11 Things Every First-time Cat Owner Should Know
11 Things Every First-time Cat Owner Should Know
You finally did it—you brought home a tiny, majestic gremlin who naps 18 hours a day and demands attention only when you’re busy. Congrats! First-time cat life feels magical and slightly chaotic.
You’ll Google weird stuff. You’ll rearrange your furniture for a creature that weighs less than your laptop. And you’ll love it.
Let’s make the first months easier with the 11 things I wish someone told me.
Set up a stress-free home base
Your cat doesn’t need a palace on day one—just a quiet room. Think a spare bedroom or bathroom with their basics. They’ll feel safer starting small and expanding later. Essentials to place in the room:
- Litter box and scoop
- Food and water bowls (set far from the litter box)
- Cozy bed or blanket
- Scratching post or cardboard scratcher
- Hiding spot (a cardboard box counts!)
Why isolation helps
New spaces and smells overwhelm cats.
A home base gives them control. After a few days, open the door and let them explore at their pace. No forced tours.
No “meet the entire household” parade.
Pick the right litter box (and location)
Cats care about toilets. A lot. You’ll avoid drama with the right setup. Quick rules that save your sanity:
- One box per cat, plus one extra. Two cats?
Three boxes.
- Place boxes on different floors. Don’t make them climb Everest.
- Scoop daily. Your cat will judge you if you don’t.
- Use unscented clumping litter. Scented stuff can be a turn-off.
- Avoid covered boxes if your cat is new—they trap smells and can feel risky.
Common litter mistakes
Don’t move the box around constantly. Don’t put it next to the dryer or blaring TV. And if “accidents” happen, rule out a medical issue first—never punish.
It doesn’t work and it breaks trust.
Feed smart, not fancy
You don’t need gold-plated kibble. You do need complete nutrition and consistency. Cats thrive on routine, and sudden food switches can equal… dramatic litter box notes. Feeding basics:
- Wet food daily for hydration and protein.
- High-quality dry food as a supplement if you want.
- Measure portions. Free-feeding can create chonky loaf problems.
- Fresh water always—consider a fountain for picky drinkers.
Switching foods without chaos
Mix 25% new with 75% old for 2-3 days, then 50/50, then 75/25.
If your cat gives you the “absolutely not” look, slow down. FYI, cats can be stubborn gourmands.
Vet visits aren’t optional
Schedule a checkup within the first week or two. Even if your cat looks perfect, you want baseline info, vaccines, and a parasite check.
Ask about spay/neuter if it’s not done—that reduces spraying, loud yodeling, and surprise kittens. Bring to the first visit:
- Any shelter or breeder medical records
- List of what they eat and how much
- Questions (write them down—you’ll forget)
Pro tip: Soften the carrier vibe at home with treats and naps inside it. Don’t only bring it out when chaos happens. IMO, a top-loading carrier makes life easier.
Scratching is not misbehavior—it’s cat behavior
Your couch isn’t a victim; it’s an opportunity.
Provide legal scratching spots and your furniture survives. Mostly. Offer variety:
- Vertical scratchers: tall posts (at least 30 inches) for full stretches
- Horizontal scratchers: cardboard loungers or mats
- Materials: sisal fabric or rope, cardboard, wood
Make the right thing irresistible
Put scratchers near nap zones and in “problem” spots. Sprinkle catnip or silvervine, or use a wand toy to encourage scratching.
Clip claws every 2-3 weeks. Skip declawing—painful, risky, and unnecessary.
Play daily—or witness 3 a.m. zoomies
Cats need to hunt something besides your ankles. Short, daily play sessions sharpen their brain and drain the chaos tank. Simple routine:
- 5-10 minutes with a wand toy (mimic prey: flutter, hide, run)
- Let them “catch” it at the end
- Offer a small treat or meal
Rotate toys weekly so they feel new.
Hide small toys between sessions so your cat doesn’t turn them into lint sculptures. Laser pointers? Use them sparingly and end with a real toy they can bite.
Grooming: small habits, big payoff
You don’t need a full salon.
You do need regular brushing and a nail routine. Start slow and keep treats handy. Grooming basics:
- Brush 2-3 times weekly (daily for longhaired cats) to control hairballs.
- Wipe eyes gently with a damp cloth if needed.
- Check ears and teeth weekly; fishy breath or waxy ears need attention.
- Use a scratching board plus nail trims for furniture harmony.
Teeth matter more than you think
Dental disease sneaks up fast. Introduce tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste.
If brushing fails (happens!), ask your vet about dental diets, gels, and professional cleanings.
Cat-proof like a toddler lives here
Cats investigate with their faces and feet. Your job: remove hazards and pretend you can outsmart them. Cat-proofing checklist:
- Secure windows and screens
- Hide cords or use cord covers (bland cords = safe cords)
- Move toxic plants (lilies are a hard no)
- Store cleaners and meds out of reach
- Tie up blinds strings
- Trash cans with lids—cats love a rummage
What about counters?
You can train “off,” but cats will cat. Make counters boring: no food left out, use mats or aluminum foil during training, and reward floor time.
IMO, pick your battles.
Enrichment keeps boredom (and trouble) away
Imagine living indoors with the same five rooms forever. Enrichment keeps your cat’s brain busy. Easy wins:
- Perches and window seats for bird TV
- Puzzle feeders to slow down meals
- Cat grass for safe chomping
- Hiding spots (boxes forever)
Thinking about outdoor time? Try a harness and leash, supervised balcony time with screens, or a catio. Never unsupervised roaming.
Cars, parasites, and raccoons don’t care about your feelings.
Litter, health, and behavior: when to worry
You’ll learn your cat’s “normal” fast. Changes matter. Trust your gut. Call the vet if you see:
- Straining in the litter box or no pee—urgent, especially in male cats
- Sudden appetite loss or extreme thirst
- Vomiting more than occasionally
- Hiding constantly or sudden aggression
- Poop changes that last more than 48 hours
Behavior issues often mean stress or medical problems.
Don’t punish. Redirect, add enrichment, or get help from your vet or a feline behaviorist.
Love on their terms (the secret sauce)
Cats show love differently than dogs. Respect their boundaries and you’ll get the good stuff—purrs, slow blinks, and naps on your keyboard during deadlines. Read the room:
- Let them initiate contact—offer a finger sniff first
- Pet cheeks, chin, and base of the tail—avoid belly unless invited
- Use slow blinks to say “hi, friend” in cat language
Every cat has a unique vibe.
Accept it. You’ll build trust that lasts for years.
FAQ
Should I keep my cat indoors?
Indoor cats live longer and face fewer dangers. If your cat craves adventure, try a harness walk, supervised balcony time with screens, or a catio.
You get the best of both worlds without the vet bills.
How often should I feed my cat?
Most adult cats do best with two meals a day. Kittens need three to four. Keep a routine and measure portions—your future self will thank you when your cat still fits in their favorite bed.
What if my cat won’t use the litter box?
First, rule out medical issues with your vet.
Then check the basics: clean daily, use unscented clumping litter, offer enough boxes, and place them in quiet spots. If stress is the culprit, add hiding places and play sessions.
Do cats need baths?
Usually no. Cats groom themselves like it’s their job.
If they get into something gross or can’t groom due to age or illness, use a gentle cat-safe shampoo and keep it quick. Brushing handles most of the work.
How do I introduce my cat to another pet?
Slowly and in stages. Start with scent swaps, then door-meeting sessions, then short, supervised visits.
Reward calm behavior on both sides. Rushing equals drama, and nobody wants fur-fueled theatrics.
What vaccines and preventatives do cats need?
Your vet will guide you, but core vaccines usually include FVRCP and rabies. Most cats also need parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, and worms.
Even indoor cats can get hitchhiker pests—gross but true.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a cat whisperer—you just need a plan, some patience, and a sense of humor. Set up smart spaces, stick to routines, and listen to what your cat tells you with their behavior. Do that, and you’ll earn the ultimate reward: a purring loaf who chooses you, every day.
FYI, that’s the real jackpot.
