The essentials for welcoming a cat with gentleness and kindness.
Welcoming a cat into your life is an adventure filled with tenderness, play, and companionship. But to ensure this new relationship gets off to the best possible start, proper preparation is essential. Like any new member of the family, your feline friend has specific needs regarding comfort, safety, hygiene, and health.
In this ultimate guide, we've gathered all the essentials for your cat : from carriers and water fountains to litter, toys, and wellness accessories. You'll find practical advice, approved by veterinarians and animal lovers, to provide your cat with a healthy, stimulating, and reassuring environment.
👉 Whether you are about to adopt a kitten or welcome an adult cat, this guide will help you anticipate its needs and create a home where it can fully thrive.
✨ Practical bonus Download the free printable French version (PDF) essentials checklist for welcoming a cat .
🚗 The carrier: safety first
A carrier is often the very first accessory you'll need. Whether it's for bringing your cat home, taking them to the vet, or traveling, it ensures their safety and reduces their stress.
🎯 How to choose the right carrier:
- Durability and security : opt for a rigid model with a reliable closure.
- Suitable size : your cat should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Ventilation : ensure good air circulation to prevent overheating.
- Ease of maintenance : a removable or washable base is a real plus.
💡 Tip: Leave the carrier open at home with a soft blanket or toy inside. Your cat will associate it with a familiar and reassuring place, making travel easier.
🚽 The litter box and its tray: hygiene and comfort
A happy cat is a cat that has a clean and suitable space to relieve itself. Therefore, choosing the right litter box and type of litter is essential.
🎯 Choosing the right litter box
- Suitable size : it should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat.
- Number of litter boxes : allow 1 litter box per cat + 1 extra (e.g. 2 cats = 3 litter boxes).
- Open or closed : closed litter boxes limit odors, but some cats prefer open litter boxes to feel safe.
🪶 Choosing the right cat litter
- Clumping : easy to clean daily.
- Unscented : artificial fragrances can put cats off.
- Absorbent : to limit odors and maintain a healthy environment.
⚠️ Beware of kittens! Clumping cat litter is convenient for adult cats, but it's dangerous for kittens under 3–4 months old . Their curiosity might lead them to swallow it, which poses a serious health risk. Opt for a non-clumping litter during this period.
💡 Practical tips
- Clean the bin daily to prevent bad odors.
- Change the bedding completely at least once a week .
- Place the container in a quiet location, away from food and water.
🍽️ Food and hydration: eat well, stay hydrated
Nutrition and hydration are central to your cat's health. A well-fed and properly hydrated cat is more active, happier, and less prone to urinary or kidney problems.
🎯 The ideal pet bowls
- Material : opt for stainless steel or ceramic, which are more hygienic than plastic.
- Shape : wide and shallow bowls prevent fatigue of the whiskers.
- Stability : a non-slip base prevents tipping.
💧 The importance of hydration
Cats naturally drink little, especially if they eat dry food. However, a lack of water can lead to frequent urinary problems.
🌟 The solution: the water fountain
A fountain encourages your cat to drink more thanks to:
- Always fresh and filtered water.
- A continuous movement that naturally attracts felines.
- Better hygiene than a bowl of stagnant water.
💡 The ZyFeeder stainless steel fountain combines elegant design, quiet operation, and practicality. Recommended by many veterinarians, it's ideal for promoting daily hydration and maintaining your pet's health.
🛏️ Sleeping and personal space: providing a reassuring refuge
Cats sleep on average 12 to 16 hours a day . Providing them with a suitable resting space is therefore essential to their well-being.
🎯 The essentials for rest
- A comfortable bed or basket : choose a soft, washable model that is suitable for the size of your cat.
- A quiet place : set up the sleeping area in a quiet corner, away from frequent traffic.
- A high vantage point : cats love to observe their surroundings from a high point, it reassures them.
🌿 Cat tree and scratching post
- The cat tree combines rest, play and observation .
- A scratching post is essential for maintaining claws and preventing your furniture from becoming a target.
💡 Tip: Provide several sleeping areas in the house. Cats like to vary their resting places depending on the temperature, light, and their mood.
🎲 Games and stimulation: an active cat is a happy cat
Cats are born hunters. Even when living indoors, they need physical and mental stimulation to stay balanced and avoid boredom.
🎯 Why play is essential
- It prevents boredom and undesirable behaviors (scratching furniture, excessive meowing).
- It strengthens the bond between you and your partner.
- It helps to maintain a healthy weight and good physical condition.
🧸 Must-have toys
- Fishing rods and feather dusters : ideal for stimulating the hunting instinct.
- Balls and mice : perfect for solo playtime.
- Catnip toys : provide relaxation and excitement.
- Food puzzles : stimulate intelligence and slow down food intake.
💡 Tip
Vary the toys and rotate them. A "new" toy always attracts more attention than one that's left out all the time.
⏱️ How long should you play with your cat?
Playtime is not a luxury, but an essential need for your pet's physical and mental health. Veterinarians recommend an average of 30 to 40 minutes of play per day , divided into 2 to 3 short sessions.
- Kittens are bursting with energy and can play for longer periods, sometimes up to an hour a day.
- Adult cats appreciate shorter (10 to 15 minutes), but regular sessions.
- Senior cats need gentle encouragement, adapted to their mobility.
💡 The important thing is to respect your cat's rhythm: several short, dynamic sessions are better than one long session where he gets bored.
🌳 And what about walks outdoors?
If you want to offer your cat a different experience, walks on a leash can be a great option.
- Use a harness specifically designed for cats , never a collar.
- Start in a calm and safe environment, then gradually increase the duration.
- Not all cats enjoy being outdoors: observe their reactions and never force them.
👉 Walks are particularly beneficial for curious indoor cats, but they must always be done with respect for the animal's comfort and safety.
🧴 Grooming and health: taking care of your pet on a daily basis
A healthy cat is a cat that receives regular care, even outside of veterinary visits.
🎯 Basic home care
- Brushing : essential to limit hairballs, stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the bond with your cat.
- Nail trimming : every 2 to 4 weeks depending on the cat's activity level. Use appropriate nail clippers to avoid injury.
- Oral hygiene : Dental problems are common in cats. Dental treats or regular brushing can prevent tartar buildup.
🩺 Veterinary follow-up
- Vaccinations and deworming : essential to prevent diseases.
- Sterilization : recommended for health and to avoid unwanted litters.
- Check-up visits : at least once a year, even if the cat seems healthy.
💡 Tip
Observe your cat's behavior carefully: a change in appetite, cleanliness, or energy can be an early sign of a health problem.
🛁 When a bath might be necessary
- Kittens or sick cats : sometimes unable to groom themselves properly.
- Long-haired cats : if the coat becomes matted or too oily.
- Exceptional situations : if the cat has rolled in a sticky, toxic or foul-smelling substance.
- Veterinary indication : certain skin conditions require a medicated shampoo.
⚠️ Avoid
- Bathing too frequently removes the skin's natural protective barrier and can irritate the animal.
- Cold water or unsuitable products: always use a special cat shampoo , never human or dog shampoo.
💡 Gentle alternatives
- Use special cat wipes or a damp cloth for occasional cleaning.
- Regular brushing : often sufficient to keep the coat clean and limit hairballs.
✨ In summary: bathing is not a routine for a cat , but an occasional solution when it cannot clean itself or is really very dirty.
🏡 Home safety: protecting your cat every day
A home may seem safe, but it's full of little dangers for a curious cat. Anticipating these risks means providing an environment where your cat can explore and relax with confidence.
🚪 Windows and balconies
- Cats love to watch from the window, but a single jump can be fatal.
- Install sturdy mosquito nets or protective netting to secure openings.
- Never leave a cat alone on an unsecured balcony.
🌿 Toxic plants and products
- Some houseplants are dangerous : lilies, philodendrons, poinsettias, aloe vera, dieffenbachia…
- Also store household products, essential oils and medications out of reach.
🔌 Electrical objects and wires
- Kittens, in particular, love to chew. Protect cables with sheaths or cable covers.
- Avoid leaving small objects lying around (rubber bands, strings, jewelry) that could be swallowed.
🍳 Cooking and household hazards
- Be careful with the still-hot cooktop.
- Do not leave toxic foods within reach: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, coffee…
💡 Practical tip : put yourself in your cat's place. Imagine what it might climb, chew or knock over, and secure those areas as you would for a toddler.
Welcoming a cat into your home is much more than just ticking off a list of accessories: it's opening your home and your heart to a companion who will share your daily life for many years. By equipping yourself with the essentials presented in this guide, you'll offer your cat not only comfort and security, but also the foundation for a relationship built on trust and companionship.
Every cat is unique: observe it, listen to it, and adapt its environment to its needs. This is how you will create a home where it can fully thrive.
💡 To go further and discover carefully selected accessories – combining quality, safety and tenderness – explore our [Between Cat and Dog] shop. You'll find products designed for the well-being of your companions, tested and approved by animal lovers.
✨ Practical bonus Download the free printable French version (PDF) essentials checklist for welcoming a cat .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should you wash your cat?
Generally, no. Cats are very clean and groom themselves. A bath may only be necessary if the cat is very dirty, has a skin condition (on veterinary advice), or can no longer clean itself properly. Always use a special cat shampoo and prioritize regular brushing for daily maintenance.
2. Which litter should I choose for a kitten?
Avoid clumping litter until your kitten is about 3-4 months old , as they may swallow it while playing, which can be dangerous. Opt for a soft, non-clumping litter (recycled paper, plant-based, wood). Once your kitten is older, you can switch to a clumping litter, which is easier to clean.
3. How long should I play with my cat each day?
Veterinarians recommend about 30 to 40 minutes of playtime daily , divided into several short sessions. Kittens need more stimulation, while adult cats prefer shorter but regular sessions. Play is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
4. Should my cat go outside?
Not necessarily. Many cats live happily and safely indoors, provided they have enough stimulation (toys, scratching posts, perches). If you want to take your cat outside, use a suitable harness and walks on a leash in a quiet environment. Never force a cat that doesn't enjoy being outdoors.
5. How can I encourage my cat to drink more?
Cats naturally drink little, especially if they eat dry food. To encourage their hydration:
- Provide several water points in the house.
- Use a water fountain (like the stainless steel ZyFeeder) which keeps the water fresh and moving.
- Avoid plastic bowls, which can alter the taste of the water.
Welcoming a cat into your home is an adventure full of tenderness and discovery. What were your must-haves for preparing for your new companion's arrival?