Rescue Cat Cozy Spaces
A new cat will be very anxious and afraid when you first bring them home, especially a rescue
cat. While we wish they could tell us about their pasts, we don’t know what they’ve been
through, and it’s important to take things slowly. After bringing your new rescue cat home, it’s
best to introduce them to a single room–such as a bedroom–to start. Instead of leaving all of the
doors around the house open, which can be scary and overwhelming (especially for a rescue
cat) start by introducing them to a single, cozy room. Have their litterbox, bed, toys, food, and
water in the room and already set up. After you let them out of the cat carrier to explore their
new space, spend a little time in the same room with them, even if they don’t come out. Cats do
like to hide, so they might stay hidden–but even if you’re simply reading or watching tv in the
same space, your new cat will see that you’re safe to be around and come out over time. It’s
important not to force them, and to let them explore on their own.
Learn more in our YouTube video, Cat Hiding Places
After a little time passes, it’s okay to leave them be and to give them some time alone in the new
space. They may come out to sniff around, eat and drink, and maybe even use the litterbox.
In a day or two, once your cat seems comfortable with that space and is eager to explore, let
your rescue cat roam the rest of the house. Leave their belongings in the original room–in the
same spot so they can find them easily. That original room will now be their safe space if they
get scared.
If you have other pets, the adjustment process can look very different. For tips when introducing
pets, here are Cat Introduction Tips from the experts at The Humane Society.
