Your cat’s first month in their new home: essential care tips

Bringing a new cat into your home is an exciting moment, but the first month is crucial for helping them settle, feel safe, and start building trust with you. Beyond just the initial week of adjustment, this period is the opportunity to establish routines that will shape your cat's wellbeing and behaviour throughout their life.

Starting with consistency and patience will help your cat regard your home as a secure territory, easing their transition and fostering a positive lifelong bond.

Below we explore essential areas to focus on in your cat’s first month at home, with practical advice and gentle guidance to ensure they settle in smoothly.

1. Bedding and preferred sleeping spots

Provide various soft, warm, and comfortable bedding options around the home, but be ready to accept that your cat may choose their own favourite spots. Cats enjoy variety and may select unexpected places that feel safe to them.

If you plan to restrict your cat from sleeping on certain furniture like beds or sofas, it’s important to set these boundaries immediately to avoid confusion later on.

2. Identification and safety

Ensuring your cat can safely return home if lost is one of your top priorities. Many owners choose to fit their cats with a collar bearing an ID tag that includes contact information. Keep a spare collar and tag handy in case these are lost.

Microchipping is strongly recommended; it provides permanent identification that can reunite you with your cat even if the collar is lost or removed. This is widely supported by veterinary professionals in the UK.

3. Toys and mental stimulation

Provide plenty of enrichment opportunities such as scratching posts, interactive toys and activities. Discover what types of play your cat enjoys and aim to rotate toys regularly to keep their environment engaging.

When adequate toys are available, cats are less likely to turn to inappropriate household items like wool or string, enhancing their safety and your peace of mind.

4. Feeding routine and diet

Continue feeding your cat the diet they were accustomed to before arrival during the initial settling period to avoid digestive upset. Gradually transition to any new food over several weeks, mixing the new with the old to help them adjust comfortably.

Establish a feeding schedule early on. While some owners leave dry food freely available, wet food is typically offered in measured amounts at set times due to spoilage concerns, especially in warmer months. Consistency helps your cat feel secure.

5. Toileting habits and outdoor access

Initially keep your cat indoors for at least the first week to let them adjust to their safe environment. Provide a clean litter tray in a quiet, accessible spot and decide if this will remain their toileting area if you later allow outside access.

When beginning supervised outdoor introduction, choose quiet times with minimal disturbance. If you have fitted a cat flap, teach your cat how to use it patiently, especially if they are new to this.

For cats with no previous outdoor experience, a slow, gradual introduction will reduce stress and safety risks.

6. Creating a secure environment and routine

Start by confining your new cat to a quiet, safe room with their essentials—food, water, a litter tray, and a comfortable bed. This smaller space helps avoid overwhelm and lets them settle at their own pace.

Remove potential hazards such as poisonous plants or exposed wires and always provide a familiar hiding place such as their carrier where they can retreat if nervous. Allow exploration beyond this room only once your cat shows signs of comfort like eating, playing, and relaxed behaviour.

7. Building trust and social bonds

Patience is key—some cats take weeks or longer to fully settle. Always let your cat approach interaction on their terms and avoid forcing them from hiding spots.

Spend quality time gently playing and offering treats to build positive associations. If you have other pets, introduce them gradually and under supervision to foster harmonious relationships over time.

By the end of the first month, most cats will have adapted to their new home, eating well, using the litter box consistently, and developing affectionate bonds with you and your family.

Remember, your calm consistency creates a safe, loving environment where your cat can thrive now and for years to come.

For those seeking to find a kitten or cat from reputable breeders or adoption sources, establishing the right foundation during this first month is essential for a happy future together.