Top Tips for New Cat Owners: Simple, Practical Advice for Happy Cats and Calm Homes

When you take a cat home for the first time, one of your biggest concerns might be that the cat won’t be happy. You have never looked after a cat before, and you might not get it right. Most new-owner problems come from stress and poor setup, not “bad behaviour”.

When you search for top tips for new cat owners, the main goal should be a calm first week. This means creating a safe space for the cat, establishing a routine at home, and taking care of its basic health needs like food and water.

In this guide, we will offer some essential insights into things like vet timing, litter rules, and feeding basics. Get off on the right paw with your new pet and lay the foundation for a beautiful connection.

Tip #1 - Set Up a “Safe Room” Before Your Cat Arrives

Cats need a space in their home that they consider to be safe - a quiet room where they can go to decompress. Getting this ready before the cat arrives can be beneficial as it might help reduce overwhelm, prevent the cat from bolting, and support litter training (if needed).

Here are the things you should put inside your safe room:

• Food and water: Ideally keep them separate from each other to avoid cross-contamination.

• Litter tray: Put this somewhere quiet, away from both the food and the water.

• Bed/blanket: Position this in a warm, quiet corner.

• Hiding options: Cats like to hide, especially when they are anxious or stressed. A box, a covered bed, or space under a chair can work for this. It is also important to include a high perch somewhere.

• Scratching post and toys: These are excellent for a cat’s enrichment and to help them unwind.

Let the cat explore at its own speed when it arrives. Never force interaction - your cat will do what it wants to do.

First 24 Hours: Dos and Don’ts

Here is a simple table that gives you directions on what to do and what not to do:

Tip #2 - Buy the Right Basics (and Don’t Overbuy)

If you are preparing to shop for the essentials your cat will need when it arrives, it can help to know exactly what you’ll need. Here are our top tips for your new cat:

• Food

• Water bowls

• Carrier

• Litter try, litter and a scoop

• Scratching post

• Brush/comb

• Toys

• Bed/blanket

For key resources like litter trays, beds, and scratching posts, it’s a good rule of thumb to buy one per cat, plus one extra. If you have a multi-level home, we recommend that you have at least one litter tray per floor.

The litter tray should be placed in a quiet, accessible spot away from food and water. Position the bowls in a low-traffic area and remember that some cats prefer their water to be away from their food.

Tip #3 - Sort the Vet & Health Admin Early

Most people will advise you to book a checkup with your local vet soon after arrival. This will give them the opportunity to carry out a baseline exam and offer some tailored advice for your new animal.

There are various preventative care measures to take early on:

• Vaccinations: The kitten schedule is staged at 8-9 weeks old.

• Flea and worm prevention: This may seem unnecessary until you get problems with fleas or worms!

• Microchipping: Kittens must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they are 20 weeks old.

Neutering/spaying: These are important for helping control your cat’s behaviour and also preventing any unwanted pregnancies.

Some guidance recommends that you spay or neuter a cat by about 5 months old - some even encourage you to do it as young as 4 months, or a little older at 6-8 months. We urge you to seek advice from your vet to know what timing applies to your cat.

Pet Insurance: When to Think About It

Not everyone takes out pet insurance, but accidents and illness can be expensive. Many owners choose to get insurance early to ensure they are covered, and there are some very affordable packages available.

It is always best to get it set up before problems appear to ensure coverage and the best possible premiums.

Tip #4 - Feeding Basics: Keep it Simple and Avoid Common Mistakes

You are likely to get the best results if you keep your cat on the same food it’s used to at the beginning. If you want to change it, do it gradually to ensure your cat makes the transition. Learn how many cups of food you should give your cat to ensure the optimal calories.

If you want to introduce treats for your new cat, be aware that treats should be no more than 5-10% of the daily calorie allowance. Aim to always keep fresh water available and be advised that many cats drink better when water bowls are placed away from food.

There are a few things to avoid here:

• Don’t free-feed a brand new cat if it triggers overeating. We recommend that you set meal times and make that a routine.

• Avoid risky human foods. If you are considering using baby food to tempt appetite, look out for toxic ingredients like onion or garlic powder.

If you notice that you cat won’t eat, or it seems to be displaying other symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, it is always best to call your vet immediately.

Tip #5 - Nail, Coat and “Home Care” Routines

This is another thing that many cat owners deem unnecessary, but it can offer a big payoff for minimal effort. All you need is a little consistency and you can bond with your cat and help them feel comfortable and happy:

• Brushing: Regular brushing reduces shedding and hairballs. Brushing frequency should depend on coat length - more brushing for longer coats.

• Nail trims: There are different schools of thoughts about whether this is necessary. If you want to do it, we recommend that you trim your cat’s nails every 2-3 weeks.

• Handling basics: If you want to pick your cat up, always do so with support under its body. Don’t lift by the scruff or the front legs, as this can hurt.

If you start these things early and gently, you will probably find that care is easier later on as your cat will be used to that type of handling.

Tip #6 - Litter Box Success: the Fastest Way to Prevent “Problem Behaviour”

It is quite common for people to make mistakes with litter boxes that lead to issues like urinating outside the tray. Get the fundamentals right from the start and you are less likely to have this problem. Here are some top tips for new cat owners:

• Place the litter tray in a quiet, accessible location. Consistency is important to avoid moving it repeatedly.

• Scoop daily and do a regular full clean - perhaps once a week.

• Avoid harsh cleaners like ammonia or heavily perfumed chemicals as these can repel cats.

It’s worth repeating the basic litter tray rules here: have one tray per cat and one extra, and ensure there is at least one on every floor of your house. If your cat stops using the tray, look for reasons that relate to comfort or anxiety, then call the vet if you can’t fix it.

Tip #7 - Scratching is Normal: Redirect It, Don’t Punish It

There are several reasons why cats scratch. It can be to mark territory, to maintain their claws, or simply just to stretch after a long nap! This is why we introduce scratching posts and pads into the home - otherwise, they claw at carpets, sofas, curtains and more.

A stable scratch post is always best. A height of at least 3 feet (about 90 cm) is ideal to allow them to fully stretch when they use it. We recommend that you place scratchers near sleeping areas and “hot spots” where you have already seen them scratching as this will maximise the chances of success.

You may be able to train your cat to use its scratch post. Offer them a reward when they use it and use deterrents on forbidden spots like the side of the sofa. Good ideas for this include:

• Double-sided tape (cats don’t like the sticky sensation on their paws)

• Protective covers

Tip #8 - Introductions to Other Pets: Take it Slow

Cats can be very cautious with other animals as they are territorial and often perceive others as a threat. When you first introduce a cat to your other pets, there are several tips that might help make it a little easier:

1. Start by keeping them apart: Let them become familiar with each other through scent swapping (exchanging blankets) before they make visual contact.

2. Introduce short, supervised meetings: Do this in a quiet environment and only when both animals are in a calm state.

3. Ensure multiple resources: If you provide enough food, water, litter and beds for all your pets, they are less likely to feel the need to compete for them.

Of course, there are certain red flags in this scenario. If the new cat starts growling, hiding or chasing the other pet, this is a sign that you need to slow down and roll back to distance-based steps. With patience and perseverance, your new cat will eventually learn to tolerate and even like your other pets.

Tip #9 - Help Your Cat Settle In (and Keep Stress Low)

When a cat is new to your home, there are certain things you should expect. They will likely be in a state of anxiety, so cautious behaviour is normal during the adjustment period. Things like hiding, reduced appetite and avoiding contact are perfectly natural to begin with.

Routine is the key to helping your cat work through the early anxieties. When you establish consistent feeding and play times, the animal will begin to feel more secure. It also helps if your family has consistent routines, particularly in these early stages.

If you need a little extra calming support, many people have good things to say about pheromone diffusers. This might be something worth trying if your cat is struggling to make the adjustment.

Tip #10 - Outdoor Access: Don’t Rush It

It is generally recommended that you keep your new cat indoors for at least 2 weeks so it can settle in and bond before it goes outside for the first time. If you do intend to let your cat roam outside, don’t do so until it has been fully vaccinated. Ideally, it would also be neutered and microchipped before venturing outdoors.

When you start letting your cat out, do it gradually and at quiet times. Consider cat flap training early to enable consistent access to the outside.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Tips for New Cat Owners

How long does it take a new cat to settle?

Generally speaking, it takes cats a few days up to two weeks to settle. With some timid cats, it might take longer - you will need to gauge it for yourself.

Should I let my new cat hide?

Yes, this is important for cats to feel safe. Don’t force interaction - your new cat will come and explore when it feels safe and ready.

When do I call the vet if I am concerned about my new cat?

If you notice behaviours like being unwell, not eating, being lethargic, vomiting/diarrhoea or changes in litter box habits, it is a good idea to call the vet.