8 Must Have Steps for the First 24 Hours With Your New Cat


If there’s one thing that’s true about cats, it’s that they really, really do not like change. Especially big ones like being moved from one home to another.

I’ve moved 5 times with my cats, and I don’t think the last time was any less stressful for them than the first.

But there are things you can and should do to make it all go as well as possible. It’s important for any big change or transition, but it’s especially important when you bring a new cat home for the first time.

The first 24 hours with your new cat will set the foundation for successful adjustment and starting the bonding process with you. 

While every cat adapts differently, following these critical steps will help create a smooth transition.


Brown and white kitten peeking around a wall, only one side of face showing

Your job is to focus on creating a calm, secure environment and establishing positive routines from the start.

Here’s our list of 8 Must Haves for the First 24 Hours.

1. Safe Room Setup

Create a quiet, controlled environment before bringing your cat home. Choose a room with a door that latches (away from household traffic if possible). 

Obviously, you need to have the safe room completely set up before the day you bring your new cat home.

Essential setup:

  • Secure windows and screens
  • Block hiding spots you can’t reach
  • Provide accessible hideaways
  • Add elevated resting spots
  • Do a thorough cat-proofing of the safe room

Read our full article on how to set up and use a cat safe room. We also recommend you do an assessment of what needs cat-proofing in the safe room.

2. Protocol for When You First Arrive

Place the carrier in the safe room and sit quietly nearby. Let your cat take in the new sights and sounds for a few moments. Then, open the door and let your cat emerge at their own pace. 

Speak softly and move slowly. 

It may take a while for the cat to come out of the carrier. Whenever they do come out, they may go straight into exploration mode or find a hiding spot and stay there for hours. Both are normal.

3. Food and Water

Keep feeding areas away from the litter box. Use the same food type your cat is currently used to eating – abrupt changes can be rejected by the cat and can cause digestive issues.

Place multiple water bowls in quiet spots. Monitor food and water intake. Many cats don’t eat much if at all on their first day.

4. Litter Box Intro

Position the litter box in a quiet, accessible corner. Show your cat the location by gently placing them near (not in) the box.

Use the same litter type they’re familiar with. Clean the box regularly and monitor usage – many cats delay using it when stressed.

Read our full article on how to train your cat to use the litter box

5. Monitor Stress Levels

Most cats will be quite stressed and may hide, avoid food, or seem withdrawn in the first 24 hours – this is often concerning to new cat owners but it is completely normal.

Familiarize yourself with the signs a new cat is adjusting.

6. Establish Basic Schedule

Starting a consistent routine immediately helps your cat feel secure and understand what to expect. Cats thrive on routine! 

Even if they’re hiding, maintain these patterns to provide structure and predictability:

  • Regular feeding times
  • Quiet observation periods
  • Brief, gentle interaction attempts
  • Consistent bedtime routine

7. Track Progress

Documenting your cat’s behavior and habits in the first 24 hours creates valuable baseline information. This helps identify potential issues and track adjustment progress:

  • Eating and drinking
  • Litter box use
  • Behavior changes
  • Health observations
  • Signs of comfort/stress

8. Whole Household on the Same Page

Getting everyone on the same page prevents confusion and stress for your new cat. Hold a family meeting to ensure consistent care and handling:

  • Safe room protocol
  • No forced interactions
  • Consistent handling rules
  • Voice/energy levels
  • Emergency procedures

Ensure all family members understand the importance of giving your cat time to adjust. If you’ve got kids, have them help you make some rules for how things will go with the new cat.

First 24 Hours Success

Your cat may take days or weeks to feel fully comfortable. Focus on providing consistency, security, and patience during this critical adjustment period.

Remember that stress is normal. Contact your veterinarian if you notice concerning health signs or complete withdrawal or refusal to eat lasting more than 48 hours. Often a quick phone check-in is all it takes to make sure things are on the right track.

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The information provided here is not meant to replace professional guidance from your own veterinarian or cat behavior specialist.

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