I still remember the day I brought my first cat home. I was so excited, but honestly? I had no idea what I was doing. I’d done some research online, but nothing really prepared me for the reality of suddenly being responsible for this little furry life.
After five cats and ten years of learning (sometimes the hard way), I want to share what I wish someone had told me from the beginning. If you’re about to get your first cat or just brought one home, this is for you.
Key Takeaways (The Stuff I Tell Everyone)
- Get your basics sorted before your cat arrives – trust me, you don’t want to be running to the pet store at 9 PM because you forgot a litter scoop
- Book that vet appointment in the first week, even if your cat seems perfect
- Good food and regular feeding times will save you so many headaches later
- Clean that litter box daily (I learned this lesson the smelly way)
- Play with your cat every day – a tired cat is a good cat
- Watch for changes in their routine – cats are creatures of habit, and changes often mean something’s up
What I Actually Needed (Not What the Pet Store Tried to Sell Me)
My Essential Shopping List
When I got my first cat, I walked into the pet store and came out with a cart full of stuff I never used. Here’s what I actually needed from day one:
For Meals: I use stainless steel bowls now – learned the hard way that plastic bowls gave my first cat weird chin bumps. Get two bowls and decent cat food. I always ask what the cat was eating before and start with that to avoid stomach upset.
For the Bathroom: Get a litter box bigger than you think you need. My first box was too small, and let’s just say my cat made her displeasure known. I stick with unscented clumping litter – cats have sensitive noses, and I found out mine hated anything with fragrance.
For Comfort: A carrier is non-negotiable (vet visits!), and please get a scratching post immediately. I thought I could wait a few days with my first cat. My couch still has the scars. A few simple toys are great, but don’t go overboard – I’ve spent embarrassing amounts on fancy toys that my cats ignored in favor of cardboard boxes.
Making Your Home Safe (Learning From My Mistakes)
I thought I was being careful with my first cat until I found her chewing on a rubber band. Panic mode activated! Now I do a proper sweep before any new cat arrives.
I put away all the small stuff they might swallow – rubber bands, hair ties, medications. I check my plants (had to get rid of my beautiful lilies after learning they’re deadly to cats). I secure blind cords because cats love to play with dangling things. It sounds like a lot, but it’s really just a quick once-over.
Feeding: What I’ve Learned After Many Trial and Errors
Choosing Food That Actually Works
I’ll be honest – I’ve tried a lot of cat foods over the years. What I look for now is simple: meat as the first ingredient and “complete and balanced” on the package. Cats need meat, period.
Age-appropriate food matters: With my kitten, I fed kitten food until she was about a year old. My adult cats get adult food. When my oldest hit seven, I switched him to senior food, and honestly, I think it helped his joints.
Feeding Schedule (Consistency is Key)
I feed my cats twice a day, roughly 12 hours apart. Morning before work, evening when I get home. This routine works for us, and cats love routine. I measure the food according to the bag guidelines, but I adjust based on how my cats look and feel.
One of my cats tends to get chunky, so she gets a bit less. Another is naturally lean and gets a bit more. You’ll figure out what your cat needs.
Fresh water is always available. I refill bowls daily because cats can be picky about water freshness (learned this when I caught one drinking from the faucet instead of her day-old bowl water).
Vet Visits: What to Expect
That First Appointment
I always book this within the first week, even when my cats seem perfectly healthy. It’s not just about checking for problems – it’s about establishing care and getting a baseline for your cat’s health.
The vet will do a full examination, discuss vaccines, check for parasites, and answer your questions. Don’t be embarrassed to ask anything – I once asked if it was normal that my cat chirped at birds through the window (it is, and it’s adorable).
Ongoing Care
After the initial vaccines, I take my cats in annually for checkups. They get flea and tick prevention year-round, even though they’re indoor cats. I learned this lesson when my indoor-only cat somehow got fleas (probably from my shoes or clothes).
Daily Life With My Cats
Grooming (Easier Than You Think)
Cats are pretty self-sufficient with grooming, but I help them out. I brush my short-haired cats weekly and my long-haired cat daily. It prevents hairballs and matting, plus they seem to enjoy it.
I trim nails every few weeks. It took practice to get comfortable with this, but now it’s routine. Start slow, reward with treats, and don’t stress if you can only do a paw or two at first.
Exercise and Play
This was a game-changer for me. I used to think cats just slept all day, but they need activity. I spend 10-15 minutes playing with each cat daily using wand toys or laser pointers (always end with a physical toy they can catch – learned this tip from my vet).
I rotate toys every few days to keep things interesting. My cats’ favorite “toy”? The cardboard boxes my online orders come in.
The Litter Box Reality Check
Let me be blunt about this: if you don’t keep the litter box clean, your cat will find somewhere else to go. I learned this the hard way.
My routine: I scoop every single day, no exceptions. Complete litter change weekly. I have one box per cat plus one extra (so three boxes for my two current cats).
The boxes are in quiet spots but easy for the cats to access. When one of my cats suddenly stopped using the box, it turned out to be a UTI – so sudden changes always mean a vet call.
Understanding My Cats (What I’ve Observed)
Reading the Signs
After years of living with cats, I can usually tell what they’re feeling:
Happy cats in my house: They purr when I pet them, give me slow blinks (I call these “cat kisses”), walk with their tails up, and knead blankets or my lap.
Stressed or upset cats: Ears back, tail twitching or puffed up, hiding more than usual, or sudden changes in eating or bathroom habits.
Building Trust
With each new cat, I let them set the pace. Some are immediately social, others need weeks to warm up. I never force interactions – I let them come to me, use treats liberally, and speak in gentle tones.
When I Call the Vet
The “Something’s Not Right” List
Over the years, I’ve developed a sense for when something needs attention:
- Not eating for more than 24 hours (cats can get seriously ill from not eating)
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day
- Changes in urination (especially straining or blood)
- Hiding excessively or acting lethargic
- Breathing problems
Emergency Situations I’ve Dealt With
I’ve had a few scares over the years: suspected poisoning (turned out to be nothing, but better safe than sorry), a fall from a high shelf, and once a male cat straining to urinate (rushed to the emergency vet – this can be life-threatening).
My rule: when in doubt, call. Vets would rather answer a question than see a preventable emergency.
Questions I Get Asked All the Time
“Should I let my cat outside?” All my cats are indoor-only. I know some people feel strongly about this either way, but I’ve seen too many outdoor cats with injuries, diseases, or shortened lifespans. If you want to give them outdoor time, I’d suggest a screened porch or harness training.
“How do I introduce a new cat to my current pets?” Slowly! I keep new cats in a separate room initially, let them get used to each other’s scents, then gradually introduce supervised meetings. It can take weeks, but rushing it never works.
“My cat is destroying my furniture!” Get good scratching posts and put them near the furniture they’re targeting. I have posts throughout my house now. Try different materials – some cats love sisal, others prefer cardboard or carpet.
Life With Senior Cats
My oldest cat is now 12, and caring for senior cats is different. I take him to the vet twice a year now instead of annually. He has arthritis, so I have low-sided litter boxes and steps to help him reach his favorite sleeping spots.
I watch him more carefully for changes in eating, drinking, or bathroom habits. Senior cats can develop kidney issues, diabetes, or other conditions that need monitoring.
What I Want You to Know
After all these years with cats, here’s what I really want to tell you: it’s not as complicated as you think, but it’s more rewarding than you can imagine.
Yes, you’ll make mistakes. I certainly did. But cats are forgiving, and you’ll figure out what works for you and your cat. Every cat is different – my current two are like night and day personality-wise, and I’ve adjusted my care accordingly.
Pay attention to your cat, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask your vet questions. They’re not judging you for being a new cat parent – they want to help you succeed.
The best part? The bond you’ll develop with your cat. My cats have been with me through job changes, moves, relationships, and everything in between. They’re not just pets – they’re family.
Welcome to the cat parent club. You’re going to love it here.
