Are you adopting a cat for the first time? Congrats! Once you bring a cat into your home, your life will never be the same again—in a good way!

Seriously, once you become a cat parent, you’ll wonder, ‘Why did I not get a cat before?’

Cats fill our homes with unconditional love. With a fluffy kitty by your side, you’ll never again experience loneliness – or privacy for that matter!

However, while cats undoubtedly enrich our lives, the decision to adopt one should never be taken lightly.

There are many things to consider beforehand and lots to do to prepare.

But fret not; I’ve condensed it all into one guide so that you can ensure your new cat has a smooth and stress-free transition into its new home!

What To Consider When Adopting A Cat For The First Time

I get it; it’s easy to see a Facebook post about a cute cat needing a home and feel your heartstrings tugging.

But if you’ve never cared for a cat before, this is NOT a decision you should make lightly.

Sure, cats are easier to care for than dogs. But this doesn’t mean they are totally self-sufficient.

Cats require A LOT of attention in the form of playtime, affection, and, of course, treats!

Moreover, their personality and age will determine how much attention they need, so you should consider the following…

Should I Adopt A Kitten Or A Cat?

Adopting a kitten is very different from adopting an older cat.

Kittens are highly energetic and require lots of interactive play.

Conversely, older cats generally have a calmer energy and prefer to sleep more and play less.

So think about which you would prefer.

If you have children, a playful kitten may be a better match.

But if you lead a busy life or work from home, having a chilled older cat to keep you company could be an ideal fit.

Another thing to consider is that adult cats have a harder time getting adopted, as most people want kittens.

Kittens typically get adopted quickly, but by adopting an older cat, you could save it from spending the rest of its life in a shelter or on the streets!

Cats are also a lifetime commitment. If you adopt a kitten, remember that cats can live up to 17+ years, so you must carefully consider your short- and long-term plans.

Is It OK To Adopt One Kitten?

In most cases, no.

Here’s why..

Adult cats are usually content as solo pets. However, solo kittens often struggle due to single kitten syndrome.

Kittens learn how to interact appropriately through playing with their siblings and mother. So, when you adopt only one kitten, they no longer have these crucial socialization experiences.

As a result, they might develop behavioral problems, such as biting too hard or playing aggressively.

Single kittens are also much more prone to boredom and loneliness and require much more attention. Caring for two kittens rather than one is much easier, as they keep us each company rather than pestering you.

Considering this, if you decide to adopt a kitten rather than an adult cat, two is certainly better and easier than one!

Other First-Time Cat Owner Considerations

Here are some other essential questions you should ask yourself if you’re planning to adopt a cat for the first time:

• Do you have enough time to give a cat the care and attention they need?
• Can you comfortably cover the costs of having a cat? (vet bills, food, etc.)
• If you are renting, does your landlord allow pets?
• Is everyone in the household on board with the idea of adopting a cat?
• Do you currently have any other pets? How will they react to a cat?
• Do you travel often? If so, how will you ensure the cat continues to have its needs met?
• If you move to a new city/country in the future, are you prepared to take the cat with you?

Adopting a cat for the first time is a decision you should never rush. So, spend a few days or weeks reflecting on these questions and discussing them with others in the household.

If, after doing so, you still feel that adopting a cat is practical and what you really want, then yay!

Let’s discuss what you must prepare before bringing your cute new kitty home…

Preparing To Adopt A Cat

Even if you’ve already found your dream kitty, I suggest you wait a day or two before picking them up.

Why?

If you’re adopting a cat for the first time, your home won’t be cat-friendly yet.

You will need some time to source everything your new kitty needs and set up a welcoming space.

So, what do you need when you first get a cat?

Cat Adoption Checklist

Here are 10 things your cat needs to settle well into your home:

Bringing Your New Cat Home

Now that you have all your supplies, what is the first thing you should do when you bring a cat home?

It is best to introduce your new cat to one room only initially.

As it takes time for cats to get used to new environments, the more you can minimize the space, the less overwhelming it will be for them.

For your cat’s ‘base camp,’ choose a quiet room where no people constantly come and go. A bathroom or spare room is ideal.

Before bringing your new cat home, set up base camp with the above supplies.

When you arrive home, bring your kitty straight to this room and open their carrier, but let them come out of it in their own time.

Once your kitty emerges from the carrier, maintain calm energy as she explores her new surroundings. Avoid trying to play with her immediately, as she needs some time to find her bearings.

If your cat seems scared and tries to hide, know that this is totally normal. If this happens, give them some time alone to decompress. After an hour or two, come back to the room and sit calmly with them, giving them the opportunity to interact.

At this point, you can give them their first meal or a treat, but be aware that they may not feel comfortable enough to eat yet.

For the first night with your adopted cat, I recommend keeping them in the designated room rather than bringing them into your bedroom.

You might be excited for your new cat to sleep on your bed, but consider it from the kitty’s perspective.

She doesn’t know or trust you yet and is still getting familiar with the environment. Forcing your new cat to sleep in the bedroom with you on the first night could create more stress and overwhelm her. 

Don’t worry; there will be plenty of time for bedtime snuggles!

Helping Your New Cat Settle In

Remember that every cat is different. Some cats immediately settle into their new homes, while others take days or weeks.

It is also normal for a cat not to eat or play for the first few days. Likewise, they might not use the litter tray for the first 24 hours.

If your kitty is scared and unsure whether she can trust you, she will likely seek out hiding spots.

For the first few days, don’t try to drag her out of her hiding spot. Instead, use treats, food, and toys to entice her out. The idea is to show her that it is safe enough for her to come out.

Once your new cat is no longer hiding and seems comfortable, leave the door to her room open, allowing her to explore the rest of the house.

Remember that feeding and playing are two key ways we bond with cats.

So, schedule plenty of time for playing and try different cat toys to see which ones she likes the most.

If there are others in the house, ensure they spend time playing with the new cat, too, so that she learns to trust everyone rather than just you.

Even if your new cat is interacting well and exploring the rest of the house, I recommend you keep their ‘basecamp’ set up for at least one week. 

Your kitty is still getting used to the many household noises and movements. Likely, she will occasionally get scared by something and run back to base camp, which she now associates as her safe space.

Final Thoughts On Adopting A Cat For The First Time

Patience is key when adopting a cat for the first time (or anytime, for that matter).

Your new kitty might settle in straight away, or she might need some time to understand that she can trust you before she warms up to you.

So take things at your new cat’s pace, encouraging but not forcing her to interact. It will be worth the wait, I promise!