Bringing a new cat home is an exciting time, but for them it can be overwhelming. A calm, thoughtful approach in the early days helps build confidence, trust and long-term success. Please read our guidance notes on the Rule of 3-3-3 to help you navigate the early days of adoption and prepare for welcoming your new cat home.
Preparing your home
Before your cat arrives, we require all our adopters to set up a separate calm, safe space where your new cat can settle in. We’ll talk you through everything you’ll need for this space but here are the essentials:
- Cosy bed or blankets
- Litter tray and litter
- Scratch posts
- Hiding places
- Food and water bowls
- Cat net for the doorway
After adoption: what to expect
All cats settle at their own pace — some explore immediately, while others take a little longer.
We’re here to support you during the settling-in period. If you ever have questions or need reassurance, Douglas Sanctuary for Cats is always happy to help.
1. Keep Routines Familiar
Keep to the same meal times, don’t make changes in their room and keep them on the same litter and food.
2. Provide Safe Hiding spaces
Boxes, covered beds and cosy corners help cats feel in control.
3. Use a Screen, Not a Shut Door
A mesh/screen barrier supports confidence and safer introductions.
4. Calm support (Pet Remedy)
Plug-in diffusers can help create a calmer settling environment.
Creating a Safe Settling Space
A small safe “base area” is essential for your new cat in the early days of adoption as introducing them to your whole house from the outset will be overwhelming for them. A spare room or a low traffic area of your home is perfect for this. However, rather than locking a new cat in a room, a secure mesh screen across a doorway works extremely well. Cats do not like closed doors so a mesh screen:
- Keeps your cat protected and contained
- Lets them observe household life safely
- Allows them to acclimatise to new scents and sounds without overwhelming them
- Supports calmer introductions if you have other cats
Comfort, Scents and Hiding Places
Cats feel safest when they can retreat if needed. Make sure your cat has access to covered hideaways, soft blankets, and familiar scents. Allow them to come out in their own time — confidence builds naturally when cats feel in control.
We also recommend Pet Remedy plug-in diffusers to support calm during the settling-in period.
Building Trust Through Calm Interaction
Spend time simply being present: sit quietly, speak softly, and let your cat approach in their own time. Use favourite treats to encourage confidence, and offer short play sessions if they’re receptive.
- Sit in the room and be calm and predictable
- Offer a few gentle pets if invited
- Use favourite treats to entice them out
- Add short, low-pressure playtime where possible
Introducing Other Cats Safely
The screened doorway approach works particularly well in multi-cat households. It allows cats to see and smell each other safely, communicate naturally, and build familiarity without stress or confrontation.
Why we like screens: earlier safe encounters tend to reduce anxiety and help cats settle into a social rhythm — especially cats that have lived alongside others.
Gradually Increasing Freedom
After a few days, if your cat appears relaxed and curious, you can begin to allow supervised access to more of the home during the day — while keeping them safe overnight.
- Days 1–3: base area with screen; calm interaction; routine consistent
- Days 3–7: supervised access when you’re home; keep safe overnight
- Around 1 week: if going smoothly, the screen can usually come down
Safe Outdoor Access (When the Time is Right)
Many cats enjoy fresh air and sunshine — but we recommend waiting until your cat is fully settled and confident in their indoor surroundings before introducing any outdoor access, even if it’s secure.
If you’d like your cat to experience the outdoors safely, consider options such as catios or garden protection systems. These allow safe exploration without the risks of roaming.
Our Approach to Introductions
We are not strong advocates of prolonged isolation, scent swapping, or keeping cats entirely separate for long periods unless absolutely necessary. In our experience, calm early exposure (with safety measures like screens) often leads to smoother outcomes.
Cats are frequently more social than they’re given credit for — and many of our cats have lived alongside others in colonies. Every cat is different, and sometimes a slower approach is needed, but where possible we aim for earlier safe familiarity.
Need reassurance?
Settling in is a journey. If something doesn’t feel right or you’d like guidance, reach out — we’re happy to help.