Beginner’s Guide to Owning a Cat: You’ve Decided to Get a Cat, Now What?
Congratulations! You’ve made the wonderful decision to welcome a cat into your life. But once the excitement settles, a big question pops up: now what do you do? From choosing your new best friend to setting up your home, here is everything you need to know to transition smoothly into cat parenthood.
Buying vs. Adopting
Once you’ve decided to get a cat, the next step is figuring out how. There are two primary routes to acquiring your new fur baby: buying from a breeder or adopting from a rescue.
First, ask yourself: What kind of cat do you want?
Option 1: Buying from a Breeder
If you are looking for a specific breed (like a Siamese, Maine Coon, or Ragdoll) or a show-quality cat, it is best to go through a breeder. Because breeders come in all shapes and sizes, doing your research to find a reputable, ethical one is critical.
Great places to start your research include:
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The Canadian Cat Association (CCA): Excellent for searching specific breeds within Canada.
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The International Cat Association (TICA): Offers photos of different breeds and listings for local cat clubs.
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Kitty Sites: A directory that breaks down breeders by location and lists the most popular breeds.
Option 2: Adopting from a Rescue
If you are simply looking for a loving companion, adoption is a fantastic route. Just like with breeders, you want to ensure the rescue organization is reputable.
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Policies and Procedures: Check the rescue’s policies before applying. Some shelters spay or neuter kittens before they go to their forever homes, while others provide a voucher to have it done at a later date depending on the cat’s age and health.
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Age Groups: Rescues have cats of all ages, from tiny kittens to wise seniors. While kittens are naturally popular, adopting an older cat can be incredibly rewarding.
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Special Needs Cats: Sadly, some amazing cats with medical or behavioral needs are surrendered because their owners can no longer afford their care. If you have the heart and resources for a special needs cat, let the rescue know. It is a truly fulfilling experience.
Looking for a rescue in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)? Try searching “cat rescue near me” on Google, or check out these fantastic local organizations:
Cat Essentials: What Do They Need?
Now that your cat is on their way home, it’s time to prep the essentials.
1. The Vet
Most kitties will come to you having already been checked out by a vet. Does this mean you don’t need to find one? Wrong! Cats require regular checkups to establish a health baseline and stay up-to-date on necessary vaccinations.
💡 Tip: Not sure how to choose a vet? Check out the College of Veterinarians website—it is chalked full of great information and local registries.
2. Food
Find out exactly what food your cat is eating before they come home so you can purchase the exact same brand. If you want to switch their diet, do so gradually over a week or two. Changing food too quickly can cause digestive upset—which is no fun for you or your cat! Don’t forget to grab a food bowl and designate a quiet, permanent feeding space in your home.
3. Water
While cats aren’t famous for loving water, staying hydrated is crucial.
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location Matters: It is highly recommended to place the water dish away from their food dish, as cats instinctively dislike drinking near their “prey.”
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Try a Fountain: If your cat ignores their water bowl, try an automatic water fountain. The continuous flow of moving water entices many cats to drink more.
4. Scratching Posts
Scratching is a vital, natural behavior. When a cat scratches, they are stretching, shedding old nail sheaths, and releasing pheromones to mark their territory, which helps them feel safe. Invest in a sturdy scratching post. Finding your cat’s specific preference (vertical vs. horizontal, sisal rope vs. cardboard) might take some trial and error, but your furniture will thank you!
5. Grooming Tools
Cats shed fur, and they often need a little help managing it.
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Brushing: Regular brushing prevents matting and is an excellent way to bond. Choose a brush geared toward your cat’s specific coat length.
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Nail Trimming: When trimming nails, only snip the very sharp tip. Avoid the “quick”—the pink part of the nail containing blood vessels. Snipping the quick causes bleeding and pain, and cats have excellent memories! If you’re nervous, ask your vet to demonstrate the technique or look up tutorials on YouTube.
6. Engagement & Toys
Cats of all ages need mental and physical stimulation. Because they are natural hunters, they love chasing strings, feathers, laser pointers, and anything that moves. You can buy toys at your local pet store, or if you’re a DIYer, you can easily craft homemade toys out of crinkly paper and cardboard boxes.
7. A Reliable Cat Sitter
If you travel, you need a plan for your fur baby. Will they travel with you, or will you hire a professional? If you need help figuring out the best care option while you’re away, check out Cat Sitter Toronto Inc.’s Ebook on how to choose the perfect pet sitter. Ready to book with us? Click here to get the process started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take for a new cat to adjust to my home?
A: Every cat is different! Some bold cats feel at home within a few hours, while more timid cats might hide for a few weeks. A good rule of thumb is the 3-3-3 rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine, and 3 months to truly feel secure and let their full personality shine.
Q: Where should I put the litter box?
A: Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area where your cat won’t be startled by loud appliances (like the washing machine) or trapped by other pets. Keep it well away from their food and water bowls.
Q: How often should I feed my cat?
A: Kittens generally need to be fed 3 to 4 times a day because of their rapid growth. Adult cats do well with twice-daily feedings (morning and night). Consult your veterinarian to determine the right portion sizes and schedule based on your cat’s weight and age.
Q: Is it better to keep my cat indoors or let them outside?
A: Keeping your cat indoors is highly recommended by veterinarians and rescues. Indoor cats have significantly longer lifespans because they are protected from traffic, predators, diseases, and getting lost. You can still give them outdoor time safely using a secure cat patio (“catio”) or by training them to walk on a harness and leash!
Q: Why is my new cat hiding, and should I force them to come out?
A: Hiding is completely normal behavior for a cat in a new environment. Never force them out of their hiding spot, as this will increase their stress. Instead, sit quietly nearby, talk to them in a soft voice, offer tasty treats, and let them approach you on their own terms when they feel safe.
Welcome to cat parenthood! I hope you found this beginner’s guide helpful. Now that you have the basics down, you get to enjoy the incredible companionship of a cat. Check out other blog for more great info on all things feline!
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