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Updated 9 October 2026 · Cat Tree UK editorial team
The first night's aim is to help your new cat feel secure, not to introduce the entire house or achieve instant affection. Prepare a quiet room and follow the care information supplied by the rescue or previous owner.
Before the carrier opens
Check doors, windows, gaps behind appliances and anything the cat could swallow or become tangled in. Set out separate food and water locations, an accessible litter tray away from them, bedding and a safe hiding place. Keep other animals apart initially.
Use the familiar food and litter where possible. Our new-cat checklist covers supplies; this guide focuses on the arrival itself.
Let the cat set the pace
Place the carrier securely in the prepared room, open it and allow the cat to emerge voluntarily. Do not tip them out or pass them between family members. Sit quietly if they seem comfortable with company, then give them time alone to explore.
Cats Protection's settling-in guidance explains why familiar resources and a gradual introduction help.
Make a simple overnight plan
- Follow the existing feeding and medication schedule rather than imposing a new rule about no night-time food.
- Leave water, litter and a comfortable retreat accessible.
- Remove string toys and other items needing supervision.
- Tell everyone which doors must remain closed.
- Have the rescue and veterinary contact details available.
A kitten or a cat with medical needs requires an age- and health-appropriate plan. Ask the carer or vet before collection if you are unsure about feeding or overnight supervision.
Hiding and calling: observe without assumptions
Some cats hide or vocalise in a new home. Give space, but check that essentials are available and that the cat is not trapped or unwell. Do not automatically ignore persistent distress or attribute every symptom to settling in.
Contact a vet promptly if the cat is not eating, seems ill or you have concerns about their condition, with particular care for kittens and cats with existing illness. Breathing difficulty or repeated straining without passing urine requires urgent help.
The next morning
Check food, water and litter-tray use, then spend a little quiet time nearby. Note what the cat has used and whether they appear comfortable. Continue introductions gradually; there is no deadline by which they must become sociable or explore every room.