Give yourself plenty of time and if you have other errands to do, get them out of the way before picking up the cat. When you arrive at your destination, if at all possible, take care of the paperwork before collecting your baby.
If Other Cats Are in Your Home:
Unless your cat comes with papers showing a recent veterinary visit, proof of vaccinations, and negative test results for various diseases and medical conditions, your first stop before even bringing her home, should be at your local veterinary clinic. Otherwise, a veterinary appointment should be scheduled for a day or two later.
Home at Last! Once home, take your cat directly to his "Safe Room," and leave the carrier (opened) on the floor. You can stay and talk to him quietly for a few minutes, but don't make any efforts to coax him out of the carrier. He will come out on his own when he gets hungry or needs to use the box.
Go to a nearby room, turn on some soft music, relax in a comfy chair with a glass of wine or mug of hot chocolate, and think of the times (in the very near future) when you'll be sitting there with a furry, purry bundle of love in your lap. You may check on him occasionally, but let him set the pace for interaction with you. Remember that he just came from a completely different environment. Perhaps it was in a shelter cage, surrounded by dozens of other cats. Or maybe it was in a rescue foster home. In either case, your home is entirely new to him, and as nice as it may be, he still may feel very nervous, stressed, and even a bit distrusting. He will definitely let you know when he wants to be friends. Until then, it may be better to limit human visitors to his safe room to yourself and one other adult. You have all the time in the world for introducing him to children and/or other pets in the home.
You still have a lot to learn, and a lot to do, starting with that first vet visit.
New to Cats > Getting Your First Cat > Bringing Your Cat Home
