The Ultimate Guide to Adopting a Cat: Everything You Need to Know

Dear Pet Mom,

If you're reading this, chances are you're thinking about welcoming a cat into your home. Or perhaps your heart has already decided, and now your head is catching up!

First of all, I’m so excited for you. Adopting a cat is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make, but it also comes with real responsibilities, important decisions, and a lot of learning.

This guide is here to support you through it all.

Instead of cramming everything into one long blog post, I’ve broken it down into easy-to-digest parts so you can read at your own pace and revisit the ones that matter most when you need them.

Let’s get started.

What’s Inside This Guide

Part 1: Is Cat Parenthood Right for You?

Before you fill your cart with litter boxes and wand toys, let’s take a pause. This post helps you reflect on your lifestyle, time, budget, and emotional readiness. It’s the loving reality check every future cat parent should go through.

Part 2: Where to Adopt a Cat (No Matter Where You Live)

Whether you're in North America or in Asia, adoption options vary. This guide walks you through how to find ethical rescues, questions to ask, and why adoption is always the more compassionate choice. (Includes personal notes from my experience in Calgary.)

Part 3: How to Prepare for Your Cat’s Arrival

What room should your cat start in? What should you buy before pickup day? This post covers all the practical must-haves, from cat trees to probiotics, and a few things you might not have thought about.

Part 4: What to Expect during The First Week With Your Cat 

Your new cat is home. Now what? Learn how to make the transition smooth, what behavior to expect in the first few days, and how to start building trust gently and respectfully.

Part 5: Budgeting for a Cat: Monthly and Annual Costs

Here’s a breakdown of what I spend per cat each month (real numbers from Calgary), plus what to plan for long-term care like vet visits, emergencies, and enrichment.

🌍 [Outside of Canada? View USD Version Here]

Part 6: Common Mistakes New Cat Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)

From rushing introductions to choosing the wrong litter box, we all make mistakes. This post helps you skip the stress and go straight to smart, loving choices.

Ready to Start?

Wherever you are on your cat parenthood journey, from just curious or already scrolling through rescue profiles, I’m here to help you feel informed, grounded, and excited for the life ahead.

If you ever need a gentle nudge or a reassuring voice, this guide will be right here, waiting with a cup of tea and a curled-up kitty beside it.

Happy cat parenting,
Dear Pet Mom