How to Introduce Your Cat to a New Home

The “base camp” approach is the gold standard for introducing any cat — kitten, adult, or senior — to a new home.

The Base Camp Method

1. Choose one quiet room as the starting base
2. Set up litter box, food, water, bed, scratching post, and hiding spots
3. Bring your cat in their carrier and open the door (don’t pull them out)
4. Spend quiet time in the room — reading, working, just being present
5. Once your cat is comfortable (eating, using litter, approaching you), open up one new room
6. Continue gradually over days or weeks

Important Tips

• Keep the base room available as a retreat even after full access is granted
• If you have other pets, keep them separated and introduce gradually
• Use pheromone diffusers
• Don’t rearrange furniture during the adjustment period

For cats who take longer to adjust, see our New Home Anxiety article.