What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Cat

🐾 What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Cat

Adopting a cat is exciting, but it’s not something to jump into lightly. Behind those cute eyes and soft paws is a lifelong commitment that requires time, planning, and a solid understanding of feline needs. Whether you’re a first-time adopter or considering adding another cat to your home, here’s everything you need to know before taking that step.

1. It’s a Lifetime Commitment

Cats aren’t short-term pets. Many live 12 to 20 years or more. That means you’ll need to plan for their care through every stage of life — from playful kittenhood to senior snuggles.

Your daily routine will need to include feeding, grooming, playtime, and vet visits. And if you travel often, you’ll need to arrange for someone reliable to care for them.

Most importantly, cats are not toys. They’re not something you can return if you get bored or move. They’re family, and they deserve to be treated that way.

 
2. Your Home Must Be Cat-Friendly

Before adopting, take a good look at your living space:

Is it safe? Remove toxic plants, secure windows, hide electrical cords, and keep breakables out of reach.
Do you have other pets? Introduce them slowly and carefully.
Allergies? Make sure no one in the home is allergic to cats.
Indoor only: For their safety and health, cats should be kept strictly indoors — unless you’re willing to fully secure your garden with fencing or a proper catio.

3. Choose the Right Cat for Your Lifestyle

Cats have different personalities, and age plays a big role:

Kittens are energetic, curious, and a bit unpredictable. Their personalities are still developing, so it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting.
Adult cats tend to have more stable temperaments. What you see is generally what you get.
Think about whether you want a lap cat or a more independent companion — and be honest about how much time and energy you can give.

 
4. Be Ready for the Costs

Caring for a cat comes with expenses, including:

Upfront: Adoption fees, spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping.
Monthly: High-quality food, litter, toys, flea/worm treatments.
Unexpected: Emergency vet bills, dental procedures, etc.
Pet insurance can help, but it’s wise to set aside savings just in case.

5. Feeding: It's More Than Just Filling a Bowl

Let’s clear up a few myths:

Cats are obligate carnivores. They don’t need grains, fillers, or trendy marketing labels.
Food type matters: Stick to high-quality wet food or BARF (raw diet). Avoid dry food — it’s harmful over time, especially to kidneys and teeth.

Feeding schedule:
Kittens: 5–7 meals per day.
Adult cats: 3 meals per day. Avoid free-feeding — it can lead to obesity and health issues.
Water: Skip the fountains. Just give fresh water daily in a wide bowl (to prevent whisker stress).
No human food: Most is not suitable for cats and many common foods are toxic (like onions, garlic, and chocolate).

6. Vet Care Is Essential

Spaying/Neutering is a must — it prevents health issues and stops unwanted litters.
Microchipping is legally required in the UK, and helps reunite lost cats with their owners.
Vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and dental care should be part of regular veterinary visits.

7. Get the Right Supplies

Before bringing your cat home, stock up on:

Food plate and a wide water bowl (to avoid whisker stress).
Litter boxes: One per cat plus one extra — always open, accessible, and large enough.
High-quality wet or raw food.
Scratching posts and toys for mental and physical stimulation.
Comfy bed, brushes, carrier, and grooming tools.
Access to high spaces — like cat trees, shelves, or the top of wardrobes. Cats love observing from above.

8. Routine Builds Trust

Cats feel safe when life is predictable. Keep feeding, cleaning, and playtime on a routine. It helps reduce stress and behavioral problems.

Litter box training is usually natural, but only if the box is clean, accessible, and placed in a low-stress location.

Be patient, especially with shy or rescue cats. Give them time and space to adjust.

9. Prepare Your Home

Make sure your space is ready before your new friend arrives:

Cat-proof your home: remove dangers, close off escape routes, and secure anything fragile.
Create safe zones: A quiet room for the first few days is ideal.
Provide vertical space: Cats feel safer when they can climb or perch up high.

10. Adopt from Reputable Sources

Adopt responsibly:

Best options: Certified breeders, reputable rescues, or registered shelters.
Avoid: Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and unverified breeders. These often lead to heartbreaking experiences — sick cats, poor genetics, or behavioral problems.
Spend time with the cat before deciding. Ask about health history, temperament, and background.

 
11. Emotional Readiness: The 3-3-3 Rule

Bringing a cat home isn’t always smooth. Keep the 3-3-3 Rule in mind:

3 days to decompress
3 weeks to start feeling at home
3 months to fully settle in and bond
Be patient. Let your cat come to you on their terms. Building trust takes time, especially if they’ve had a rough start.

And remember: adoption is for life. If you're not ready to care for a cat into their old age, you're not ready to adopt one today.

 
Final Thoughts:
Cats are independent, intelligent, and loving companions — but they are also complex creatures who rely on you for everything. When you adopt a cat, you’re promising them a safe, loving, and stable home for the rest of their life.

If you’re ready for that commitment, you won’t just be giving a cat a home — you’ll be gaining a loyal friend and family member.

🧡 Martyna
Feline Behaviourist & Nutritionist
Founder of CatZone