Some cats can be very vocal about how they feel, so make sure you pay attention when your new addition starts making noise. It could mean something’s wrong (like food stuck). Or, maybe it just means he wants to say hello! Either way, don’t ignore these signs of life — take note of what your feline friend says and does, then act accordingly.

Once you’ve settled into your new role as caregiver, introduce the two animals together. In most cases, this should occur within 24 hours of bringing your kitten or adult cat home after adoption. This gives both the new animal and the old one plenty of time to become familiar with each other before meeting up face-to-face. To keep from overwhelming either one, let your older kitty hang back until she feels like joining her roommate. Then, gradually start introducing them by interacting through a screen, such as using an iPad app.

If you have multiple cats, try keeping them separated during introductions for now. They’ll probably meet later once they’re more accustomed to living together.
Below, we offer tips on how to successfully transition your new cat into his or her new digs.

Introduce yourself – how to introduce a cat to a new home

First thing’s first: You need to tell him who you are. Cats aren’t always great at remembering faces, but you may remember certain traits or habits that your new pet has already displayed. Tell him who you are, along with where you live and why you brought him here. Your voice tone, body language, scent and even clothing style can all affect whether your cat thinks you’re friendly or scary. So approach slowly and talk softly. He might not recognize your name right away, but eventually he’ll learn that you exist and want to interact with you.

Get acquainted with your pet

Cats are notoriously independent creatures, so you won’t be able to do much to teach them anything unless they ask directly. However, you can still show interest in your cat’s day-to-day activities. For example, play fetch with a string or frisbee, use treats to entice him to follow you around the house, or feed him outside of mealtime. Once you establish a routine, your cat will associate those actions with good feelings. When you go shopping, buy fresh water dishes and litter boxes, too. These small details also convey trustworthiness and warmth. And, as long as you treat him well, your cat will likely return the favor.

Keep the introduction short

It takes several minutes for a cat to process information presented visually. Therefore, giving a full rundown of your daily schedule, household rules and personal history can overwhelm a visitor quickly. Instead, limit your explanations to essentials, including where you bought your cat, why you adopted him, your current address, and basic safety precautions. With fewer words, your cat learns faster than if you gave a blow-by-blow account. Of course, include pertinent info such as vaccination records, medical conditions, training history and emergency numbers. If you’re still wondering how to introduce a cat to a new home, keep reading. We’re trucking right along!

Remember to stay relaxed throughout the entire experience. No matter how anxious you may feel, you must control your emotions and maintain your composure. Most importantly, enjoy watching your new family member adapt and grow alongside you.

Be patient and kind at all times – how to introduce a cat to a new home

Cats can sense fear in others because it often comes across as aggression. Even though you may love your cat unconditionally, you must never scare him or allow another person to frighten him. As soon as your cat makes eye contact with someone, look down immediately and remain calm. Don’t yell, squawk or scream. Instead, gently stroke your cat, reassure him, and move toward the source of concern. Do everything calmly and kindly.

That goes double for any children who encounter your cat. Teach kids to respect your pet by encouraging them to speak quietly and staying near them whenever possible. Also, remind them not to touch your cat and to avoid chasing him.

Make sure everyone is comfortable with their roles

Just because your cat belongs to you doesn’t necessarily mean he understands every aspect of being domesticated. Some people like to cuddle their cats, which isn’t really safe due to the risk of disease transmission. Other owners prefer to leave their cat alone in a designated area. Since cats naturally hunt and sleep independently, provide adequate separation between you and yours. A big part of how to introduce your pet to a new home & helping your cat adjust to a new environment is respecting its natural tendencies. While it’s important to bond with your pet, it shouldn’t interfere with its independence.

Give them enough space – introducing a new cat to your home

Your cat needs physical space to roam freely, stretch, climb trees, hide under furniture and other places. Consider placing a scratching post indoors, especially for indoor/outdoor hybrids. Scratching provides cats with outlets for pent-up energy. But it can also cause unsightly bald spots and sores, depending on where they scratch. Plus, it damages furniture, flooring, rugs and clothes. Provide plenty of toys for entertainment and chew sticks for gnawing. The latter helps prevent dental problems. Outdoor cats also require lots of exercise. Ideally, they would spend at least half of daylight hours outdoors enjoying nature. Otherwise, encourage outdoor excursions and watch out for hazards such as cars, dogs and squirrels.

Conclusion – Let them explore on their own terms
Giving your cat free reign over a large portion of your house or yard can seem daunting at first. Allow him to investigate objects, sniff plants and dig holes wherever he pleases. This teaches him that nothing is off limits. Afterward, reward him with praise and affection instead of yanking or swatting at him. Remember, patience is key.

If you have found this article useful, check out more of our animals category.

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