Bringing home a new cat for the very first time is an exciting experience.  This first-time cat owner checklist breaks down everything you need to know to have a successful homing experience. 

There are crucial things that a cat needs in her daily life to be happy and healthy.  I explored these topics to come up with a list of the most important things that you will need to take care of before bringing your new friend home.  Having extensive experience in adopting cats, I know these are critical to bringing a cat home. 

Your cat will need you to provide several things.  Food is perhaps the most important thing that you will provide for your cat.  There are several important factors to consider when selecting her food.  Food and water bowls also need to be selected.  A litter box will need to be set up in a location that is acceptable to your cat. 

You will also need to supply cat toys and scratching posts.  Stimulation is key to keeping your cat happy and your furniture intact.   

Veterinary care will need to be obtained.  You will need to verify that your cat is in good health and has all her vaccinations.  You will also need a good cat carrier for the trips to the office. 

We are going to explore all of these in detail.  Check out the suggested shopping list at the end of this article. 

New Cat Checklist 

There are several important things to consider when you are adopting a cat for the first time.  You will want to make sure that you have everything ready for when you bring your new friend home.  You will have to prepare things like her food, litter box, toys, and her first veterinary visit. 

Food 

Perhaps one of the first things you will need to consider before bringing your new baby home is what you are going to feed her.  It’s best to maintain the same diet she’s been on so be sure to ask questions of the previous owner or shelter.   

If your cat has unknown origins or you are interested in slowly changing her diet, start with some of these basic food facts.  Cats’ basic nutritional needs include protein (meat, fish, or poultry), taurine, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fatty acids, and water.   

Cats do not need carbohydrates, but they are used as fillers in both wet and dry foods.  While preservatives are a necessary ingredient of wet food, it should never be left out for any amount of time other than when your cat is eating it. 

Cheaper brands may end up costing you more in the long run than premium brands.  Cats will eat as much food as they need to in order to get the nutrients they need.  Cheaper foods are filled with carbohydrates and have fewer nutrients so your cat may end up eating double what she would compared to a premium brand.  In the end, this may result in medical problems and costly veterinarian bills. 

When reading the label, you should look for a named protein source instead of the word “meat.”  Protein should also be the first ingredient in canned food.  You should look for the statement saying the food is compliant with AAFCO’s standards for the food being complete and balanced. 

You should avoid foods with by-products, chemical preservatives, cornmeal as a filler, and excess carbohydrates.   

Food and Water Bowls 

You will need to supply food and water bowls for your new cat.  You will want to make sure they are non-lead-glazed ceramic or stainless steel.  Plastic bowls are not advised because they can be easily scratched and harbor bacteria.   

A lot of cats enjoy running water.  If your cat is one of them, you may consider investing in a water fountain.  This way, your cat will constantly have access to fresh running water. 

Automatic feeders and waterers are also an option if you plan to be away for a few days.  They will keep your cat supplied with food and water while you are gone. 

Cat Carrier 

One of the most important purchases you will make for your new cat is her carrier.  You cannot transport her to and from the veterinarian without a carrier.  You will want to introduce her to the carrier before the appointment, rewarding her for any time she spends in the carrier on her own. 

Toys and Scratching Posts 

Cats need a lot of stimulation, or they may turn on your furniture to release their frustration.  For this reason, it is important to make sure they have enough toys and scratching posts to keep them busy.   

Playing with your cat gives you a great opportunity to bond with her.  This time offers her an outlet for her energy while giving her mental and physical stimulation.  Cats respond well to play sessions involving a variety of toys. 

Scratching posts are necessary for your home if you value your furniture.  Your cat will scratch whether you approve so you will need to offer her something she is allowed to scratch.  Some scratching posts come with catnip in them to attract your cat. 

Litter Box and Litter 

Your adult kitty will need a high-sided litter pan to contain the litter as she throws it around.  The general rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat plus one more.  This is because some cats do not like to use the same litter box to urinate and defecate.  If you have multiple cats, you may run into a situation where one of them does not want to share a litter box.   

If you do not have enough litter boxes, you can run into behavioral problems.  You may have a cat who begins to spray or soil outside of the litter box.  Both are hard habits to break once they start. 

Make sure you place the litter box in an appropriate location.  Your cat will want privacy and security.  She will need her box in a location where she knows she is not going to be ambushed.  It will also need to be away from her food dishes.  You will want to avoid putting it in a location where she will have to go up or downstairs as this can result in litter box avoidance.   

Make a Veterinarian Appointment 

Since your cat is new to your family, you will want to take her to your veterinarian and have her examined.  If you do not have a record of vaccinations and negative test results for various diseases and conditions, you will need to take her as soon as possible, especially if you have other cats. If you adopted a cat that is not spayed, you will want to set up an appointment for the operation as well.   

First-time Kitten Owner Checklist  

Adopting a kitten has many of the same requirements as adopting an adult cat but there are some slight changes.  Just like bringing home an adult cat, you will have to prepare her food, litter box, toys and scratching posts, and her first veterinary appointment.  Additionally, don’t forget the carrier. 

Food 

Kittens need more fats and proteins than adult cats.  When shopping for their food, you should look for the AAFCO animal-feeding tested statement “for all life stages” as well as “Complete and Balanced Nutrition” on the label.   

There are also foods developed specifically for kittens.  These foods are highly digestible and nutrient-dense.   

Kittens 8 weeks and up can handle dry food.  However, canned food is better for them. 

Litter and Litter Box 

Because kittens are so small, they will need a litter box with lower sides that they can easily climb into.  If they must struggle to get into the litter box, you will have a lot more messes to clean up. 

Kitten-Proof Your Home 

Several steps need to be taken to kitten-proof your home.  You will need to remove all toxic plants that your new kitten may want to chew on.  Medications should all be put up, especially Tylenol, ADD medication, and birth control, which are some of the most common causes of poisoning in cats.  Tight-fitting screens will need to be installed in all non-ground-floor windows to prevent inquisitive kittens from falling out.  

Make sure to offer enough scratching posts and toys to keep your kitten entertained.  This will prevent damage to your furniture and home. 

Making a Veterinarian Appointment 

Your kitten will need to visit the veterinarian as soon as possible.  She will need to receive her vaccinations and be scheduled for her spaying operation.  For her safety, microchipping should also be considered.   

What Do You Need to Own a Cat? 

Once you have chosen the cat or kitten you are adopting, you have some shopping to do.  Here is a list of the most common items you will need to bring your new friend home: 

• Food and water bowls
• Food 
• Litter box and scoop 
• Kitty litter 
• Absorbent paper towels 
• Non-toxic cleaner 
• Scrub brush and sponges 
• Enzymatic odor neutralizer 
• Collar 
• ID tag with your phone number 
• Hard plastic carrier
• Nail clippers 
• Brush or comb 
• First aid kit 
• Cat bed 
• Scratching post 
• Catnip toys 

Enjoy Your New Cat or Kitten

Bringing home a cat or kitten for the first time can be a very exciting experience.  However, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with this event.   

You must make sure you have all the things your new cat will need to be healthy and happy.  You will have to select food; food and water bowls; litter and a litter box; toys and scratchers; and a veterinarian.  If you bring home a kitten, you will have to kitten-proof your home. 

While it is very rewarding to adopt a cat, it is important to follow the first-time cat owner checklist to make sure that you have taken care of everything you need to do for your new friend.