Are you looking to bring a new cat into your home? Especially if you’re a first-time cat parent, it can be challenging to figure out what you’ll need. Even people with cat experience may wonder at the new products on the market, or have trouble figuring out which cat food is best for their new fur baby.
In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide on everything you need before adopting your new cat, including some tips and tricks from someone with seven senior cats of her own!
The cost to adopt a cat varies widely. Many people adopt stray cats from the streets and don’t pay an adoption fee at all, while others pay thousands of dollars for a kitten from a breeder. If you’re adopting from a shelter or rescue, you may pay less than $20 or upwards of $100 depending on your area and if there are any specials happening at the time of adoption.
Of course, adoption fees don’t always tell the whole story. For instance, that street cat might need to be spayed or neutered, or perhaps they’re sick and immediately cost you thousands of dollars in vet bills. On the other hand, shelter cats are often vetted and spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
Then, there are lifelong costs, which will add up to thousands throughout your cat’s life even if you’re frugal. Remember that cats live for a long time–sometimes over 20 years!
Some one-time expenses to consider are your cat’s adoption fee, the cost of a spay or neuter procedure, a microchip, and initial vaccines. The cost of veterinary care varies, but you can usually get an approximate quote by calling vet clinics in your area.
There are some items that you can get away with buying once if you invest in a solid piece or are willing to replace parts over time, such as cat trees, beds, and food and water dishes. However, most people end up buying more than one of these throughout their cat’s lifetime.
If you want to take your cat outdoors safely, we highly recommend either a harness and leash or a catio (cat patio) to keep them contained. You may also choose to purchase a breakaway collar and pet ID tags in case your cat ever goes missing.
Repeat expenses can include items above such as bowls, cat furniture, and bedding. These purchases can really add up, especially if you get pulled in by cute things!
Your cat will also need replacements for their toys and any items that become too damaged to use, such as scratchers. Of course, they’ll always be in need of food and veterinary care as well.
Cats should see the veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up, or once every six months as seniors. These visits often include routine blood work, a urinalysis, stool sample, and any vaccines your cat needs. Your vet may recommend regular dental cleanings as well to keep your cat as healthy as possible.
Of course, your cat will need at least one food and one water dish. These can be made of any material, but I like to avoid plastic as it’s been known to cause chin acne in cats.
In addition to traditional bowls, consider alternatives such as:
There are pros and cons to each option, so consider trying a few to see what you and your cat like best. What’s most important is that your cat has constant access to fresh water and eats at least two to three meals a day.
Cat food is a controversial subject, made more difficult to discuss due to lack of research in the field. Here’s a quick rundown on the types of food you can feed, and the arguments for each:
The most important thing to look for when choosing a cat food is that it meets AAFCO guidelines for a balanced diet. This ensures that your cat is getting all of the nutrients they need in their meals.
The second thing to think about is feeding the right amount of food, as maintaining a healthy weight is important for your cat’s health. Frustratingly, most cat food packaging recommends overfeeding. Talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your cat to maintain a healthy weight.
The general rule when it comes to litter boxes is to have one per cat, plus one extra. This means that one cat needs two litter boxes, two cats need three, and so on.
Choose a box that’s big enough for your cat to stand inside of fully without their rear hanging out of the box. Too small, and they might miss when they go potty!
Every cat is different, but usually you’ll want to keep the litter box uncovered and avoid furniture that hides the litter box. These furniture pieces contain odor and dust, which can cause respiratory issues or cause your cat to avoid the box.
Cat litter is another product that can feel overwhelming to new cat parents, as there are so many options on the market. Most people opt for a clay clumping litter as it’s cheap and efficient. However, it also contains dust that likely isn’t great for people or cats to inhale. It’s also not very eco-friendly.
This is why some people choose more natural options, such as litter made from wooden pellets, soy, almonds, or corn. Feel free to test different brands that meet your budget to see what works best for you and your cat–but never change your cat’s litter overnight. Make the switch slowly and keep at least one box with the old litter until your cat is using the new kind regularly.
A cat carrier is a must for transporting your cat from place to place, whether you’re bringing them home for the first time or going to the vet.
There are various styles of cat carrier, from traditional soft-sided carriers to cat backpacks. Which one works best for you will come down to personal preference, though for new cat parents I highly recommend one that opens from the top! Make sure your cat can comfortably stand and turn around inside the carrier.
Leaving the carrier out for your cat to hide in and use as a bed can help build positive associations, so they don’t learn to run and hide when they see it. Fear of carriers is common because many cats learn to associate their carrier with a trip to the vet!
Cats love to perch up high and survey their “kingdom.” They also enjoy beds or perches near windows so that they can bird-watch.
Provide your cat with a variety of resting spots, from cat trees to comfy beds. Not every spot needs to be fancy, either–most cats love napping on the back of the couch or on soft throw blankets.
As you’re learning your cat’s preferences, try to provide at least one vertical and one horizontal scratcher. It can also be helpful to purchase scratchers in various materials, such as cardboard, carpet, and sisal rope.
Scratchers should be tall or long enough for your cat to stretch out completely–standing on their hind legs and stretching their front ones into the air. They should also be sturdy with a wide base.
Many people grow frustrated when their cats scratch furniture instead of their scratchers, but sometimes it’s because they don’t follow the guidelines above. For instance, a wobbly scratcher might have a cat scratching the more stable couch instead. Of course, training is also key to preventing inappropriate scratching!
Your cat should have a variety of toys to play with on their own, and some toys the two of you can play with together. Try to play with your cat at least two or three times a day for about 10-15 minutes each time.
Did you know that dental disease can cause problems with the heart, liver, and kidneys? Good dental health is essential to a cat’s overall wellbeing.
Ideally, you should purchase a toothbrush and a toothpaste made for cats, and brush your cat’s teeth once a day. Never use a human toothpaste, as it’s toxic to cats.
If you can’t brush your cat’s teeth, there are other options including dental sprays, powders you can put in your cat’s food, and dental diets that can be prescribed by your vet.
Every cat should be brushed around once a week to keep their fur healthy and looking its best. With short-haired cats, you can skip a few grooming sessions without damaging their health, but this isn’t always true for long-haired kitties.
Cats with thick, long fur may need to be brushed as often as once a day. Use a pin brush or comb and make sure to brush all the way down to the skin. This stops your cat from developing mats in their coat, which can be painful and may cause skin issues if left unchecked.
For short-haired cats, a slicker brush is usually your best option to remove dead fur, prevent hairballs, and keep their coat sleek and healthy.
Cats’ nails should be trimmed around once a month using a pair of small pet nail clippers. The scissor-style clippers usually work best, since most other types are made for dogs and can be too large.
Untrimmed cat nails can snag on carpet or furniture as they walk or knead. Your cat may scratch you without meaning to, and purposeful scratches will be deeper and more painful.
Long nails can cause pain when a cat walks and in extreme cases a cat’s claws can grow into their paw pads.
12. Pet Savings
Before adopting a cat, make sure you have enough savings to purchase the necessary supplies and to bring your cat to the vet. Depending on where you adopt, you may need to save for a spay or neuter procedure as well.
Ideally, you should also have a savings account for emergencies. Normal wellness visits typically cost a few hundred dollars, while visits for an illness or injury can cost this much or more. Emergency veterinary care is quite expensive and often costs thousands of dollars.
Another option available after you adopt your cat is pet insurance. This can save you from having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket, but make sure you know what’s covered and what isn’t before you buy.
Keep in mind that pre-existing conditions aren’t covered, so you’ll want to buy pet insurance as soon as you adopt your cat–not after they get sick.
Cat-proofing is usually free, but it’s definitely an important step to take before bringing your cat home. Cats can jump higher than you think and can reach just about anywhere!
Make sure dangerous items are well out of reach. This includes toxic houseplants, household cleaners, and anything that could pose a choking hazard. Keep food off of your countertops, and keep the floors clear.
It’s also a good idea to tuck wires out of sight or to use cord protectors, as some cats like to chew them!
Lastly, choose a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule an appointment for your new cat. Some clinics have waiting periods of over a month for new clients, so it’s best to be prepared!
Adoption can be an overwhelming experience for a cat. It’s typically best to keep them in one room until they’ve warmed up to the space and feel more comfortable around your family.
This is especially important if you have other pets in the home. Introductions should be made slowly and only after your new cat has been checked by a vet for any parasites or contagious diseases.
Here are some tips for setting up a safe space for your cat:
There’s no strict rule when it comes to how long your cat should stay in this space. Some cats are ready to explore the house right away, while others need weeks or longer to acclimate. Having other pets in the home can slow down this process considerably as well.
When it comes to interacting with your new cat, join them in their space regularly. Respect their boundaries and let them come to you, rather than forcing them into pets or cuddles. Sitting nearby and talking in a low voice is a great way to gain trust.
Here are some more tips for first-time cat parents:
We hope this guide has helped put you on the right track when it comes to what to purchase for your new cat. We’re wishing you and your fur baby a long and happy journey together!
