First Day: Arrival and Settling In
Your new cat is finally home. This is a big moment for them. They’re leaving everything familiar and entering a completely new environment. It’s overwhelming, even if it’s exciting for you.
Keep It Calm and Quiet
When you first bring your new cat home, resist the urge to show them off or let everyone meet them immediately. No family gatherings. No friends coming over. No kids running around trying to play with them. This is not the time.
Instead, take your new cat directly to their safe room. Let them out of the carrier in that quiet space and give them time to explore at their own pace. Some cats will immediately start investigating. Others will hide for a while. Both responses are completely normal.
Don’t Force Interaction
Your instinct might be to sit with your new cat, pet them, and bond. I get it. But your new cat is scared and overwhelmed. They don’t know you. They don’t know this place. Forcing interaction will only increase their stress.
Instead, let them come to you. Sit quietly in the room. Read a book. Let them investigate you on their own terms. When they do approach, you can offer gentle pets, but watch their body language. If their ears go back, their tail twitches, or they seem tense, give them space.
Establish a Routine Immediately
Cats thrive on routine. Start establishing one from day one:
- Feed them at the same times each day
- Visit them at consistent times
- Offer playtime at the same times
- Keep the room quiet and calm
Routine helps your new cat feel safe. It tells them that this is a predictable, stable environment.
Monitor Eating and Litter Box Use
In the first few days, keep an eye on whether your new cat is eating and using the litter box. Stress can cause cats to stop eating or have digestive issues. If your cat isn’t eating after 24 hours or isn’t using the litter box after 48 hours, contact your vet.
Also, watch for signs of illness or stress like excessive meowing, not grooming themselves, or hiding constantly. Some hiding is normal, but if your cat seems distressed, talk to your vet.
Days 2-7: The Adjustment Phase
By day two, your new cat is starting to adjust. They’ve realized this place isn’t going anywhere, and they’re beginning to feel a tiny bit safer. This is when you can start slowly expanding their world.
Spend More Time in the Room
Gradually increase the amount of time you spend with your new cat. Play with them using toys. Talk to them in a calm, soothing voice. Let them get used to your presence and your voice. This is how trust builds.
Start Introducing Scents
If you have an existing cat, now is the time to start exchanging scents. Rub a towel on your existing cat and place it in the new cat’s room. Rub a towel on the new cat and place it where your existing cat hangs out. This helps them get used to each other’s smell before they ever meet face-to-face.
Let Them Explore (Supervised)
Around day 3-5, you can start letting your new cat explore other rooms of your home, but only when you’re there to supervise. Keep the door to their safe room open so they can retreat if they get overwhelmed. Let them explore at their own pace.
During this exploration time, make sure they know where the litter boxes, food, and water are. You might need to gently guide them to these areas a few times.
Maintain Their Safe Room
Even as your new cat explores, keep their safe room set up and accessible. This is their retreat space. They should always be able to go back there if they need a break or feel scared.
Introducing Your New Cat to Your Existing Cat
If you have an existing cat, this is the part that requires the most patience and planning. A bad introduction can set the tone for a tense or hostile relationship. A good introduction can lead to a lifelong friendship (or at least peaceful coexistence).
The Scent Phase (Days 1-7)
Before your cats ever see each other, they should know each other’s scent. You’ve already started this by exchanging towels and bedding. Continue this process:
- Rub a towel on one cat and place it in the other cat’s area
- Feed them on opposite sides of the door to their safe room (this creates a positive association with each other’s scent)
- Use pheromone diffusers (Feliway) in both areas to reduce stress
Watch your existing cat’s reaction. If they’re hissing, growling, or acting agitated, slow down the process. If they seem curious or calm, you can move forward.
The Visual Phase (Days 7-14)
Once both cats seem comfortable with each other’s scent, it’s time for them to see each other. Start with a closed door between them. You can do this by:
- Cracking the door open just slightly so they can see each other
- Using a baby gate or pet gate if you have one
- Playing with both cats on opposite sides of the door
Watch their body language carefully. What you’re looking for:
- Good signs: Curiosity, calm behavior, playfulness, approaching the door without aggression
- Warning signs: Hissing, growling, swatting, intense staring, puffed-up tail
If you see warning signs, close the door and go back to the scent phase for a few more days. There’s no rush. Better to take two weeks than to rush it and have them fight.
The First Face-to-Face Meeting (Days 14+)
When both cats seem ready, it’s time for their first face-to-face meeting. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Choose neutral territory: Not your existing cat’s favorite room. Not the new cat’s safe room. A hallway or living room works well.
- Have an escape route: Make sure both cats can leave the room if they need to. Don’t trap them together.
- Supervise closely: Stay in the room and watch their interaction. Be ready to separate them if things get tense.
- Have distractions ready: Toys, treats, or playtime can redirect their focus if tension builds.
- Keep it short: Your first meeting might only last 5-10 minutes. That’s fine. End on a positive note.
What might happen during this first meeting:
- They ignore each other: This is actually a good sign. It means they’re not aggressive.
- They sniff each other: Normal and good. They’re gathering information.
- They play together: Excellent. They might become friends.
- One hisses or swats: This is normal and often just a way of saying “back off.” As long as it doesn’t escalate, it’s okay.
- They fight: Separate them immediately and go back to the scent phase.
Gradual Integration (Weeks 3-8)
After the first meeting, continue supervised interactions. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend together. Some cats become friends quickly. Others take weeks or months to tolerate each other. Both are normal.
During this phase:
- Continue feeding them on opposite sides of the door
- Have multiple litter boxes in different areas
- Provide plenty of vertical spaces (cat trees, shelves) so they can avoid each other if needed
- Keep playtime and attention consistent for both cats
- Don’t force them to be together
Eventually, your cats will either become friends, learn to coexist peacefully, or establish a hierarchy where one is clearly the dominant cat. All of these outcomes are acceptable.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Your New Cat Won’t Come Out of Their Safe Room
This is actually pretty common, especially with shy or anxious cats. Don’t panic. Your cat is processing a lot. They’ll come out when they’re ready. In the meantime:
- Spend time in the room with them
- Leave the door open so they know they can explore whenever they want
- Use treats and toys to encourage exploration
- Don’t force them out
Some cats take a week to feel comfortable. Some take a month. It’s okay. They’ll get there.
Your Existing Cat Is Aggressive Toward the New Cat
If your existing cat is showing signs of aggression (not just hissing, but actual fighting), you need to slow way down. Go back to the scent phase and take it much more slowly. You might also want to:
- Consult with a veterinary behaviorist
- Use calming supplements or medications (talk to your vet)
- Create more vertical space so cats can avoid each other
- Ensure each cat has their own resources (litter boxes, food, water, toys)
Some cats just aren’t compatible roommates, and that’s okay. In those cases, you might need to keep them separated or find a different home for one of them.
Your New Cat Is Hiding and Not Eating
Stress can cause cats to stop eating and hide excessively. If this lasts more than 48 hours, contact your vet. In the meantime:
- Keep their safe room quiet and calm
- Try different foods to see if they’ll eat
- Use treats or wet food to encourage eating
- Don’t force interaction
- Give them time
If your cat continues to refuse food or shows other signs of illness, a vet visit is necessary.
Litter Box Issues
Stress can cause cats to have accidents outside the litter box or to refuse to use it. If this happens:
- Make sure you have enough litter boxes (one per cat, plus one extra)
- Keep boxes in quiet, accessible locations
- Try different litter types to see if your cat prefers one
- Clean boxes frequently
- Rule out medical issues with a vet visit
Sometimes cats are just picky about their litter box situation, especially when they’re stressed.
Special Situations
Introducing a Kitten to an Adult Cat
Kittens are bundles of energy and curiosity. Adult cats often find them annoying. If you’re bringing home a kitten to an adult cat, expect some friction. The good news is that kittens are usually more adaptable than adult cats, and their playfulness can eventually win over even grumpy adults.
The introduction process is the same, but keep these things in mind:
- Protect the kitten: An adult cat can seriously injure a kitten without meaning to. Supervise all interactions closely.
- Give the adult cat breaks: Kittens are exhausting. Your adult cat will need quiet time away from the kitten’s constant energy.
- Manage play: Kitten play can look aggressive. If your adult cat seems overwhelmed, separate them and give the adult cat a break.
- Be patient: It might take months for an adult cat to accept a kitten. That’s normal.
Eventually, many adult cats and kittens become great friends. The kitten’s energy often wears down the adult cat’s resistance.
Introducing an Adult Cat to a Kitten (You Already Have the Kitten)
If you have a kitten and you’re adding an adult cat, the dynamic is different. Your kitten might be intimidated by the adult cat, or they might try to play with them relentlessly.
Follow the same introduction process, but:
- Protect your kitten: Make sure they have safe spaces where the adult cat can’t corner them.
- Supervise play: Kittens don’t always understand when an adult cat wants to be left alone.
- Maintain your kitten’s routine: Keep feeding times, playtime, and attention consistent so your kitten doesn’t feel replaced.
Introducing Multiple New Cats at Once
If you’re bringing home two new cats (not introducing a new cat to an existing one, but adding two new cats to your home), introduce them to each other before introducing them to your existing cat.
Here’s the order:
- Set up separate safe rooms for each new cat
- Let them get used to their individual spaces for a few days
- Exchange scents between the two new cats
- Do a visual introduction between the two new cats
- Once the two new cats are comfortable together, introduce them to your existing cat
This prevents your existing cat from feeling outnumbered and gives the new cats a buddy to lean on during the transition.
Introducing a Cat to a Dog
Cats and dogs can live together peacefully, but it requires careful introduction. The key is managing the dog’s prey drive and the cat’s fear response.
Start with scent introduction (let the dog smell the cat’s bedding and vice versa). Then do visual introductions through a gate or cracked door. Keep the dog on a leash during initial face-to-face meetings so you can control their behavior.
Watch for:
- Good signs from the dog: Calm behavior, curiosity, no stalking or intense focus
- Warning signs from the dog: Stalking, intense staring, lunging, barking
- Good signs from the cat: Curiosity, calm body language, approaching the dog
- Warning signs from the cat: Hissing, swatting, extreme fear
Never leave a cat and dog unsupervised together until you’re absolutely certain they’re safe with each other. Some dogs have a high prey drive that makes living with a cat impossible.
Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week
Every cat is different, but here’s a general timeline of what to expect when introducing a new cat to your home:
Days 1-2: Shock and Adjustment
Your new cat is overwhelmed. They might hide, not eat much, and seem scared. This is completely normal. Your job is to keep them safe and comfortable in their safe room.
Days 3-7: Cautious Exploration
Your new cat is starting to feel a bit safer. They might explore their safe room more, eat better, and show some curiosity. If you have an existing cat, they’re getting used to each other’s scent.
Week 2: Expanding Comfort Zone
Your new cat is ready to explore more of the house. They’re eating regularly and using the litter box consistently. If you have an existing cat, they might have their first face-to-face meeting this week.
Weeks 3-4: Integration Begins
Your new cat is becoming more comfortable in the home. They’re playing more, interacting with you, and showing their personality. If you have an existing cat, they’re spending more supervised time together.
Weeks 5-8: New Normal
By this point, your new cat should be fairly comfortable in their new home. They know the layout, they have a routine, and they’re bonding with you. If you have an existing cat, they’ve either become friends, learned to coexist, or established a clear hierarchy.
Months 3+: Full Integration
Your new cat is fully integrated into your home and your life. They have their favorite spots, they know your routine, and they’re comfortable. If you have multiple cats, they’ve settled into their dynamic (whatever that might be).
Signs Your New Cat Is Adjusting Well
How do you know if your introduction is going well? Look for these signs:
- Your cat is eating regularly and using the litter box consistently
- They’re grooming themselves
- They’re playing and showing interest in toys
- They’re seeking out your attention and affection
- Their body language is relaxed (not constantly tense or scared)
- They’re exploring different areas of the home
- If you have an existing cat, they’re spending time near each other without aggression
These are all signs that your new cat is feeling safe and comfortable.
Red Flags: When to Call the Vet
While some stress during introduction is normal, some signs indicate a problem that needs professional attention:
- Your cat hasn’t eaten in more than 48 hours
- Your cat hasn’t used the litter box in more than 48 hours
- Your cat is vomiting or having diarrhea
- Your cat is excessively meowing or crying
- Your cat seems lethargic or unresponsive
- Your cat has visible injuries from fighting with another cat
- Your cat is over-grooming or pulling out fur
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet. Stress can trigger real health issues, and it’s better to rule out medical problems early.
The Long Game: Building a Peaceful Multi-Cat Household
Introducing a new cat to your home is just the beginning. Building a peaceful, happy multi-cat household requires ongoing effort and attention.
Maintain Individual Attention
Even if your cats are best friends, they each need one-on-one time with you. Play with each cat separately. Give each cat individual attention and affection. This prevents jealousy and resentment.
Provide Plenty of Resources
The more litter boxes, food bowls, water bowls, and toys you have, the less conflict there will be. Cats shouldn’t have to compete for basic resources. The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Have multiple feeding stations if possible.
Create Vertical Space
Cats love climbing and perching. Cat trees, wall shelves, and window perches give cats places to retreat and observe. They also reduce tension by giving cats space to avoid each other.
Rotate Toys and Enrichment
Keep things interesting. Rotate toys regularly so they feel new. Provide different types of enrichment (puzzle feeders, window perches, cardboard boxes, etc.). Bored cats are more likely to fight with each other.
Watch for Changes in Behavior
After the initial introduction period, keep an eye on how your cats are interacting. If tension starts building weeks or months later, address it early. Sometimes cats need a reset (going back to separate spaces for a bit) to reset their relationship.
The Bottom Line
Introducing a new cat to your home is a process that requires patience, planning, and a willingness to let things unfold naturally. There’s no rush. Taking two weeks or even two months to properly introduce cats is infinitely better than rushing it and creating conflict that lasts for years.
The key is to remember that your new cat (and your existing cat, if you have one) are experiencing a major life change. What feels exciting and joyful to you feels scary and overwhelming to them. By slowing down, being patient, and following a thoughtful introduction process, you’re setting everyone up for success.
Whether your cats become best friends, learn to coexist peacefully, or maintain a careful distance, the goal is the same: a home where every cat feels safe, comfortable, and loved. And that’s absolutely achievable with the right approach.
