Bringing a cat home is one of the best decisions you'll ever make, and also one of the most overwhelming. Somewhere between the excitement and the third trip to the pet shop, you find yourself googling "do I need a second litter box?" at midnight. (You do. We'll get to that.)
This checklist breaks it all down into three phases. What to get before your cat arrives, what to do during the first week, and what to tackle in the first month. No fluff, just the essentials.
Before Your Cat Arrives
Essential Supplies
Start with litter. You want one box per cat plus one extra, filled with unscented clumping litter as a safe first choice. Open trays work best for most cats, since covered boxes can trap odours that put some cats off. You can experiment with fancier setups once your cat is settled.
For meals, choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls rather than plastic, which can harbour bacteria and cause chin acne. Pick a quality food appropriate for your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, or senior), with a named protein source as the first ingredient.
You'll also want a hard-sided carrier with a top opening, which makes vet visits far easier, sized so your cat can turn around inside. Add at least one scratching post or board, because cats need to scratch and it's best to give them a legal option from day one. A bed or blanket is worth having, though many cats will ignore it and claim a cardboard box instead. For toys, a wand, a few small balls, and something crinkly will do. No need to go overboard yet.
Home Preparation
Choose a "safe room" before your cat arrives. That means a small, quiet room where they can decompress for the first few days, set up with food, water, litter, and a hiding spot. Cat-proof it while you're in there. Secure loose cables, remove toxic plants, and close off small gaps behind appliances. Our Cat-Proofing Checklist has the full room-by-room guide.
Then sweep the rest of the house for the small stuff cats love to swallow. Rubber bands, hair ties, string, tinsel. And check your plants, because lilies, pothos, and many common houseplants are toxic to cats. When in doubt, move them out of reach, and see our complete toxic plants list for the details.
Vet and Admin
Find a local vet before your cat arrives if you can, and book a first check-up within the first week. Look up your nearest emergency vet too, and save the address and phone number somewhere you'll find them at 2 a.m. Gather your cat's records from the shelter or breeder, including vaccination history, microchip number, spay or neuter status, and any known health conditions. And budget for the initial vet costs. The first exam, vaccinations, and parasite prevention vary by region, so call ahead.
The First Week
Keep your cat in the safe room for the first one to three days and let them explore at their own pace. Some cats are confident from the start, others need more time, and following their lead is the whole trick. Feed at consistent times (twice daily for adults), because cats thrive on predictability. Show them the litter box by placing them in or near it when you first set them down. Most cats figure it out quickly, but a gentle introduction helps.
Keep the household calm while they adjust. The housewarming party can wait. Bonding works best in small doses, so sit near your cat, talk softly, offer treats, and let them come to you rather than forcing interaction.
Watch eating, drinking, and litter box use during this stretch. Cats may not eat much in the first 24-48 hours because of stress, but if your cat hasn't eaten in over 48 hours, contact your vet. When the first vet appointment comes around, bring any records from the shelter or breeder and discuss the vaccination schedule, parasite prevention, and microchipping.
The First Month
Once your cat seems confident in the safe room, open up the house one new room at a time. Introduce a play routine of 10-15 minutes of interactive play, twice a day. Wand toys win with most cats.
Start grooming habits early, even on short fur. Brushing a few times a week builds trust and catches skin issues before they become vet visits. While you're at it, gently handle paws, ears, and mouth so future nail trims and vet exams aren't a wrestling match.
Give them vertical space too. A cat tree, a shelf, even a cleared bookshelf works, because cats feel secure when they can survey their territory from above. If certain areas of the house are off-limits, start redirecting now. Consistency matters more than strictness. Two admin jobs round out the month: consider pet insurance while your cat is young and healthy (it's easier and often cheaper to get then), and if your cat is microchipped, make sure your contact details are registered and up to date with the chip company.
Quick Reference: Essential Shopping List
| Item | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Litter box (x2 minimum) | Must-have | One per cat plus one extra |
| Clumping litter (unscented) | Must-have | Avoid heavily perfumed types |
| Food bowls (stainless steel) | Must-have | Separate food and water |
| Age-appropriate food | Must-have | Named protein as first ingredient |
| Cat carrier | Must-have | Hard-sided, top-opening |
| Scratching post | Must-have | Tall enough for full stretch |
| Basic toys (wand, balls) | Must-have | Start simple |
| Cat bed | Nice-to-have | They may ignore it entirely |
| Cat tree | Nice-to-have | Great for vertical territory |
| Grooming brush | Nice-to-have | Depends on coat type |
| Water fountain | Nice-to-have | Encourages hydration |
Signs Your Cat Is Settling In
You'll know your cat is feeling at home when they start:
- Eating and drinking normally
- Using the litter box consistently
- Exploring beyond their safe room
- Seeking you out for attention or play
- Slow-blinking at you (the feline "I trust you")
- Sleeping belly-up or in exposed positions
Every cat adjusts at their own pace. Some are settled within days, others take weeks. Patience is the most useful thing you can offer.
FAQ
How long does it take a new cat to adjust?
Most cats settle within one to four weeks, but some shy or previously stray cats may take two to three months to feel fully comfortable. Let your cat set the pace.
Should I get one litter box or two?
Two is the minimum for a single cat. The general rule is one per cat, plus one extra, placed in different locations.
What if my new cat hides and won't come out?
This is completely normal. Leave food and water nearby, talk softly, and give them time. Don't pull them out of hiding, because that erodes trust. Most cats start venturing out within a few days, usually at 3 a.m. when the house has finally gone quiet.
Related reading: Cat-Proofing Your Home Checklist | Cat Emergency Signs Checklist | All Checklists
