Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but the first week can be a big adjustment for both of you. Whether you’re adopting from a UK rescue centre or bringing home a kitten from a reputable breeder, it helps to know what to expect and how to make your cat feel safe. This guide walks you through the typical behaviours, challenges, and milestones you may see.
The First 24 Hours: A Big Adjustment
The first day is usually the most overwhelming for a cat. Everything is new — scents, sounds, rooms, people, and routines. Expect your cat to be cautious, quiet, and possibly a little nervous.
Common behaviours on day one
- Hiding under furniture
- Minimal eating or drinking
- Hesitant exploration
- Avoiding physical contact
- Quiet meows or no sound at all
This is completely normal. Your cat is processing their new surroundings, and pushing interactions too quickly can slow down their confidence.
Set Up a Safe Room
Before your cat arrives, prepare a quiet, secure room where they can settle. This reduces stress and gives them a safe base.
Include essentials such as:
- A cosy cat bed
- A litter tray (kept away from food and water)
- Food and water bowls
- A scratching post
- A hiding spot (cat cave, cardboard box, or carrier)
- A few gentle toys
Many UK cat owners also find Feliway diffusers helpful, as they release calming pheromones that can reduce anxiety.
Let your cat stay here for at least the first 24–48 hours. When they begin exploring confidently, you can gradually open more rooms.
Eating and Drinking in the First Week
Some cats eat normally from day one, while others barely touch their food for the first 24 hours. Stress can suppress appetite, especially for rescue cats.
Helpful feeding tips
- Offer the same food they were eating before (you can transition later).
- Warm wet food slightly to make it more appealing.
- Keep fresh water available at all times.
- Avoid constantly checking on them — give space.
- If your cat hasn’t eaten anything by day two, call your vet for advice.
Young kittens generally adjust faster than adult cats, but both need time.
Litter Tray Behaviour: What’s Normal?
Most cats instinctively use a litter tray. However, you may see:
- Delayed toileting
- A single accident due to stress
- Frequent small urinations as they settle
To set your cat up for success:
- Use unscented clumping litter or whatever they’re used to.
- Keep the tray in a quiet, easy-to-access location.
- Scoop daily — cats dislike dirty trays.
If your cat avoids the tray for more than 48 hours or strains to urinate, contact your vet immediately.
Hiding Is Normal — Don’t Panic
Many new cat owners worry when their cat hides for most of the first week. This behaviour is common and healthy while your cat learns the home’s smells and sounds.
Ideal hiding spots include:
- Under the bed
- Behind the sofa
- Inside wardrobes
- In their carrier
Let your cat come out on their own. Avoid pulling them out, which can break trust early on.
Socialising and Building Trust
Your first interactions set the tone. Stay calm, speak softly, and let your cat dictate the pace.
How to encourage early bonding
- Sit quietly near them without staring.
- Offer treats by hand or place them nearby.
- Use slow blinks — cats use this as a friendly signal.
- Allow them to initiate physical contact.
- Engage in gentle play with wand toys.
Never overwhelm a new cat with too many visitors in the first week. A peaceful environment helps them settle much faster.
Introducing Other Pets
If you’re introducing your cat to a resident cat or dog, take it slow.
For the first week:
- Keep them in separate rooms.
- Swap bedding so they learn each other’s scent.
- Feed meals on opposite sides of a closed door.
- Once both seem calm, allow brief visual introductions (for example, through a crack in the door or a baby gate).
Full introductions may take several weeks, but early patience pays off.
Play and Enrichment
Once your cat feels safe, they’ll begin to show interest in play. Providing enrichment prevents boredom and builds confidence.
Recommended toys
- Feather wands
- Soft plush toys
- Catnip mice
- Puzzle feeders
- Scratching posts or cardboard scratchers
In the UK, many owners purchase their first cat toys and beds through online retailers, making it easy to compare options and read reviews.
Remember: never leave string or ribbon toys unsupervised, as they can be swallowed.
Vet Checks and Health Considerations
Most rescues will have vaccinated, microchipped, and health-checked your cat before adoption. However, it’s still a good idea to:
- Register them with a local UK vet.
- Confirm microchip details are updated with your contact information.
- Arrange flea and worm treatment schedules.
- Ask about vaccination boosters.
If your cat shows signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhoea, refusal to eat for 24–48 hours, or difficulty breathing), don’t wait — call your vet.
Creating a Routine
Cats feel secure when they know what to expect. Establish a simple routine early on.
A good first-week schedule includes:
- Regular morning and evening feeding times.
- Short play sessions throughout the day.
- A predictable bedtime routine.
- Quiet, calm interactions.
- Daily litter tray maintenance.
Within a week, your cat will start to recognise and rely on these patterns.
By the End of the First Week…
Most cats begin to:
- Explore more confidently
- Seek affection
- Show their personality
- Establish favourite sleeping spots
- Relax around household sounds
Some nervous cats may take longer, and that’s perfectly fine — each cat has their own pace.
Conclusion
Your cat’s first week at home lays the foundation for a trusting, happy relationship. With patience, gentle interactions, and a calm environment, your new companion will start settling in beautifully. Enjoy getting to know your newest family member.