Getting started

What should I do on my cat’s first day at home?

Prepare one quiet room with food, water, a litter tray, a hiding place, a bed and a scratching surface. Let your cat leave the carrier in their own time, keep the household calm and expand access to the home gradually as confidence grows.

A good next step

  • Keep doors, windows and escape routes secure.
  • Keep food, water and the litter tray in separate areas.
  • Update the microchip record with your current contact details.

Source checked: RSPCA Australia

Last reviewed 26 July 2026. General information only; not a substitute for veterinary or legal advice.

Know when to stop searching

Some questions need a vet, not a webpage.

Seek urgent veterinary help for breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures, severe pain, major trauma, suspected poisoning, heatstroke, or repeated straining without passing urine.

If you are unsure, call your regular vet or nearest emergency veterinary clinic for triage.