Bringing a pet home
Adopting a Rescue Cat: The First Two Weeks
How to prepare a safe room, help a rescue cat settle and introduce it gradually to the rest of the household.
Prepare a base camp
Set up one quiet room with food, water, a litter tray away from food, a scratching post, hiding places and a bed. Many cats hide for the first days; that is normal.
Let the cat set the pace
Sit quietly in the room, talk softly and let the cat approach. Avoid pulling a cat out of hiding.
Introductions
Introduce other pets slowly: swap scents first, then brief sightings through a gate or cracked door, rewarded with food. This can take weeks.
First vet visit
Book a check-up within the first weeks to review vaccines, parasite control, microchip and any medical notes from the rescue.
Further reading
Organisations whose published guidance covers this topic.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice
- AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association owner resources