Congratulations on welcoming a new cat into your home! This is the start of a wonderful, purr-filled journey. But along with the joy comes a flurry of questions. It’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Is my cat happy? Am I feeding them right? Why are they staring at the wall?
Take a deep breath and relax. We’ve compiled the most common questions new cat owners ask, along with practical, expert-backed answers to help you and your new companion build a happy, healthy life together.
1. What Should I Feed My Cat, and How Often?
This is arguably the #1 question. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet rich in animal-based protein.
- Wet vs. Dry Food: Both have pros and cons. Wet food is excellent for hydration, which is crucial for kidney and urinary tract health. Dry food is convenient, can be left out for “free-feeding,” and helps with dental health (though it’s not a substitute for brushing). Many owners opt for a combination: scheduled wet food meals and a small amount of dry food available throughout the day.
- How Much & How Often: Follow the guidelines on the food packaging as a starting point, adjusting for your cat’s age, activity level, and body condition. Adult cats typically do well with two measured meals a day. Kittens need more frequent, smaller meals.
- Key Takeaway: Look for high-quality food where a named meat (like “chicken” or “salmon”) is the first ingredient. Always provide fresh, clean water in a bowl away from their food.
2. How Do I Introduce My Cat to Their New Home?
The first 24-48 hours are critical. Your new cat will likely be scared.
- Start Small: Confine them to one quiet, safe room (like a spare bedroom or bathroom) with their food, water, litter box, and a comfy bed. This gives them a secure base to adjust from.
- Let Them Set the Pace: Don’t force interaction. Sit quietly in the room with them, perhaps reading or talking softly. Let them come to you. Use treats and gentle play with a wand toy to build positive associations.
- Patience is Key: It may take days or even weeks for a shy cat to feel comfortable exploring the whole house. Open the door and let them venture out on their own terms.
3. Why is the Litter Box Such a Big Deal?
Cats are naturally clean and can be very particular about their bathroom habits.
- The Rule of “N+1”: The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So, for one cat, you should have two boxes. Place them in quiet, low-traffic, but easily accessible locations.
- Scoop & Clean: Scoop solid waste out of the box at least once, preferably twice, a day. Completely change the litter and wash the box with mild soap weekly. A dirty box is the most common reason cats start eliminating outside of it.
- Litter Type: Most cats prefer unscented, clumping litter that is 2-3 inches deep. If you adopt from a shelter, try to use the same litter they were using to ease the transition.
4. How Can I Tell If My Cat is Happy and Healthy?
Learning “cat language” is one of the most rewarding parts of ownership.
- Body Language:
- Happy/Relaxed: Ears forward, whiskers relaxed, tail held high (often with a slight quiver at the tip), slow blinking (“cat kisses”).
- Anxious/Scared: Ears flattened to the side or back, body crouched, tail tucked, hiding.
- Playful/Alert: Ears up, pupils dilated, body in a “play bow” position.
- Vocalizations: Purring usually means contentment, but can also indicate pain. Meows are primarily for communicating with you. Trills and chirps are friendly greetings.
- Health Check: Bright, clear eyes, a clean coat, consistent eating and drinking habits, and normal litter box use are all signs of a healthy cat. Any sudden changes in behavior or habits warrant a call to the vet.
5. Do I Really Need to Play With My Cat?
Absolutely! Play is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It provides crucial mental and physical stimulation, prevents boredom (which can lead to destructive behavior), and strengthens your bond.
- Imitate Prey: Use wand toys with feathers or a “fishing pole” style toy to mimic the movements of birds and insects. Let your cat “catch” it sometimes to satisfy their predatory instinct.
- Daily Sessions: Aim for two 10-15 minute play sessions a day. The best times are often around dawn and dusk when cats are naturally most active.
6. Should I Let My Cat Go Outside?
This is a personal decision, but veterinarians and animal welfare experts overwhelmingly recommend keeping cats indoors. Outdoor cats face significant dangers, including cars, predators, diseases, parasites, and poisons. An indoor cat, when provided with proper enrichment (toys, scratching posts, window perches), can live a longer, healthier, and safer life. If you want to give them a taste of the outdoors, consider a secure catio (a cat patio) or harness training.
7. What About Scratching? How Do I Save My Furniture?
Scratching is a normal, instinctive behavior for cats. They do it to mark territory, stretch their muscles, and shed the outer layer of their claws. You cannot stop it, but you can redirect it.
- Provide Appealing Alternatives: Invest in sturdy, tall scratching posts (sisal rope is a favorite) and horizontal scratchers. Place them near your cat’s favorite resting spots and near the furniture they are tempted to scratch.
- Make it Positive: Use catnip or a dangling toy to attract them to the post. Praise and reward them with a treat when they use it.
- Make Furniture Unappealing: Temporarily use double-sided tape or a citrus-scented spray on furniture corners, as most cats dislike these textures and smells.
8. When Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?
- Initial Visit: Schedule a wellness check within the first week of bringing them home, even if they seem healthy. This establishes a baseline and allows you to discuss vaccination schedules, spaying/neutering, and parasite prevention.
- Emergency Signs: Seek immediate veterinary care for any of the following: difficulty breathing, seizures, straining to urinate with no results, collapse, bleeding, suspected poisoning, or any major trauma.
- Routine Care: After the first year, annual check-ups are recommended. For senior cats (7+ years), bi-annual visits are ideal.
Welcoming a cat is a beautiful commitment. There will be a learning curve, but the unconditional love, comforting purrs, and hilarious antics make it all worthwhile. Be patient with yourself and your new friend. You’re not just a cat owner; you’re becoming a trusted family member in their world. Welcome to the wonderful, whisker-filled club