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Ultimate Cat Adoption Checklist: 8 Essentials & Vet-Reviewed Tips

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

woman adopting a cat

Ultimate Cat Adoption Checklist: 8 Essentials & Vet-Reviewed Tips

VET APPROVED

Dr. Luqman Javed Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Luqman Javed

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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As exciting as it is to bring home a new cat to join your family, the experience can also be somewhat stressful, and you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to ensure your feline (and you) are as comfortable as possible. There are essential items to have at the ready, beyond the basics like bedding and food, and there are other important factors to consider too.

By preparing thoroughly in advance, you can make your new cat’s transition into their new home as smooth as possible. Making sure your new cat has all the essentials and a proper introduction to your family and other pets will help ensure that everything is in order before the big day.

If you are adopting a new feline, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created this adoption checklist with all the essentials that you need to purchase, tips on preparing your home, and pointers on how to introduce your cat to your family and pets to make the process as smooth as possible for all involved.cat face divider 2

Essential Supplies for Your Cat Adoption

As with any pet, there are a few supplies to purchase to make sure your new cat is comfortable. The following are the basics to have before bringing home your new cat.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the veterinarian. We recommend contacting your veterinarian before purchasing any product from this list.

1. Bed and Bedding

a cat lying on its bed
Image Credit by: VGstockstudio, Shutterstock

Your cat will need somewhere comfortable to sleep and feel safe. Although cats will often sample and try a few different beds before settling on a favorite, it’s still a good idea to have at least one available when you first bring them home. Your cat’s bed is more than just a place to sleep; it can also be a safe sanctuary for them to have alone time and can become a place associated with comfort and safety. Cat beds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from basic sleeping mats to safe and luxurious cat caves and elevated beds.

Having a fur baby means showering them with cuddles, even if you aren’t around throughout the day. While you’re out running errands, the Hepper Nest Bed will keep your cats cuddled up and cozy.

Hepper Cat Nest - Washable Cat Bed with Removable...
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Hepper Cat Nest - Washable Cat Bed with Removable...
  • HAPPY COZY CATS - Your kitty will bask in luxurious sherpa-lined comfort while feeling warm, safe,...
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This product is too good to keep a secret! Made from flexible molded foam and a sherpa fleece insert, your cat will be wrapped in cozy goodness every time they take a nap. Click here to get yours today!

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


2. Food and water bowls

Cat-Eating-Tuna_Veera_Shutterstock-1
Image Credit by: Veera, Shutterstock

Your cat will need separate food and water bowls, preferably made from ceramic or stainless steel. Cat bowls can be as simple as you like, but there are unique options available too. Cats are often drawn to a  , as flowing water tends to pique their curiosity. There are also great automated feeders that may help with feeding your cat a small portion of food while you’re away. Of course, make sure you have good-quality food on hand too.

Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
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Choosing the right food and water bowls for our feline companions can pose certain challenges for pet owners. The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl provides a chic and innovative solution that supports cat specific needs, such as shallow bowls and a subtle elevation that fosters whisker relief, posture comfort, and improves digestion. It features an elegant contemporary design with a wide wrap-around tray aimed at minimizing any messes from ending up on your floor! Furthermore, this bowl is entirely dishwasher safe, so pet owners are able to spend more time with their cats instead of cleaning up after them. Discover why the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is right for both you and your kitty by clicking here.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

 


3. Litter tray

cat litter box
Image Credit by: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

A litter tray or box is an important item for any cat, but new cats in particular will not be going outside and need a place to safely do their personal business. There are a ton of different types of boxes and litter available, from the   trays to automated self-cleaning versions. We recommend a large box, as cats like to turn around and dig in them, and even if you only have one cat, we recommend having at least two trays for them. The total number of litter boxes that you should have at a minimum is one more than the number of cats that you have.


4. Scratching Post

cat scratching post
Image Credit: EbneRol, Shutterstock

Toys are an essential item when bringing home a new cat. They will keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated and provide a fun way to bond with your feline. There are an infinite amount of toys available, from basic ball toys to complex electronic toys.


5. Toys

Cat Toys
Image Credit: IRCat, Pixabay

Toys are an essential item when bringing home a new cat. They will keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated and provide a fun way to bond with your feline. There are an infinite amount of toys available, from the basic ball toys to complex electronic chasing toys and of course, the classic laser pointer.


6. Microchip

cat microchip getting scanned at vet
Image Credit: Lucky Business, Shutterstock

Most cats that are adopted from shelters should be microchipped, and if your cat has not yet been microchipped, we highly recommend getting the procedure done. This will help you find your cat should they get lost and will hold all their important information. A cat collar with tags is also a great idea and is a quick and simple way to identify your feline. It’s best to ensure that your cat’s collar is a breakaway type, as this offers additional safety for your cat should it ever snag onto something.


7. Grooming Equipment

domestic tabby cat rubs her head against wall mounted plastic cat self grooming brush
Image Credit: teh_z1b, Shutterstock

It’s important to give your cat regular brushing, especially breeds like Persians that have long coats, to prevent knotting and matting. The brush that you buy will largely depend on the breed of cat that you adopt and their coat type.

If you are looking for recommendations on the best cat brush, you should check out Hepper Cat Brush. You will hardly find different brush with so many pros - easy to clean, easy to use, durable and effective. Simply everything you need from a cat brush. Click here to order yours today.

Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush
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At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


8. Travel Crate

Maine coon cat in a pet carrier on the passenger seat in a car
Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock

A crate or carrier is an important item to bring home your new cat from the shelter or breeder and will be essential for vet visits too.

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Preparing Your Home

With these essentials ready, you should be able to move forward with preparing your house for your new pet.

If You Have Other Pets

As a health precaution, always quarantine a new pet away from your existing pets for a period of at least 2 weeks. During this time, ensure that you don’t share bowls, litter boxes, toys, beds, and other tools (e.g., nail clippers) among your cat and your existing pets. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after you interact with each one of your pets.

The new addition to your family might be harboring an illness that could spread to your existing pets if you rush an introduction. A period of at least 2 weeks gives you enough time to observe the newcomer to see if they develop signs of an illness.

Ensure that your veterinarian gives your new pet a thorough checkup before attempting a physical introduction with your existing pets. It is ideal to have a new cat examined by your veterinarian both at the start and end of their quarantine period.

If You Don’t Have Other Pets

Ensure that your cat will have a safe, quiet, and comfortable place where they can be by themselves. Introduce them to this area first, and try to keep them there for a day or two. Keeping them in a comfortable confined space will help prevent them from getting overwhelmed by their new environment, and they can slowly get to know you too.

Make sure they have food, water, and their litter box close by, along with their bed or travel crate and toys. Cats are curious animals, so you’ll need to make sure that there are no breakables, like glass vases, around and that the area is free from electrical cords and wires.

Once you feel like your cat is comfortable, you can start to introduce them to the rest of your home. We recommend just leaving the door open and letting your cat explore in their own time and at their own pace; you should never rush this process.

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Final Thoughts

Bringing home a new cat is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful if you are a first-time cat owner. By making sure that you have all the necessary items and that your home is ready, you can reduce this stress enormously and focus on the excitement and fun of getting to know your new feline friend.


Featured Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock

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