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

Dear Pet Mom,

So, the adoption is set, and the countdown is on. Exciting, right? But before you rush to the pet store or start cat-proofing your entire home, let’s pause and focus on what your new feline family member really needs on day one.

Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or welcoming a new addition, thoughtful preparation can make all the difference in helping your cat feel safe, secure, and at ease.

Start Small: Choose a Quiet Starter Room

For the first week or two, your cat should stay in a single room: a safe, quiet space that allows them to adjust without feeling overwhelmed. This room should be small enough to feel manageable, but not so small that they have no room to explore.

Ideally, it’s a space where you already spend a good amount of time. When I first adopted my cats, I chose to set them up in my home office. Since I work remotely, this allowed me to go about my usual routine: taking calls, doing online presentations, and quietly working on my laptop, while giving my new cat the chance to adjust to my presence at her own pace. There was no pressure to interact; just quiet company. Sometimes, the best bonding happens in those calm, ordinary moments.

Ask About Their Food Preferences

One of the kindest things you can do for your new cat is to stick as closely as possible to the food they were already eating. Sudden diet changes can lead to stomach upset, something neither of you wants to deal with during this sensitive time.

Ask the rescue or foster family what brand and type of food they’ve been feeding. You can gradually transition to your preferred food over time, but consistency at the beginning will go a long way.

It’s also helpful to have cat-safe probiotics on hand, just in case your kitty experiences a bit of digestive distress during the transition.

What to Set Up Before Kitty Comes Home

Here’s a checklist of essentials to prepare in their starter room:

  • Litter box, placed far from food and water bowls (check this post for the litter that I personally use for my cats)

  • Cat tree or scratching post

  • Simple toys, such as wands, toy mice, or balls

  • Water bowl or a fountain (Need help deciding? I’ve got a post coming on that)

  • A cozy bed or soft blanket; the fluffier, the better

  • An empty cardboard box, because... well, cat

  • Hiding spots, such as a carrier or covered bed; just make sure they’re accessible in case you need to reach them

  • A name tag, even if your kitty is going to be a fully indoor cat. Having a tag ready and waiting ensures your cat has identification on Day One, just in case he bolts out the door

Make the Room Cat-Safe

Look around and remove anything that might accidentally spook or harm your cat.

  • Tuck away dangling cords or blinds that could be pulled on or tangled in

  • Block off tight spaces where they could hide but be hard to reach

  • Remove fragile or hanging decor that might get knocked over during exploration

  • Ensure proper ventilation, but make sure there are no open windows or unsafe escape routes

A calm, quiet house will go a long way during this first stage. Try to limit loud noises, new visitors, or interactions with other pets while your cat is still settling in.

Involve the Whole Household

Assuming you’ve already had that all-important conversation with your housemates or family (see Part 1), now’s the time to get everyone on the same page for arrival day. Let them know:

  • Which room the cat will start in

  • What the adjustment period might look like

  • What to avoid, including sudden movements or loud sounds

  • When it’s okay, and not okay, to interact with the cat

This helps set expectations and makes the transition more peaceful for everyone, especially your new feline family member.

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

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