New cat: the first 7 days

Day 1 Bringing your cat home

Set up a quiet room with food and water bowls, a bed, a litter tray, toys and a scratching post ^[1]^[2]
Why: Kittens should start in one room, and many adult cats feel safer starting small too ^[1]
Bring a blanket or piece of clothing that smells of home and put it in the carrier ^[1]^[2]
Why: Cats rely heavily on scent, and a familiar smell eases the journey ^[2]
Put the carrier in the room, open the door and let your cat come out on their own ^[1]^[2]
Why: Forcing them out adds fear, and the carrier doubles as a hiding place ^[1]
Leave your cat to explore the room for an hour or so before you say hello ^[2]
Why: The first few hours shape how well they settle; some cats need longer ^[2]
Keep day one calm: no visitors, and no crowd of new people or children ^[1]
Why: Meeting lots of people too soon can overwhelm a new cat ^[1]

Keep feeding the food your cat is used to for the first 1–2 weeks ^[1]
Why: A sudden change on top of moving stress can upset their stomach ^[1]
If you switch foods, go slowly: start at about 75% old and 25% new, in separate bowls ^[4]
Why: Gradual changes help prevent vomiting and diarrhoea; some cats take 5–7 days, others weeks ^[4]
Place water apart from food, and both well away from the litter tray ^[1]^[2]^[3]
Why: Cats dislike water near their food or toilet area ^[2]^[3]
Provide one litter tray per cat plus one, in a private spot ^[2]^[3]
Why: It cuts competition and means every cat has a tray of their own ^[3]
Scoop often; most cats prefer unscented, fine-textured litter ^[3]
Why: Cats may avoid a dirty tray ^[3]
Skip cow's milk ^[1]
Why: It can cause diarrhoea; use a milk made for cats if you want to offer some ^[1]

Put away medicines and cleaning products, tidy cables and clear breakables off shelves and sills ^[1]
Why: Cats, especially kittens, squeeze into tiny spaces ^[1]
Keep true lilies and daylilies out of the house ^[6]
Why: Every part, even pollen or vase water, can cause severe kidney injury in cats ^[6]
If you think your cat touched a lily, call a vet right away; don’t wait for symptoms ^[6]
Why: Treatment delayed beyond 18 hours is often fatal ^[6]
Keep windows closed or fit sturdy screens, and never leave your cat alone on a balcony ^[1]^[7]
Why: Cats fall while focused on birds, and even short falls can cause serious injury ^[7]
Don't rely on childproof window guards ^[7]
Why: Cats can slip through them ^[7]

Book a vet check as soon as you can after bringing your cat home ^[3]
Why: The vet checks overall health and for internal and external parasites ^[3]
Ask the previous owner or shelter about past vaccinations, parasite treatment and diet, and bring the details ^[3]
Why: It helps your vet plan what comes next ^[3]
Ask your vet which vaccinations and parasite control your cat needs, and when to neuter ^[3]
Why: Timing depends on age, health and vaccine type, so get advice for your cat ^[3]
Already have cats? Keep the newcomer separate until the vet has examined them ^[3]
Why: This matters most when the new cat’s health history is unknown ^[3]
Ask about microchipping ^[1]
Why: A microchip is the best form of permanent ID if your cat gets lost ^[1]

Introduce family members one at a time, not all at once ^[2]
Why: Meeting everyone together can overwhelm a new cat ^[2]
With children, let the cat approach, show them how to stroke gently, and supervise ^[1]^[2]
Why: Even the friendliest cat will defend themselves if pushed or pulled ^[2]
Hold off on picking your cat up for now ^[2]
Why: Wait until they are settled and know you are not a threat ^[2]
With a resident cat, swap scents on a clean cloth first, then meet through a mesh or glass door ^[2]
Why: Gradual introductions give the best chance; it can take a day or many weeks ^[2]
With a dog, swap scents too, keep the dog on a lead and never force the cat closer ^[2]
Why: Forced meetings frighten cats and set introductions back ^[2]

Choose a scratching post tall enough for a full-length stretch ^[1]
Why: Scratching is normal marking behaviour, and most cats can learn to use a post ^[3]
Reward your cat with treats, strokes and praise for using the post ^[3]
Why: Rewards teach them where scratching is welcome ^[3]
Play with a wand toy in short bursts when your cat is in the mood, often around dawn and dusk ^[5]
Why: Cats are sprinters; play builds your bond and beats boredom ^[5]
Never use your hands or feet as toys with a kitten ^[5]
Why: They learn to see fingers and toes as prey, which hurts as they grow ^[5]
Put string, wool and ribbon toys away after supervised play ^[1]^[5]
Why: Swallowed string can block the intestines and need emergency surgery ^[5]

Signs of settling: exploring, eating well, playing, seeking you out, rubbing on things ^[2]
Why: Then you can open up other rooms bit by bit ^[2]
Still hiding but eating, drinking and using the tray? That’s fine; try moving food nearer the hiding spot ^[2]
Why: Shy cats can take several weeks to feel safe ^[1]^[2]
Not eating or toileting for more than 24 hours, or stressed with no improvement? Call your vet ^[1]^[2]
Why: It can signal illness or stress that needs help ^[1]^[2]
Repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, trouble breathing or straining to pee: contact your vet ^[3]
Why: These are signs of illness that need checking ^[3]
Planning outdoor access? Keep your cat in for at least the first 2–3 weeks and ask your vet about vaccines and neutering first ^[1]^[2]
Why: Cats need time to learn their new home so they don’t panic and stray ^[1]