If you’re adding your first cat to the family — no matter their age — you probably have questions. Armed with a bit of information and inspiration, you can become a terrific cat parent.
What Supplies Do I Need for My New Cat?
Before you bring your cat home, make sure you have:
- Large Litter Box and Litter
If you have a kitten, pellet litter is often the best choice. Adult cats generally prefer a fine grain clumping litter. Find out what your new cat used in their previous home or rescue and start with the same litter. You can gradually change to a new litter over time if needed. - Food and Water Bowls
Cats prefer wide dishes, so their whiskers aren’t smashed against the edges (raised bowls can be great for this). Avoid the stands with a slot for both food and water side-by-side. Cats instinctively don’t like to have prey (or kibble) near their water source (or their litter box). Stainless steel bowls are best for water. - Hiding Spots
Even if your cat isn’t timid, they should have hiding spots available — commercial cat caves, DIY spaces with empty boxes, blankets draped over chairs, etc. - Vertical Space
All cats need the option to get up off the ground. Catwalks, shelves, and trees greatly expand their livable space and help them feel more secure. - Sleeping Spots
Cozy, safe resting and sleeping spots are important. Whether it’s a fluffy bed or just a blanket on a chair in the sunshine, make sure your cat has designated places to relax where it’s quiet and they feel secure. - Cat Food
Initially, continue feeding whatever your cat was eating before coming to your home. You can gradually transition to new food over about seven to ten days by mixing ¼ ratio of the new food to ¾ ratio of the original food for a few days, then ½ and ½, then ¾ and ¼, then to the new food completely. - Toys
Have a variety of toys available to see what your new cat responds to and how they like to play. Wand toys are perfect for simulating hunting, and furry mice they can bat around are good for self-play. Kicker toys stuffed with catnip are always a hit and battery-powered toys they can chase are lots of fun.
What Should I Feed My Cat?
What to feed your cat depends on different factors such as their age, medical issues, and general food preferences.
Whether to feed canned wet food, dry food, or a combo is something you’ll need to think about (of course, your cat may have strong opinions as well). Canned food contains more water, which is great since cats have a low thirst drive. It also has fewer carbohydrates than dry, which is beneficial. However, it can’t be left out like dry food, and it’s stinky. Dry cat foods can be left out and don’t smell as bad, but those higher carbs can lead to weight problems, especially if you aren’t measuring out exactly how much your cat should be eating each day. Your veterinarian is the perfect resource to help you decide what’s best for your cat.
Kittens need to be fed a diet specifically formulated for kittens until they are 12 months old. At that time, slowly transition to an adult diet after talking with your veterinarian.
For cats with medical issues, it’s important to feed them the appropriate prescription diet if recommended by your veterinarian.
What Vaccines Does My Cat Need?
Vaccines are important to keep your cat healthy, protect them from infectious diseases, and prevent the spread of disease.
The vaccines your new cat will need will be based on their age, what vaccines they’ve already had, and when. Young kittens need more vaccines to be fully protected compared to older kittens and cats. All kittens/cats who are not vaccinated or have an unknown vaccine status should receive vaccinations for feline panleukopenia, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline caliciviruses. FeLV testing is generally recommended prior to starting vaccination for this virus and requires a blood sample to run. All cats over 12 weeks must have a rabies vaccination depending on your state and local requirements.
Your veterinarian may also recommend vaccines that protect against feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), Chlamydophila, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The frequency of the vaccine boosters, yearly or every two or three years, will depend on the vaccine type, your cat’s lifestyle/needs, state law, and whether vaccination boosters are scheduled on time.
What Parasite Preventatives Does My Cat Need?
For parasite control to be effective and for optimal protection, all cats should receive year-round parasite protection. This includes indoor-only cats.
Do I Need to Cat-Proof My Home?
Yes! It’s always better to be safe than sorry, at least until your new cat has been around for a while and you better understand their habits. Here are some specifics to cat-proof:
- Electrical Cords
Keep your cat and your home safe by using cord covers for exposed cords. - Cleaning Products and Chemicals
Close lids tightly and keep dangerous cleaning products in a secure closet or cabinet. - Use Safety Cabinet Latches
If your curious kitty can open cabinets they shouldn’t get into, secure them with cabinet latches. - Chewing, Choking, and Ingesting Hazards
Keep small items like hair ties, cotton swabs, string, sewing needles, and twist ties out of reach.
What Kind of Play and Enrichment Does My Cat Need?
Play and enrichment are two of the most important things your cat needs to live a happy, healthy life. Remember, in the wild, cats are predators. They’re on the move, stalking and hunting, exploring, staying active. Your housecat has those same needs, and they require your help to meet them. Here are a few things to try:
- Hunting Play Sessions
Use a wand toy with a favorite lure and take your cat through their hunting sequence a few times a day. The hunting sequence includes staring, stalking/chasing, pouncing/grabbing, and the kill bite. - Self-Play Toys
Have toys and kickers your cat can play with on their own (and with you). Once a week, put some of the toys away and get out a few old toys, so they always feel like they have something new. This can spark their interest in play. - Bird Feeders
Bringing the birds to your cat’s favorite window is great enrichment. - Food Puzzles
Making your cat do a little strategic thinking for treats and meals is fantastic mental enrichment. Start with really easy food puzzles and high-value treats. You can make them more difficult over time and decrease the value of the treat as they get used to the idea. - Training
Cats can do well with clicker training, just like dogs. Teaching tricks is good for their mind and body. You can also use training to help with cooperative care like nail trimming, taking meds, and getting used to their carrier.
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