Buying a cat? Check out these 9 top tips

To make sure your cat is happy and comfortable, there are a few important supplies you’ll need to pick up:

Cat food is a top priority and will soon become a regular part of your weekly shop. Your cat’s diet should be chosen based on their age, breed, their general health and whether they’re going to be staying indoors or venturing outside. It’s worth asking your vet for their recommendation on how many meals your cat should eat a day, and what type of food is best for them.

The odd cat treat is ok too but remember not to overdo it. Over-feeding could be bad for your cat’s health.

When you get a new cat, it’s important to get them checked over at the vet, and also to schedule any vaccinations they need to help protect them against viruses.

Vaccinations are normally done at 9 and 12 weeks for kittens, with a booster 12 months later and annual vaccinations going forward. You may also want to think about having your cat neutered or spayed if they’re going outside.

From 10 June 2024, cats in England will also need to be microchipped. Most vets should be able to help with microchipping, and some rehoming centres too. If you need more info, Cats Protection have a useful guide to microchipping your cat.

While cats love to spend a lot of time sleeping, they do need opportunities to exercise too – especially if they’re indoor cats. Laser pointers or toys tied to wands are great ways to have fun together while ping pong balls or wind-up mice are good fun too. Always supervise your cat while it plays with its toys.

A multi-level cat tower with treats hidden at different spots can encourage exploration too, and it’ll give your cat a nice view of their new home.

Some cat breeds need more exercise and stimulation than others. You can get an idea of how much exercise your cat needs by checking out our pet breeds guide.

You should introduce your kitten to other people as early as possible to help them develop good social skills. Invite friends round to your home and let your cat approach them in their own time.

Another great way for cats to exercise and work their muscles is by scratching - and if you buy them a post to do it on, you’re likely to save your furniture and wallpaper from getting shredded.

Be sure to choose a post that’s tall enough to allow your cat to stretch out fully, and they should take to it over time.

It’s not just dogs who benefit from some training. By using treats to reward your cat for good behaviour, they should start to understand your house rules.

Worms and fleas can be a problem for cats of all ages, and the best way to protect your pet is to book in regular vet treatments.

To protect your cat from the health problems caused by parasites, arrange worming and flea treatments every three months or so for adult cats. Kittens will need treatment monthly until they’re around six months old.

While routine worming and flea treatments aren’t normally covered by pet insurance, your vet might offer a monthly payment plan to cover the cost.

Another little help: There are some important vet visits that are covered by pet insurance. You can compare our different types of pet insurance to see what is and isn’t covered.

Cats are very good at keeping themselves well groomed, but they might need a hand sometimes. It’s best to start grooming at a young age so they can get used to the routine early. Here’s some steps to think about:

We hope this guide has given you some handy hints for making your new cat feel welcome and settled. Now you know the basics, it’s time to have some fun with your new best friend.

The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to the subject matter but does not constitute expert financial advice specific to your own situation. All facts and figures were correct at time of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.