Getting a cat is an exciting and heartwarming experience — but just like any pet, cats come with their own set of needs, quirks, and care requirements. Whether you're welcoming a cuddly kitten or adopting an adult cat, this guide will help you prepare, bond, and provide the best care possible.

🐱 Essentials to Buy Before Bringing a Cat Home

• Litter tray + litter, unscented, is often preferred.

• High-quality cat food, kitten or adult formula. Use the same food they have been eating, but if it's not right for them, gradually switch to a new food over at least 1 week.

• Food and water bowls, ceramic or stainless steel.

• Cat bed or blanket.

• Scratching post or scratch mat.

• Litter scoop + waste bags.

• Toys, interactive, chase, feather wands, puzzle toys.

• Carrier for vet visits.

• Grooming brush or comb

• Collar with ID tag if going outside

• Cat tree or climbing shelves

• Flea/worm treatments, check with your vet or manufacturer's guidelines. 

🏠 Preparing Your Home

• Set up a quiet, safe space where your cat can adjust. It's a lot to take in with new scents, people and sounds.

• Keep windows secure and remove toxic plants (like lilies and cycads!)

• Hide cables and secure anything breakable.

• Block off small hiding places until your cat settles in.

🥣 Feeding Your Cat

• Feed age-appropriate cat food — kittens need extra calories and nutrients. If you need to change their diet or food, this should be done gradually over at least 1 week.

• Keep fresh water available at all times, some prefer pet water fountains.

• Avoid feeding human food — onions, garlic, chocolate, and dairy can be toxic.

• Free feeding (leaving food out) works for some, while scheduled meals help with portion control.
  

The Milk Myth - some cats will drink milk, but most adult cats cannot and should not drink it as many are lactose intolerant.

🚾 Litter Training

• Most cats instinctively use a litter tray but younger ones will likely need some training or positive guidance. 

• Show them the tray when they arrive and keep it in a quiet, easily accessible location.

• Scoop daily and fully change the litter weekly or you'll soon have a bad smell in the house! It can also lead to behavioral changes and health issues for both the cat and you.

• Have 1 tray per cat + 1 extra in multi-cat households.

🧶 Exercise & Enrichment

Cats need mental and physical stimulation, especially indoor cats:

• Play daily with toys like wand teasers, lasers (with care), and balls.

• Use food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys.

• Provide vertical spaces to climb, perch, and explore. They like high spaces to help them feel safe and provide them with a viewing point of the surroundings. 

• Rotate toys weekly to keep things fresh and reduce boredom.

🪮 Grooming & Hygiene

• Brush short-haired cats weekly; long-haired cats daily to remove loose fur, minimise shedding and prevent hairballs, yuk! 

• Trim nails every 2–4 weeks (if needed), more so with indoor cats.

• Check ears, eyes, and teeth for signs of issues. Provide dental treats or toys.

• Keep litter trays clean — cats can refuse dirty ones and it isn't pleasant for the humans and other animals occupying the house!

🩺 Basic Health & Vet Care

• Register with a vet early and book their first check-up and vaccinations.

• Microchip your cat if they are not already, it is required by law in the UK from June 2024. If your cat already has one, you can apply to change the details registered for it. 

• Discuss neutering/spaying with your vet; this can be beneficial in several ways, including unwanted pregancies, their behaviour and reducing certain cancers.

• Use regular flea and worm prevention; this can be purchased from your vet or online. Some options require a prescription due to the strength of the medication. Always check the guidelines for dosage and intervals. 

• Watch for signs of illness: sudden changes in eating, grooming, litter use, or behaviour. If in doubt, book a check-up with your vet, especially is relating to eating or drinking. 

Understanding Your Cat

• Cats may take time to warm up — let them come to you. Some cats LOVE a cuddle whilst others are independent, only wanting attention when they ask for it (usually feeding time!).
  

• Slow blinking is usually a sign of trust, but respect their body language and space.

• Not all cats like to be held — and that’s okay!

🌳 Should I Let My Cat Outside?

Pros:

• Natural behaviours like exploring and hunting

Cons:

• Risks from traffic, parasites, and other animals

Compromise: Create a secure garden (catio) or take your cat out on a harness and lead.

💞 Final Thoughts

Bringing home a cat is more than just providing food and toys — it’s about understanding their needs, building trust, and creating a safe and stimulating environment. With time and love, your cat will thrive, and you’ll gain a loyal (and sometimes sassy) companion for life.

✨ Check out our other blogs on cats covering these topics in more detail 🖥️