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Helping Clients with New Cats Who Aren’t Settling: A Guide for Veterinary Professionals

Welcoming a new cat into the home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but for many owners, the early days are overshadowed by concerns when their feline companion doesn’t seem to settle. As veterinary professionals, we’re often the first point of contact for worried pet owners facing this issue. Understanding the behavioural nuances of feline adjustment — and being able to offer practical, evidence-based advice — can significantly improve the cat’s welfare and strengthen the client-vet relationship.

The Challenge of Transition

Cats are territorial, solitary survivors by nature, and major changes — such as moving to a new home — can feel deeply threatening. While some cats adapt quickly, others take days or even weeks to feel comfortable. Stress responses may manifest as hiding, aggression, reduced appetite, inappropriate toileting, or even silent withdrawal. These signs are often misinterpreted by owners as behavioural ‘problems’, when in fact they’re normal feline coping mechanisms.

As highlighted in a recent article by VetHelpDirect, understanding the why behind the behaviour is key to finding a solution. A quiet, withdrawn cat may not be aloof or unfriendly; they may simply feel unsafe in an unfamiliar environment (VetHelpDirect, 2025).

Providing the Right Advice

When supporting owners with unsettled cats, your guidance can prevent the development of entrenched behavioural issues. Here are some points to emphasise:

1. Time and Patience Are Vital

Reassure clients that it’s normal for cats to take time to adjust. A period of two weeks or more is not unusual. Encouraging owners to avoid overwhelming their new pet with handling or stimulation in the early days is crucial.

2. Create a Safe, Confined Space

Cats need a safe territory to retreat to. A quiet room with food, water, a litter tray, hiding spots, and vertical space (like shelves or a cat tree) can reduce anxiety. This ‘base camp’ should be their initial territory before gradually exploring the rest of the house.

3. Use Scent and Familiarity

Encourage owners to use pheromone diffusers (such as Feliway®) and bring familiar-smelling items (if available) from the cat’s previous home. Scent is central to a cat’s sense of safety.

4. Respect Their Choices

Owners should be taught to allow the cat to initiate interactions and never force contact. Letting the cat come to them helps build trust.

5. Monitor Appetite and Litter Tray Use

Lack of appetite or elimination issues can signal stress or emerging health concerns. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored and may warrant a veterinary check-up.

Refresh Your Behavioural Knowledge

Understanding feline behaviour is essential to providing the best support. Our Feline Behaviour Refresher Course on The Webinar Vet offers CPD designed specifically for veterinary professionals who want to update their knowledge on this complex topic.

The course covers:

  • The emotional basis of feline behaviour

  • Managing problem behaviours in the clinic and at home

  • Practical advice for client communication

  • Case-based scenarios to help apply theory in practice

Whether you're a seasoned vet or a new graduate, this course is a valuable resource for improving feline welfare and client satisfaction. You can find out more or enrol here: Feline Behaviour Refresher Course

The Vet's Role in Prevention

We’re not just here to treat illness — we play a pivotal role in supporting preventative care and behaviour. By offering tailored advice early, we can help clients avoid long-term problems, reduce relinquishment rates, and improve feline mental health.

When a client calls because their new cat is hiding under the bed or refusing to eat, they’re not just looking for reassurance — they’re seeking expertise. Let’s be sure we’re equipped to give it.

References

Feline Behaviour Refresher Course

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