10 Things to Have Prepared at Home Before You Bring Home a Newly Adopted Cat

May 20, 2024

Bringing home a newly adopted cat is an exciting experience, but just like any big life change, it’s important to be well-prepared. Before your new feline friend walks through the door, you’ll want to ensure that your home is ready to help them feel safe, comfortable, and welcome. Below are 10 essential items to have in place to make your cat’s transition to their forever home smooth and stress-free.

1. A Safe and Comfortable Space

Cats, especially new ones, can feel overwhelmed when placed in a new environment. It’s essential to create a small, quiet space where they can acclimate at their own pace. This could be a spare bedroom, bathroom, or a cozy corner of your living room. Ensure the space includes:

A soft bed or blanket for them to rest on.
Plenty of hiding spots (like cardboard boxes) where they can retreat if they feel nervous.
Calm, low lighting, and minimal noise to keep stress levels down.

This “safe room” allows your new cat to feel secure as they adjust to their new home. You can gradually give them access to more areas once they’re comfortable.

2. Food and Water Bowls

Cats are creatures of habit, and they appreciate consistency, especially when it comes to feeding. You’ll want to have two bowls ready: one for food and one for fresh water. Look for bowls that are:

Shallow and wide: This helps prevent whisker fatigue, a condition where cats get stressed by their whiskers touching the sides of deep bowls.
Stainless steel or ceramic: These materials are easy to clean and don’t harbor bacteria as plastic can.
Placed in a quiet location: Cats prefer to eat in peaceful areas, away from heavy foot traffic or loud noises.

Make sure to ask the adoption center what food the cat is used to, as sudden changes in diet can upset their stomach.

3. Litter Box and Litter

One of the first things your new cat will need is a clean, accessible litter box. It’s a good idea to start with the same type of litter they’re used to from the adoption center to prevent accidents. Here are a few tips for the litter box setup:

Size: Choose a litter box that’s large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around in. If you’re adopting a kitten, start with a smaller box and upgrade as they grow.
Location: Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area where your cat will have privacy. Avoid placing it near their food and water.
Type of litter: Use unscented clumping litter to make scooping easy and to avoid overwhelming your cat with strong fragrances.

Having at least one litter box per cat is essential, and if you live in a multi-level home, consider placing one box on each level.

4. Cat Bed or Blanket

Every cat needs a cozy spot to nap—after all, they sleep up to 16 hours a day! You’ll want to provide them with a comfortable bed or soft blanket where they can relax and feel safe. Here are some tips for creating the perfect sleeping space:

Choose a warm, plush bed: Cats love soft, warm places. Consider getting a bed with raised sides for added security.
Place it in their safe space: Initially, place the bed in the quiet area where your cat will be spending most of their time.
Washable materials: Choose a bed with a removable, washable cover for easy cleaning.

Over time, your cat may decide to claim certain furniture or spots in the house as their go-to nap area, but having a designated bed gives them a special place that’s all their own.

5. High-Quality Cat Food

Your new cat will need proper nutrition to thrive, so be sure to have high-quality cat food ready before they arrive. Ask the adoption center what type of food they’ve been feeding the cat, and consider sticking with the same brand and formula for a few weeks to avoid digestive issues. If you plan to switch their food, do so gradually by mixing the new food with the old over several days.

Look for food that is:

Age-appropriate: Kittens, adults, and senior cats all have different dietary needs.
Nutritionally balanced: Ensure the food is rich in protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Free of fillers: Avoid cat food with unnecessary fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which provide little nutritional value.

6. Scratching Posts or Pads

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and providing appropriate places for them to scratch will help save your furniture from damage. Make sure to have at least one scratching post or pad ready. Consider these features when selecting one:

Stability: Cats prefer sturdy scratching posts that don’t wobble.
Height: Choose a post tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out while scratching.
Material: Sisal rope, carpet, or cardboard are popular materials for scratching posts.

Place the scratching post in a common area or near their bed so they can use it after waking up—cats love to stretch and scratch after a nap.

7. Interactive Cat Toys

Cats need mental stimulation and physical exercise, especially in a new environment. Have a variety of toys on hand to engage their curiosity and playfulness. Some popular choices include:

Wand toys: Great for interactive play with you, encouraging your cat to jump, pounce, and chase.
Balls or small plush toys: Cats often enjoy batting these around on their own.
Catnip toys: Many cats go wild for catnip, and it can help them relax and enjoy their new surroundings.

Rotate toys regularly to keep your cat interested, and always supervise playtime with string toys to avoid any choking hazards.

8. Cat Carrier

Even after adoption, you’ll need a reliable carrier to transport your cat to the vet or if you travel. Ensure you have a sturdy and comfortable cat carrier ready before bringing your new pet home. Here’s what to look for in a carrier:

Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided carriers offer more protection, while soft-sided ones are often lighter and easier to store.
Ventilation: Ensure the carrier has good airflow.
Comfortable bedding: Place a soft blanket or towel inside to make the trip more comfortable for your cat.

Introduce your cat to the carrier early by leaving it open and accessible in their safe space, so they can explore it at their own pace.

9. Grooming Supplies

Even if your new cat is short-haired, having basic grooming supplies is a must to keep their coat healthy and prevent shedding around the house. Here’s what you’ll need:

Brush or comb: Cats generally enjoy being brushed, and it helps to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs.
Nail clippers: Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed is essential to avoid painful overgrowth and reduce scratching damage to furniture.
Cat-friendly shampoo (optional): Cats typically groom themselves, but a bath might be necessary in rare cases. Use a gentle, cat-specific shampoo if needed.

Regular grooming sessions also help you bond with your new cat while keeping them looking and feeling their best.

10. Identification and Microchip Information

To keep your new pet safe, it’s crucial to have identification in place as soon as possible. If your cat isn’t microchipped yet, consider having it done at your first vet visit. In addition, make sure they have a collar and ID tag with your contact information. Here’s why identification is important:

Microchip: A microchip provides permanent identification that can help reunite you with your cat if they get lost.
ID Tag: Even if your cat is an indoor cat, an ID tag is a simple yet effective way for someone to contact you if your cat escapes.

Remember, safety is key to ensuring a long and happy life with your new furry friend.

Set Your Home Up for Success

Adopting a cat is a joyful experience, but it’s important to make sure you have all the essential items prepared in advance. By setting up a safe space, providing comfortable bedding, stocking up on food and supplies, and creating an engaging environment, you’ll help your new feline companion adjust smoothly and quickly. With everything ready to go, all that’s left is to welcome your new cat home and enjoy the start of your new adventure together!

FAQs

1. Should I keep my new cat in one room at first?

Yes, confining your new cat to one room initially helps them adjust to their new surroundings without feeling overwhelmed. Gradually allow them to explore more areas of the home as they become comfortable.

2. What type of cat food should I start with?

Begin with the food the cat was eating at the shelter to avoid digestive issues. If you plan to switch, do so gradually by mixing the new food with the old over a period of 7-10 days.

3. How many scratching posts should I have?

Ideally, you should have at least one scratching post for each cat in your home, and placing them in different areas where your cat spends time is beneficial.

4. How can I help my new cat feel less anxious in their new home?

Provide a quiet, calm space for them to retreat to, and avoid overwhelming them with too much attention at once. Let them come to you when they feel ready.

5. When should I take my new cat to the vet?

Schedule a vet appointment within the first week of bringing your new cat home to ensure they are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. This initial visit will also allow you to discuss preventative care, microchipping, and any specific health concerns related to their breed or age.

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