Bringing a new cat into your life is exciting—and just a little overwhelming. Whether adopting an adult cat or welcoming a playful kitten, ensuring you’re fully prepared is key to a smooth transition. To help you start off on the right paw, I’ve created the ultimate new cat checklist so you know exactly what essentials to get before your feline friend comes home.

Safe and Comfortable Living Space

Before your cat even sets paw inside your home, you’ll want to ensure they have a safe, cozy, and calm environment. Start by choosing a small, quiet space for them to adjust, like a spare room or bathroom, before introducing them to the rest of the house. This helps reduce stress during the transition period.

Some must-haves for this initial space include:

• A comfortable bed or soft blanket to curl up in.
• Food and water bowls, preferably ceramic or stainless steel (plastic can hold odors or bacteria).
• A litter box placed in a private but accessible location, along with unscented litter.

Remember to “cat-proof” your space—tuck away cords, remove toxic plants, and secure anything fragile that a curious cat might knock over. These small steps will make a big difference in helping your cat feel safe and secure.

When preparing your space, be sure to refer back to your new cat checklist to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Feeding and Hydration Needs

Feeding a new cat properly is more than just grabbing a bag of kibble from the store. Cats have specific dietary needs based on age, weight, and health status. Kittens, for example, require food that supports growth, while adult and senior cats need diets suited to their life stage.

Your feeding essentials should include:

• High-quality cat food (wet, dry, or both, depending on your cat’s needs).
• Food and water bowls (consider shallow bowls to prevent whisker fatigue).
• Water fountain (many cats prefer running water and may drink more when a fountain is available).

If you’re unsure what to feed your cat, talk to your veterinarian. They can help guide you based on your cat’s individual needs. Keep in mind that treats should only make up about 10% of your cat’s daily intake.

Making feeding time consistent and stress-free is an important item on any new cat checklist. Creating a feeding routine also helps build trust and predictability for your new feline friend.

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation

Cats are intelligent, curious creatures that need both physical and mental enrichment. Boredom can lead to behavioral issues like scratching furniture or excessive meowing. That’s why it’s essential to have toys and activities available from day one.

Here are some enrichment essentials:

• Interactive toys like wand toys, puzzle feeders, or treat balls.
• Scratching posts or cat trees to allow natural behaviors and prevent damage to furniture.
• Window perches or cat shelves so your cat can enjoy birdwatching and sunshine.

Playtime doesn’t just keep your cat entertained—it’s a great way to bond and build a positive relationship. Be sure to schedule daily interactive play sessions to keep your cat happy and healthy.

A well-rounded new cat checklist always includes plenty of enrichment tools to help your cat stay mentally sharp and physically active.

Health and Grooming Basics

Finally, no cat care routine is complete without attention to health and hygiene. Even indoor cats require basic care to ensure long-term wellness.

Your health essentials should include:

• A veterinarian appointment within the first week of adoption for a wellness check.
• A carrier for safe travel to and from the vet.
• Nail clippers and a brush or comb appropriate for your cat’s coat type.
• Flea prevention and other medications as recommended by your vet.

While cats are generally clean animals, regular grooming reduces shedding and helps you spot any skin issues early. Nail trimming also keeps them comfortable and prevents scratching injuries.

Including health-related items in your new cat checklist is a vital part of responsible pet ownership.

Conclusion: Are You Ready to Welcome Your New Cat?

Welcoming a new feline family member is both joyful and a little nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. From setting up a cozy space to providing toys, food, and health essentials, a complete new cat checklist ensures you’re ready for every whisker and purr.

Now that you know what to include, I’d love to hear from you: What item did you find most helpful when bringing home your cat? Or is there something you wish you’d known sooner? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to connect!