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The first vet visit and the microchip

Ask for prior vaccination, parasite-treatment, nutrition and medical records, and arrange a veterinary examination as soon as possible after coming home. Keep a newcomer with unknown health history apart from resident cats until your veterinarian has assessed the situation. Ask which registry holds the microchip and check that its contact details are current; a chip is not a live location tracker. The vet decides tests, vaccines and treatment for the individual cat. Illness signs should not wait for the routine appointment.

Prepare a quiet, secure room with food, fresh water, a litter tray away from both, a bed, hiding places and a suitable scratching surface. Check windows, cords, plants and small objects for hazards. Bring the closed carrier into the room before opening it, and let the cat come out voluntarily. Do not pull the cat out of a hiding place.

A new home can be stressful, but stress does not rule out illness. Contact a veterinarian promptly if your cat eats less or stops eating, vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea, seems unwell, or changes litter habits. Trouble breathing or repeated straining with little or no urine needs immediate veterinary help. Do not wait for a checklist day or a settling-in deadline.