Cats make great pets, and welcoming a new cat or kitten to your home is a wonderful thing. Use our checklist to make sure their arrival is as happy and stress-free as possible for them and your family.

Where have they come from?

Firstly, understand the environment they are used to. Learning as much as possible will help you know what to expect when they arrive. Are they used to other pets, and where did they sleep? Do check their food preferences and any strong likes and dislikes. Even if you plan to change their diet over time, it’s reassuring for your new cat to start out with what they know. Plus, they are much less likely to get an upset stomach!

Start small and safe

Your new cat or kitten will thrive best in a small space. For the first few weeks, choose a room that you can set up to feel safe and enclosed. This will provide a solid base for your feline friend to settle. All cats love to have places they can hide, so consider adding cardboard boxes, crates or open cupboards. Cats like to be able to climb above ground level; it helps them to feel more in control and less threatened. You could also make it possible for them to look out of a window. New scents can be overwhelming, and your house will smell strange to them at first. If possible ask the breeder for some bedding so that initially there are some familiar smells for your kitten in their new home.

Cats are characters. Some adapt very quickly, others take longer. If your cat is stressed, you could try a natural calming spray such as Pet Remedy or Feliway.

Litter matters

For toilet arrangements, don’t expect your new cat to use a cat flap or access an outside area. It’s best to begin with a litter tray in their small space. Litter tray products vary with texture and scent, so find out what they are used to. Choosing the same brand will mean they are more likely to relax and use the tray you provide. As with their food, this can be gradually changed after they have settled in. Vets recommend a one litter tray per cat plus one extra, so if you already have a cat they should both have access to three litter trays.

Feline stimulation

It is really important to provide enrichment for your cat. This will build a bond between you and help them settle in. Enrichment can begin straight away, even within their small space. It can also be creative and fun! Why not get crafty with interactive feeders? It’s good mental stimulation; encourages them to hunt for their food; and provides exercise during a time when they are more sedentary. Cats definitely don’t like their ‘resources’ to be arranged close together. Where possible, keep water, food and litter tray a good distance apart. If space is restricted, as long as the cat or kitten is agile enough, you could even place their food or water on a shelf.

Planning for existing cats

Have a cat already? It’s important to take careful steps to integrate the new arrival. Your cat will be instantly aware of the newcomer’s presence, and you may find them displaying signs of curiosity! When you do allow them to meet, ensure that there are lots of places for each of them to hide. And do check that there is plenty of easy access to water and food, as this will prevent the development of stressful ‘guarding’ behaviour. Even if your resident cat is used to the outdoors, keep all external doors and windows shut at first, to prevent your new cat ‘disappearing’ before they’re properly settled and at home.

Check in with a vet

Keeping on top of preventable issues is vital to your cat’s long term health.

• As soon as possible, register your cat with a vet and note details of their ‘out of hours’ service in case of emergencies
• Check your cat’s vaccination and parasite control records; if any are due, make an appointment ASAP
• Make sure your cat or kitten is microchipped and registered to your name  (particularly important before they go outside). From June 2024 this will become law.
• Look into insurance for your cat. We recommend getting a cover for life (or lifetime policy) and to be insured for as much as you feel you can afford per month.
• Consider a Pet Plan with your vet– it’s cheaper for annual vaccinations and treatments and can save both money and worry
• A useful website with lots of cat-care information is www.icatcare.org

VetShack Hacks: helpful advice for animal lovers who care for their pets.