New Cat Owner Checklist

20 items · Lifestyle · Easy difficulty · 1 hour

Essential steps to prepare your home and care for your new cat.

• Cat-proof your home
• Remove or relocate toxic plants and chemicals

  Check lists for lilies, poinsettias, and common household cleaners.

• Secure cords, small objects, and trash cans

  Bundle cords, hide small items, and use lidded bins to prevent ingestion.

• Install secure window screens and lock balcony access

  Prevent falls and escapes by checking screens and locks.

• Get essential supplies
• Buy high-quality age-appropriate food and bowls

  Choose kitten or adult formulas and shallow water bowl for easy access.

• Purchase carrier, litter box, litter, and scoop

  Choose a secure carrier and a litter type your cat prefers; one box per cat plus one.

• Buy scratching post, bed, toys, grooming tools, and collar
• Set up litter box in a quiet, accessible spot

  Provide one box per cat plus one; avoid noisy appliances and high traffic areas.

• Prepare a quiet safe space for your cat's arrival

  Include bed, litter, water and a hiding spot to reduce stress.

• Register with a vet and schedule first wellness exam

  Bring any available records and plan exam within 1-2 weeks of adoption.

• Discuss vaccinations, flea/tick prevention and deworming plan with vet
• Microchip your cat and register your contact info

  Ensure the chip is registered to your current phone and address.

• Put on an ID collar with a tag that includes your phone number

  Use a breakaway collar and update tag info if details change.

• Decide indoor vs outdoor lifestyle and write household rules

  Weigh risks like traffic, predators, and local laws before deciding.

• If allowing outdoor access, plan supervised outings or build a secure catio

  Consider harness training or a fenced/meshed enclosure for safety.

• Introduce household members and pets slowly over several days

  Use scent swapping and short supervised meetings to reduce stress.

• Establish feeding, play, and litter routines and stick to them

  Consistent schedules help build trust and reduce anxiety.

• Create an emergency plan: contacts, nearest 24/7 clinic, and travel kit

  Include carrier, medical records, and basic first-aid items.

• Learn basic grooming and nail trimming; schedule professional help if needed

  Practice gently and reward your cat; get pro groomer for anxious cats.

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.