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How to Settle Your Cat into a New Home

Cats are creatures of habit, and they find safety in the familiar. Moving them to a new home is the opposite of that, which can make them stressed and anxious. Because of this, you can start to feel worried and wonder if your cat will ever settle in.

We’re here to let you know that yes, your kitty will soon get used to their new home. Here are some tips you can use to help them along the way:

Finding the Right Space

Settling your cat into a new house begins way before they enter the property. It starts with finding the right home for both you and your cat to live, especially if you’re renting or moving in with a roommate. Platforms like spareroom.com can help you find the best rooms for rent for you and your cat. They let you filter listings based on what you need, whether that’s pet-friendly accommodation with a garden, plenty of space, or a nice neighborhood.

Settling Your Cat into Their New Home – Top Tips

1. Create a Safe Space For Your Cat

Before your cat’s little paws even touch the threshold, you need to make sure their new space is ready for them. Cats love to hide, which is why we recommend setting up a safe spot that they can retreat to when things get a bit much. Noise will likely make them more stressed, so choose a quiet room where people aren’t likely to visit often, such as a bedroom or a home office.

You’ll want to make sure that one area has everything your cat needs, such as their little box, water, food, and any comfort toys or blankets.

2. Introduce Your Cat to the Home Slowly

If you give your kitty full run of the house straight away, this might overwhelm them. Rather than doing that, it’s best to let them explore their new home slowly by introducing them to one room at a time. Start with their comfort room we talked about above, and let them get used to it before introducing them to the next room.

Let your cat take the lead. You’ll want to leave them to their own devices and let them explore when they feel ready and comfortable. Never close off their safe space – they still might need somewhere to retreat to while they’re getting used to the new environment.

4. Stick to a Routine

Cats love their routine. It makes them feel safe and happy. That’s why, when they’re settling into a new home, you need to stick to their routine as closely as possible. Feed them at the same time every day. You could also always schedule playtime to help your cat burn off energy and reduce their stress levels. 

Keep everything the same – the food they normally eat, the litter they use, and their bedding, as this type of normality will provide some sort of familiarity that will help them get used to their brand new surroundings.

5. Don’t Be Too Noisy

A new home means getting used to new noises. The sound of the fridge, the flush of the toilet, and the hum of traffic outside – these are all things your cat will be unfamiliar with, which can cause them to feel anxious. 

While your cat is adjusting, you’ll want to keep the noise down as much as possible. Try not to make any loud bangs that might startle them. If you have visitors, make sure your kitty can access their safe spot, so they can retreat away from all that extra noise. This will help them feel at ease much faster.

6. Create Familiar Scents

Cats use smell to get used to their surroundings. With this in mind, one of the best ways to help your cat settle is to make sure they have access to smells that make them feel at home. This could be their blanket or bed, a scratching post, or toys from the old house. If you don’t have those, even a piece of old clothing with your scent on it will do. This will reassure your cat that everything is okay and reduce their anxiety.

7. Be Patient

Being patient is the best thing you can do to help your cat settle into their new home. Although cats can adapt to almost any new surroundings, it still takes them time. All cats are different, too. Some may take only a few days to adjust and get back to their usual self, whereas others may take weeks or even months.

All you can do is keep an eye on their process and do your best to keep them safe by using the tips above. Give them treats, ear scratches, and show them plenty of love. With patience and understanding, they’ll get used to their new home in no time.

Conclusion

Your cat won’t settle in their new home overnight, as much as you’d like them to. Cats are creatures of habit and familiarity, and it can take them a while to adapt, but the tips we’ve outlined above can help you with the process. You know your pet best, so if you feel like your cat isn’t settling in at all or you think something might be wrong, take them to the vet. They can offer advice on what to do next.