New cat at home: start guide week 1

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New cat at home: the complete start guide for the first week

Founder Prime AnimalZ · 2 February 2026 · 6 min read

Short answer

Give a new cat at least 1 week to settle in. Start with one room, let it explore on its own and don't force contact. Most cats are relaxed enough for the rest of the house after 5–10 days.

✓ Days 1–2: one room, calm, familiar scents
✓ Days 3–5: explore at own pace
✓ Days 6–7: open up the rest of the house
✓ Checklist: feeder, litter tray, water bowl, scratching post, sleeping spot

A new cat at home is exciting — for you and for the cat. Cats are naturally territorial. A new home with unfamiliar scents, sounds and people is a significant change for them. Most problems in the first weeks (hiding, not eating, aggressive behaviour) are the result of going too fast, not of a "difficult" cat.

With the right approach, the settling-in goes smoothly and you build a good foundation in the first week for a relaxed cat.

The complete checklist: what must be ready before day 1

Item	What you need	Tip
Food bowl	1 bowl per cat + 1 water bowl separate	Don't place next to the litter tray
Litter tray	1 per cat + 1 extra	Start with an open tray — less intimidating
Water	Water bowl or drinking fountain	Drinking fountain encourages drinking straight away
Scratching post	At least 1, stable and tall	In a prominent spot — cat marks its territory
Sleeping spot	Soft basket or box with blanket	Let the cat choose itself — don't force a fixed spot
Toys	1 wand toy or moving toy	Wait 3–4 days before playing actively
Carrier box	Leave open as a hiding spot	The cat retreats here when it feels unsafe

Day-by-day approach: the first week

Days 1–2: one room, complete calmLet the cat roam in one room (bedroom or study — not the busy living room). Set up food bowl, water bowl, litter tray and sleeping spot. Let it step out of the box itself. Speak calmly and move slowly. No picking up.
Days 3–4: exploring at own paceLeave the door ajar so the cat can decide itself whether to go further. Most cats start sniffing around after day 2. Sit on the floor when you're nearby — less imposing than standing.
Days 5–6: open up the rest of the houseGently open up the rest of the house. Open doors but wait until the cat decides itself. Check that there are escape routes: cats feel safer when they can always go up (tall scratching post, cupboard).
Day 7: first real play sessionIf the cat is relaxed, start with a wand toy or feather. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes). A relaxed cat that starts playing is the sign that the settling-in was successful.

Not eating in the first 24 hours? Normal. Stress completely suppresses appetite in cats. Make sure food is available and wait. Only if a cat goes more than 48 hours without eating and drinking is a check with the vet needed. Use familiar food — no new brand in the first week.

The setup that makes the most difference

An automatic feeder manages feeding at fixed times — even when you're not there. For new cats, structure and predictability are essential: they quickly learn that food comes at fixed times, which directly contributes to a sense of security.

Read also: How many grams of biscuits does a cat need per day? — complete portion table by weight and age.

Ideal starter setup

Automatic Feeder Standard 4L

4L · HD camera · App schedule · Quiet <35 dB

View product

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for a new cat to fully settle in?

On average 2 to 4 weeks for basic settling-in. A fully relaxed cat behaving at home (kneading, rolling on back, playing actively) can take 6 to 8 weeks. Some cats — especially adult cats that have had a home before — settle faster. Kittens generally settle within 1 week.

My new cat is hiding all day — is that normal?

Yes, completely normal in the first days. Hiding is the primary survival strategy of cats in unfamiliar environments. Don't force contact. Sit on the floor, speak calmly and let the cat come out on its own. This phase lasts an average of 1 to 3 days.

Can I introduce a second cat in the first week?

No — wait at least 2 weeks. The new cat must first establish its own territory and scent. Always introduce cats indirectly: separate rooms, scent exchange via towels, then visual contact through a door left ajar. A direct confrontation in the first week almost always leads to conflicts that can last months.

What food do I use in the first week?

Use exactly the same brand and type as the previous owner or the shelter. Ask about this when you pick up the cat. A dietary change in the first week on top of the stress of a new home increases the chance of diarrhoea and food refusal. Only switch gradually after 2 weeks if you want a different brand — mix the brands for 1 week.

Sort out the litter tray completely

A self-cleaning litter box is less stressful for a new cat — always a clean tray, no strong smells that put it off. A good litter tray in the right place is the foundation of a good start.

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