A gentle start in a new home.
Prepare a quiet space, build trust, and take introductions to other animals one step at a time.
Start with a room of their own
Set up a quiet room before your cat arrives. Include food, water, a litter tray away from feeding areas, a scratching surface, somewhere to hide, and a comfortable place to rest. Let your cat leave the carrier and explore at their own pace.
Keep early visits calm and brief. Sit nearby and let the cat decide when to approach. Hiding is a reason to offer time and security; avoid pulling a cat out for an introduction.
Introduce cats gradually
Keep unfamiliar cats in separate spaces at first. Exchange bedding or scent cloths before they see each other. Once both are comfortable, try short visual introductions through a secure barrier, with room for each cat to retreat.
Progress to brief, supervised meetings only when both cats are relaxed. Go back a step if either becomes distressed. Provide separate resources so cats do not have to compete. There is no fixed timetable for becoming comfortable together.
Take extra care with dogs
Begin with scent introductions and a secure barrier. During early meetings, keep the dog on a lead and give the cat an easy escape route and a high place to retreat. Reward calm behavior and prevent chasing. Separate the animals when you cannot supervise; ask a qualified behavior professional for help if either animal remains fearful or fixated.