Settling a new puppy or kitten starts in one quiet, secure room first, with a bed, food, water and a litter tray or toilet area, and PetCloud puppy sitting or cat sitting can help once a routine is in place. Keep the first days calm and predictable, and open up the rest of the house gradually.
Settling a new puppy or kitten in one quiet, secure room first
Prepare one room before the pet arrives, with a bed, food, water and a litter tray or toilet area. Remove cords, toxic plants, small objects and escape routes. For kittens, that includes securing windows and balconies.
A familiar blanket or unwashed bedding from their previous home can help them settle. Our guide to seven essentials a kitten can’t live without is a useful checklist if you are bringing a kitten home.
Keep the first days calm and predictable
Stick to the food and toileting routine they already know, and keep new visitors to a minimum at first. Speak softly, let the pet approach in its own time, and introduce other pets slowly. Our guide to introducing a new puppy to a cat covers that particular mix.
Open up the rest of the house gradually
Once the puppy or kitten is eating, toileting and resting well in the safe room, give it short, supervised access to other rooms. Do not rush this step. A slow introduction is kinder than giving a new pet the run of the house on day one.
When to book help, and when to call a vet
Once a routine is in place, PetCloud puppy sitting or cat sitting can help if you need to go out. Book puppy socialisation only when your vet says it is safe to do so. If appetite or toileting suddenly changes, contact your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How do I settle a new puppy or kitten at home?
Settle a new puppy or kitten in one quiet, secure room first, with a bed, food, water and a litter tray or toilet area, and PetCloud puppy sitting or cat sitting can help once a routine is in place. Keep the first days calm and predictable, and open up the rest of the house gradually.
- Remove cords, toxic plants, small objects and escape routes before the pet arrives. For kittens, that includes securing windows and balconies.
- Stick to the food and toileting routine they already know, and introduce new people and other pets slowly.
- Book puppy socialisation only when your vet says it is safe to do so. If appetite or toileting suddenly changes, contact your vet.
How should I set up a safe room for a new puppy or kitten?
Set up one quiet, secure room with a bed, food, water and a litter tray or toilet area before the pet arrives, and PetCloud has guides and cat sitting or puppy sitting if you later need help keeping that routine going. Remove cords, toxic plants, small objects and escape routes first.
- For kittens, secure windows and balconies so they cannot slip out.
- A familiar blanket or bedding from their previous home can make the first nights calmer.
When should I introduce a new puppy or kitten to the rest of the house?
Open up the rest of the house gradually once the new puppy or kitten is eating, toileting and resting well in its safe room, and PetCloud can help later with puppy sitting or cat sitting once a routine is in place. Keep introductions to people and other pets slow and calm.
- If appetite or toileting suddenly changes, contact your vet.
- See also seven essentials a kitten can’t live without and how to introduce a new puppy to a cat.
