Preparing for Your Cat

A calm start makes all the difference

Cats usually settle best when the home is quiet and predictable. This guide helps you prepare the basics before your cat arrives, so both of you can start on the right foot.

What to expect

Time – Daily feeding, care, and attention every day
Space – A safe, secure area to help your cat settle in
Budget – Food, litter or supplies, vet care, and emergencies
Patience – Some cats need time to adjust. Let trust build naturally

Essentials to get first

Food (small pack first) and treats
Food bowl and water bowl
Litter box and litter
Scratching post or scratch pad
Carrier for vet visits
Bed or blanket

Make Your Home Safe

Cats climb and squeeze into small spaces

Safety checks

Secure all windows and balcony gaps
Remove breakable items from edges
Keep toxic plants out of reach
Hide strings, rubber bands, and small objects
Lock away cleaning chemicals

Setting up a safe space

Start with one quiet room as a safe room
Place food, water, and litter box inside
Provide a hiding spot like a box or covered bed
Keep the room calm and low in traffic
Expand access slowly as your cat settles in

The First 7 Days

Quiet home, slow steps, steady routine

Day 1

Settle In

Keep your cat in the safe room. Let them hide if needed.

Day 2–3

Build Trust

Sit quietly nearby. Offer treats. Let your cat come to you.

Day 4–5

Add Activity

Use a wand toy for short play. Stop before overstimulation.

Day 6–7

Expand Slowly

If confident, allow more rooms, one at a time.

Some cats take longer to settle. That is completely normal. A quiet routine and safe space help the most.

Common Questions

What if my cat hides for the first few days?

This is very common. Do not force your cat out. Keep food, water, and litter nearby, and speak softly. Let trust build slowly.

How many litter boxes do I need?

A simple rule: at least 1 litter box per cat, ideally one extra. For a start, 1 box is fine for 1 cat.

Can I let my cat roam the whole house immediately?

Better to go slow. A safe room first reduces stress. Expand access only when your cat looks confident and is eating and using the litter box well.

Do cats need daily play?

Yes. Short play sessions help with stress, bonding, and behaviour. Five to ten minutes, one to two times a day, is a good start.

Preparing for Your Cat