Bringing a cat home is less about a grand welcome and more about getting out of the way. Cats settle when they feel safe, and safety starts small.
Make a base camp
Pick one quiet room. Add a litter box, water, food, a scratcher, and a hiding spot. A whole house is overwhelming on day one; a single room is a world they can master.
Let them set the pace
Sit on the floor and read aloud, or just scroll your phone. Ignore the cat. That's the trick — being boring and predictable is deeply reassuring to a nervous animal.
Progress looks like a cat that eats while you're in the room. Celebrate the small stuff.
Expand slowly
Once they're confidently exploring their room, open the door and let them choose when to venture out. Most cats will surprise you within a week or two.