​​How to introduce a cat to a new home: 9 tips

Updated 20/12/24

Adopting a cat is exciting, but it can also be a little stressful for both you and your new cat. Cats are creatures of habit, and moving to a new home can make them feel unsettled. But don’t worry! With patience and care, you can create a safe, calming space for your feline friend. Here are nine simple tips to help introduce a cat to a new home and make the transition smoother.

Key takeaways:

• Give your new cat a quiet, secure space to start with.
• Let them explore at their own pace - no need to rush!
• Calming aids like pheromone diffusers can help reduce stress.

How to introduce a cat to a new home

Cats can be sensitive to change, and moving to a new home is a big adjustment. Whether you’ve just adopted a new furry companion or you and your cat are settling into a new home, these nine tips will help make the process easier for all involved. 

1. Set up a safe room

Before bringing your new cat home, create a quiet, secure space where they can feel safe. Choose a room away from household noise and equip it with essentials like a litter box, food and water bowls, a scratching post, and a cozy cat bed. This safe room gives your cat a quiet place to acclimate before they explore the rest of the house.

2. Go at their pace

Once your cat is comfortable in their safe room, let them explore the rest of the house at their own pace. Don’t rush the process - let your furry friend decide when they’re ready to check out their new surroundings. How to acclimate a cat to a new home is all about taking things slow and giving them control.

3. Use calming pheromones

Using calming pheromones, like a plug-in pheromone diffuser, can help your cat feel more relaxed during the transition. These diffusers release pheromones that mimic natural calming signals, helping to reduce stress and make the space feel familiar.

4. Keep familiar scents close by

Familiar scents are comforting for cats and keeping their known scents nearby is key when you’re working out how to make a cat comfortable in a new home. Bring along their favorite blanket, toys, or items from the previous home - anything with a familiar scent. If you’ve adopted from a rescue shelter, ask for something from your cat’s enclosure to help them settle into their new home. This helps make your cat feel safe and more at ease.

5. Make essentials easy to access

Make sure your cat can easily find their litter tray, food and water bowls, and bed. As they start exploring the rest of the house, keep these essentials in consistent spots so they always know where to find them. Having everything in familiar locations will help your cat adjust to their new home more easily.

6. Provide plenty of hiding spots

Cats feel safer when they have places to retreat. Set up cozy hiding spots like a covered cat bed or a cat carrier in their safe room. These spaces will allow your cat to observe their new surroundings while feeling protected. As they get more comfortable, they’ll venture out more and explore the rest of the house.

7. Maintain their routine

Cats thrive on routine. To help your cat settle, try to keep their feeding times, play sessions, and sleep schedules consistent. This familiarity will help them feel more secure as they get used to their new home.

8. Stick to the same food, litter, and treats

Moving to a new home is stressful enough for your cat, so avoid adding more stress by switching their food or litter brands right away. Stick to what they’re used to, and introduce any changes gradually once they’ve settled in.

9. Encourage play, but on their terms

Playtime can be a great way to help your new cat feel comfortable and distracted from the stress of the move. Use interactive toys like feather wands or laser pointers, but go at their pace. Don’t force your cat to engage in play until they’re ready.

Your in-home cat sitter will continue all the hard work you've put in to make your furry feline feel safe and happy at home. 

Signs your new cat is adjusting

Every cat will adjust to a new home at their own pace. Here are some positive signs that your cat is starting to feel comfortable in their new environment:

• Exploring the house: As your cat gains confidence, they’ll begin to venture out of their safe room and explore the rest of the house. Areas that are new to cats are daunting but soon become familiar over time as they explore. 
• Engaging in play: A cat that feels secure will start to play, whether with toys or through interaction with you.
• Relaxing and sleeping in common areas: If your cat starts to nap or lounge in different parts of the house, it's a good sign they’re feeling at home.
• Using the litter box regularly: A consistent litter box routine is a strong indicator that your cat is adjusting well.
• Eating normally: If your cat is eating their food regularly and showing interest in treats, they’re likely feeling more at ease.

How to calm a stressed cat after moving

Moving to a new environment can be overwhelming for cats, and it's important to help them feel secure during this adjustment. Here are some practical tips for how to help a cat adjust to a new home:

• Create a calm space: Set up a quiet area where your cat can retreat and feel safe. Keep it stocked with familiar items like their favourite blanket, toys, and bed.
• Use calming aids: Pheromone diffusers or sprays can help to mimic the natural calming signals your cat is used to, easing their stress levels.
• Stick to routines: Consistency is key to making your cat feel comfortable. Keep feeding times, play sessions, and other routines the same to help them feel more at ease.
• Provide lots of reassurance: Spend time near your cat, offering soft words of encouragement and gentle interaction, but always allow them to approach you when they're ready.
• Limit new experiences: While your cat is adjusting to their new home, avoid introducing any additional changes such as new foods, new people, or loud noises. Give them plenty of time to settle in first.

By creating a soothing environment and maintaining familiar routines, you can help your cat gradually adjust to their new home with less stress. If you’re concerned about how your kitty is adjusting to their new environment, reach out to your vet or contact our member 24/7 Vet Advice Line for support. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Introducing a new cat to a new home takes time, but with patience and care, your cat will soon feel comfortable and secure. Start with a safe room, gradually expand their space, and use calming techniques to help them adjust. 

If you’re looking for a reliable in-home cat sitter to help your cat through the transition and provide the care your furry friend needs, see how TrustedHousesitters works here.