[header] How to socialize your adult cat [title] Let the cat have its space. [step] When you're first getting to know a cat, it's best to let it get used to its surroundings. If you've just brought a cat home, give it a room where it can hang out and calm down. 
Leave it alone (with everything it needs) for about a day before you try interacting with it. [substeps] Even if your cat isn't new and tends to hide, this method can be a good way for you to reintroduce yourself to the cat.