The First Week With a New Cat:
What’s Normal

The first week with a new cat is a period of adjustment, not evaluation. Many new cat owners worry that something is wrong when their cat hides, eats very little, or avoids interaction. In most cases, these behaviors are normal responses to change, not signs of illness or poor temperament.

Cats rely heavily on familiarity and routine. A new home introduces unfamiliar smells, sounds, people, and expectations all at once. During the first week, the goal is not to rush bonding or force confidence. The goal is to provide a calm, predictable environment where your cat can begin to feel safe.

This guide explains which behaviors are normal during the first week, what changes you can expect,
and when it may be appropriate to slow down or seek additional support.

During the first week in a new home, it is normal for cats to hide, eat less, avoid interaction, and explore cautiously.
Most cats spend the first few days observing their environment and gradually become more curious by the end of the week.
Consistent routines, limited stimulation, and patience help support healthy adjustment.

What the First Week Is Really About

The first week is about stabilization, not exploration. Your cat is learning:

• Where they are safe

• When food appears

• Where the litter box is located

• Which sounds, people, and movements are normal

Confidence develops gradually as these questions are answered through routine and repetition.
This early foundation supports long-term trust and emotional security.

Day 1 to Day 2: Caution and Observation

Hiding Is Normal

Many cats hide immediately after arriving in a new home. This behavior is a natural survival response.
Hiding allows cats to observe their surroundings without feeling exposed.

Normal hiding behaviors include staying inside the carrier, retreating under furniture, or choosing enclosed or dark spaces.
As long as your cat is eating, drinking, and using the litter box, hiding alone is not a cause for concern.

More detail on hiding behavior is available in:

Why New Cats Hide (And When to Worry)

Providing enclosed resting spaces can help your cat feel more secure, such as a

covered cat bed or soft hideaway.

Reduced Appetite Is Common

Stress often suppresses appetite temporarily. Many cats eat very little during the first 24 hours.

Common early eating patterns include sniffing food without eating much, eating small amounts late at night, or skipping one meal and eating the next.
A cat that refuses food entirely for more than 24 hours should be monitored closely, but mild appetite changes are common early on.

Helpful monitoring guidance can be found in:

Cat Health: Symptoms & Warning Signs

Shallow, scent-neutral bowls placed away from the litter box can encourage eating.

Stainless steel bowls are often well tolerated:

Limited Interaction Is Expected

Many cats avoid eye contact or physical interaction during the first couple of days. This does not mean your cat dislikes you or will remain distant.

Allow interaction to happen on your cat’s terms. Sitting quietly in the same room without reaching toward your cat
often builds trust faster than forced engagement.

Day 3 to Day 4: Gradual Curiosity

Short Periods of Exploration

As stress begins to ease, some cats start exploring their surroundings in brief bursts.
This may include sniffing the room, walking short distances, or cautiously investigating objects.

Exploration often happens at night, when the environment feels quieter and safer. This pattern is normal and usually decreases as confidence grows.

For safe expansion guidance, see:

Setting Up a Safe Room for a New Cat

Improved Eating Patterns

By the third or fourth day, many cats begin eating more consistently.
You may notice larger meals, interest in food preparation sounds, or more regular feeding times.

Consistency matters more than quantity at this stage. Sudden food changes should still be avoided.

Testing Boundaries

Your cat may begin testing boundaries by scratching surfaces, jumping onto furniture, or watching household activity more closely.

Providing appropriate scratching surfaces early helps guide behavior.

Visible scratching posts placed near resting areas encourage healthy habits.

More behavior guidance is available in:

Cat Behavior Problems & Solutions

Day 5 to Day 7: Emerging Personality

Increased Confidence

By the end of the first week, many cats show early signs of confidence.
These include spending more time outside hiding spots, grooming in open areas, and resting instead of remaining alert.

Confidence does not mean full relaxation yet. Small setbacks are normal.

Play Interest May Appear

Some cats begin engaging in short play sessions during the first week. Healthy early play is brief, calm, and followed by rest.

Wand-style toys allow engagement without crowding your cat and are ideal for early play

Structured play routines are explained in:

Interactive Play Routines That Burn Energy Safely

Vocalization Changes

Some cats become more vocal as they settle in, while others become quieter. Normal vocal behaviors include soft meows when you enter the room,
chirps during exploration, or silence followed by sudden vocal activity.

Changes in vocalization alone are rarely a concern unless paired with distress signals.

Common Behaviors That Worry New Owners (But Are Normal)

Some cats hide for most of the first week, especially shy cats, shelter cats, or adult cats experiencing relocation.
Progress should be measured by eating and litter box use rather than visible affection.

Avoiding touch early on is also normal. Trust must come before physical interaction. Sleeping more than usual is common as cats recover from stress.

Behaviors That Deserve Closer Attention

While most early behaviors are normal, closer monitoring is needed if your cat refuses food for more than 24 to 48 hours, does not use the litter box,
shows repeated vomiting or diarrhea, appears weak or lethargic, or displays escalating aggression without recovery periods.

These signs justify slowing the transition or seeking guidance.

Supporting Your Cat During the First Week

Maintain a predictable routine by feeding, cleaning, and interacting at consistent times each day.
Limit visitors, loud noises, and sudden changes in layout. Use calm presence instead of pressure by quietly sharing space.

Encourage hydration by offering fresh water away from food and litter.

Some cats drink more readily from moving water sources.

When to Slow Down

Slowing down does not mean failure. It means responding to your cat’s signals. If your cat retreats more after initial progress, stops eating reliably,
or shows increasing stress, reducing stimulation or returning to a smaller space often restores confidence.

Looking Beyond the First Week

The first week is only the beginning. Most cats continue adjusting over the next several weeks as routines solidify and trust deepens. What matters most is not how quickly your cat adapts, but how consistently they feel safe.

Continue Your New Cat Journey

See the guides below where you’ll find step-by-step guidance on feeding routines,
behavior development, health monitoring, and long-term adjustment.

New Cat Owner Guide: First 30 Days & Long-Term Care

Related guides include:

Bringing a New Cat Home Checklist
Litter Box Setup & Hygiene
Cat Behavior Problems & Solutions
Cat Health: Symptoms & Warning Signs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a new cat to hide during the first week?
Yes. Hiding is one of the most common behaviors during the first week.
As long as your cat is eating, drinking, and using the litter box, hiding alone is not a cause for concern.

How long does it take a cat to adjust to a new home?
Most cats take two to four weeks to adjust. The first week is usually the most cautious period, with confidence developing gradually.

Should I worry if my new cat is not eating much?
Mild appetite reduction is common due to stress. If a cat refuses food for more than 24 to 48 hours, closer monitoring or veterinary guidance may be appropriate.

Is it okay if my new cat avoids interaction?
Yes. Avoiding interaction early on is normal. Allowing contact on your cat’s terms helps build trust.

Should I let my new cat explore the whole house right away?
No. Starting with one quiet room helps reduce stress. Additional rooms should be introduced gradually.

Why does my new cat seem more active at night?
Cats often explore more at night because the environment is quieter and feels safer.

When should I contact a veterinarian during the first week?
Contact a veterinarian if your cat refuses food for more than 24 to 48 hours, does not use the litter box, appears lethargic, or shows signs of illness or pain.