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New Cat Owner Checklist

Easy 20 items · 1 hour
testuser's avatar
testuser Published 4 weeks ago
Lifestyle

This checklist helps new cat owners prepare their home, gather supplies, and handle health and safety steps before and after bringing a cat home. Ideal for first-time owners, adopters, and anyone deciding indoor vs outdoor life for their cat.

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  1. Cat-proof your home
  2. Remove or relocate toxic plants and chemicals — Check lists for lilies, poinsettias, and common household cleaners.
  3. Secure cords, small objects, and trash cans — Bundle cords, hide small items, and use lidded bins to prevent ingestion.
  4. Install secure window screens and lock balcony access — Prevent falls and escapes by checking screens and locks.
  5. Get essential supplies
  6. Buy high-quality age-appropriate food and bowls — Choose kitten or adult formulas and shallow water bowl for easy access.
  7. Purchase carrier, litter box, litter, and scoop — Choose a secure carrier and a litter type your cat prefers; one box per cat plus one.
  8. Buy scratching post, bed, toys, grooming tools, and collar
  9. Set up litter box in a quiet, accessible spot — Provide one box per cat plus one; avoid noisy appliances and high traffic areas.
  10. Prepare a quiet safe space for your cat's arrival — Include bed, litter, water and a hiding spot to reduce stress.
  11. Register with a vet and schedule first wellness exam — Bring any available records and plan exam within 1-2 weeks of adoption.
  12. Discuss vaccinations, flea/tick prevention and deworming plan with vet
  13. Microchip your cat and register your contact info — Ensure the chip is registered to your current phone and address.
  14. Put on an ID collar with a tag that includes your phone number — Use a breakaway collar and update tag info if details change.
  15. Decide indoor vs outdoor lifestyle and write household rules — Weigh risks like traffic, predators, and local laws before deciding.
  16. If allowing outdoor access, plan supervised outings or build a secure catio — Consider harness training or a fenced/meshed enclosure for safety.
  17. Introduce household members and pets slowly over several days — Use scent swapping and short supervised meetings to reduce stress.
  18. Establish feeding, play, and litter routines and stick to them — Consistent schedules help build trust and reduce anxiety.
  19. Create an emergency plan: contacts, nearest 24/7 clinic, and travel kit — Include carrier, medical records, and basic first-aid items.
  20. Learn basic grooming and nail trimming; schedule professional help if needed — Practice gently and reward your cat; get pro groomer for anxious cats.
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