Bringing home a new cat from the shelter is an exciting moment, but it can also come with questions – especially if you already have pets. We’re here to help you make the transition smooth and stress-free for everyone involved.

Start with a Safe Room
Your cat’s first stop at home should be a quiet, enclosed space where they can feel secure. This “safe room” helps them adjust to new surroundings and prevents common issues like accidents outside the litter box, hiding, or scratching furniture. Ideal spaces include a spare bedroom, office, bathroom, or any quiet room with a door that can close. Avoid placing your cat in areas like the basement, laundry room, or garage, which can be noisy, drafty, or hard to access.

Set up the room with food and water, a cozy bed, an uncovered litter box with unscented clumping litter, a scratching post, toys, and a few hiding places like boxes or blankets. When you get home, bring your cat straight to the safe room, open the carrier, and give them time to come out on their own. Keep the environment calm—skip the loud music, visitors, and parties for the first couple of weeks.

Building Trust and Bonding

In these early days, it’s all about patience. Spend quiet time in the safe room doing calm activities like reading or watching TV. Let your cat approach you first, and offer treats, toys, or catnip to help build trust. Some cats warm up quickly, others take time – that’s okay. They are all different, just like us!

If You Already Have a Cat
Introducing your new cat to a resident cat takes a few extra steps, but with patience, it can go smoothly. Start with scent swapping – rub each cat with the same soft cloth and place it in the other’s space. After a few days, feed them on either side of the safe room door at the same time to create positive associations.

A few days later, let them see each other through a cracked door, baby gate, or screen for short, positive sessions. When both cats seem relaxed, you can try short, supervised visits. Watch for signs of stress like growling or stiff body language, and be ready to slow things down if needed. Keep separate food bowls, litter boxes, and resting areas, and allow the relationship to develop at its own pace—some cats become fast friends, while others take a few weeks.

Need support along the way? We’re always here to help—just reach out with any questions or visit our Pet Parent Library for more!