Cute cat cared for in new home

Bringing Your New Cat Home: Eight Tips from Ginger

By Ginger Grrrl with a little help from Mewla Young

Dear Human,

 

Congratulations! You’re about to welcome a cat into your home — and your life. You’ve bought the supplies, prepared the space, and now your new feline friend is ready to come home. So what happens next?

 

As a cat, I have a few important tips to help make your first days together calm, safe, and stress-free for both of us.

 

 

#1.  INTRODUCE YOUR NEW CAT TO YOUR HOME SLOWLY:

We cats are cautious creatures. New smells, sounds, people, and environments can feel overwhelming at first. We don’t yet know who you are — or whether we can trust you.

 

Start by giving your cat one quiet room to explore, such as a bedroom or office. Include food, water, a litter box, a scratching post, and a cozy hiding place. This smaller space helps us feel secure while we adjust to our new surroundings.

 

If you already have pets at home, slow introductions are especially important. Gradually allow your cat to explore more of the house over the following days.

#2. BEWARE OF THE CURIOUS CAT: 

Cats are naturally curious and surprisingly talented at getting into trouble.

Keep doors to unsafe areas — like laundry rooms, garages, or storage closets — securely closed. Electrical cords, medications, cleaning products, and small objects can all become hazards for an adventurous cat.[1,2]

 

And don’t forget about houseplants. Some common plants are toxic to cats, so check carefully before bringing greenery into your home. [1]

 

A safe home is a happy home for your new companion.

 

#3. EVERY CAT NEEDS A SCRATCHING POST :

Scratching isn’t bad behavior — it’s natural cat behavior.

 

Scratching posts and pads help us [1]:

  • Stretch our muscles
  • Remove old claw layers
  • Mark territory
  • Relieve stress 
  • All while saving your furniture.

Plus, scratching just feels fantastic! 

 

Pro Cat Tip: Offer a sturdy scratching post early so your cat learns where scratching is encouraged.

 

 

#4. WE WILL BREAK YOUR FAVORITE VASE: 

Here’s a truth every cat owner eventually learns: if it can be knocked over, it probably will be.

Cats love climbing, exploring, and testing gravity. Vases, lamps, plants, speakers, and decorations are all fair game.

 

To protect fragile belongings:

  • Secure tall or unstable objects
  • Move valuables away from edges
  • Store delicate items behind glass or closed shelves

#5. DON’T FEED ME TOO MUCH! 

It’s tempting to spoil us with endless treats and oversized meals, but doing so can end up harming us cats.

Choose a high-quality cat food appropriate for our:

  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Health needs

Because cats have small stomachs, many veterinarians recommend several small meals throughout the day instead of one big one.

 

And refresh water bowls daily to encourage healthy hydration.[1]

ginger at tree
Every Cat Needs a Scratching Post

Find more tips about feeding us at Cat Food Tips from Ginger.

#6. WE ARE TREE LURKERS AND CAVE DWELLERS:

We fuzzballs may seem small and tame, but all domestic cats are genetically similar to our larger wild cat relatives and still carry instincts from wild ancestors, including the need to climb and hide.

 

That’s why we cats love:

  • Cat trees
  • Window perches
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Covered beds and tunnels

High spaces allow us to observe our “territory” safely, while enclosed spaces help us feel protected and relaxed. A simple cardboard box can provide hours of entertainment — and an excellent nap spot.

[2]

#7.    DON’T FEEL LIKE SCOOPING LITTER? YOU WILL REGRET IT! 

We cats are extremely clean animals, and a dirty litter box is one of the fastest ways to create behavior problems.

 

To keep your cat comfortable:

  • Scoop waste daily
  • Refill litter as needed
  • Fully clean the box regularly using mild, unscented soap

 

If you have multiple cats, follow the golden rule: One litter box per cat, plus one extra.

 

Pro Cat Tip: If your cat suddenly avoids the litter box despite it being clean, schedule a veterinary visit. Litter box issues often are a sign of medical or emotional stress.[1]

And #8. LET YOUR CAT LEARN TO TRUST YOU:

Gentle Human, Building a bond with a cat takes patience.

 

Instead of forcing interaction, allow your cat to approach you first. Hold out your hand calmly and let your cat decide whether to sniff or rub against it. That gentle face rub is our way of saying, “I trust you.”

 

Some cats have been mistreated by humans in the past. These cats require even more love and patience. Learn more about caring for an abused cat from Dr. Nicholas Dodman at PetPlace.

 

Start with soft petting around the cheeks and neck, and pay attention to your cat’s body language. A gentle touch, quiet tone, and patience go a long way toward building a lifelong friendship.

 

Pro Cat Tip:  Keep kitty treats on hand to reward your cat’s brave new steps.

 

Your cat wants to please you. Take time to show him you are kind and trustworthy. Be patient, and he will be your loyal friend.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Cats thrive on safety, consistency, and trust. The first few days in a new home shape how secure and confident your cat will feel around you. Remember: We cats want to please you. It will take a while for us to figure out what you want. Be patient with us. Respect our boundaries. And let us have our quirks.

 

Take the time to show us that you are kind and trustworthy. And when your cat finally chooses your lap, your hand, or your company, you’ll know you’ve earned a loyal friend.

 

With Love, Ginger

Winning the privilege to pet a cat means that you are a part of a special group of humans granted approval by cats.

😸😽🐈

References:

1) ASPCA General Cat Care

2) Creating the Perfect Cat Home

9 thoughts on “Bringing Your New Cat Home: Eight Tips from Ginger”

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  3. the cats and me x o

    we use the clumping kind of litter it helps with getting the urine smell out better than regular litter you are so helpful hints from beautiful Ginger thanks hugs blessings much love the cats and me x o

    Reply
  7. Jackie M.

    Interesting article. If you don’t have a cat tree yet, cats will also like it if you put furniture under a window so that the cats can look out. But I have a cat tree now. My cats like to scratch them and get their smell on the fleece material.

    Reply

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