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The Petco new cat guide

Click below to navigate the exciting journey into pet parenthood with helpful tips, expert guidance and shopping recommendations for all your milestones together.

1

Prepping your home
2

First night together
3

Finding the right nutrition
4

First trip to the vet
5

Building your bond
1

Prepping your home

Fill your space with supplies and essentials before your cat arrives to help them feel comfortable and safe from the start.

Top-recommended products to prep your home
2

FIRST NIGHT TOGETHER

Help your new cat feel cozy the first night with you with the right supplies.

Set up a safe place

Create a small, dedicated space with their bed, litter box, food, water and toys to help them adjust to their new home.

Shop Food & Supplies

Let them explore at their own pace

Allow your cat to come out of their travel carrier when they want to and make sure not to rush them.

Shop Carriers

Make introductions slowly

At a comfortable pace for your cat, allow your friends and family to meet them while making sure each interaction is short and positive by rewarding them with treats.

Shop Treats

Top-recommended products for their first night
3

FINDING THE RIGHT NUTRITION

Set a strong foundation for their physical health with quality nutrition.

Why quality nutrition is important

Quality nutrition helps your cat have healthier skin, a shinier coat and improved vitality and longevity.

What to look for in cat food

When looking for cat food, consider your cat’s age, health needs, such as food sensitivities or weight management, and choose a recipe that suits their specific lifestage. Opt for cat food with high-quality ingredients and a complete and balanced recipe.

Health starts with what's in their bowl

Build a balanced bowl with quality nutrition and toppers to help ensure a healthy diet.

Why we believe in quality nutrition

For healthy skin, a shiny coat, improved vitality and longevity.

What to look for in cat food*

Our nutrition standards are a first step in a journey toward better health for the pets we all love.

*See how Petco defines artificial ingredients at petco.com/nutritionstandards.

Health starts with what's in their bowl

Build a balanced bowl with quality nutrition and toppers to help ensure a healthy diet.

Top-recommended nutrition picks
4

FIRST TRIP TO THE VET

Visiting the vet regularly from the start can help support your cat's physical health and overall wellness.

Vaccinations

Following a vaccination schedule can help them avoid diseases.

Routine Checkups

Routine exams help your vet catch health issues early when they are easier and more affordable to treat.

Microchipping

Getting your cat microchipped is easy and helps them return home if they get lost.

Book Now
5

Building your bond

Socializing with your cat helps strengthen your relationship while providing the stimulation and exposure they need for positive physical, mental and social health.

Cat furniture

Give them space to jump, climb and exercise between play sessions.

Shop Cat Furniture

Toys & catnip

Encourage them to play when they're alone so they stay mentally stimulated.

Shop Toys & Catnip

Teasers & wands

Help them stay active while building your bond together.

Shop Teasers & Wands

Tunnels

Provide a safe space to hide, play and explore—and they often have a hidden toy for even more entertainment.

Shop Tunnels

Top-recommended products for playtime

Frequently Asked Questions

While cats are typically lower maintenance pets and can mostly take care of themselves, a kitten may need additional attention if you plan to be gone for long stretches of time. If you have adopted a new or very young kitten, it's best to not leave them alone for more than a four-hour stretch without checking on them to ensure they have plenty of water and have not gotten into any dangerous situations while exploring their new surroundings. As they age, they will be perfectly happy waiting for you to return from work to play with them.

Different kittens may take different amounts of time to become fully adjusted to their new space. You can help your new family member get used to their new home by giving them a safe place to call their own and slowly introducing them to other people and pets.

If you're adopting a new kitten, start by getting these essential supplies before bringing them home: kitten food, kitten treats and food and water bowls; litter, a litterbox and accessories, like a scoop, deodorizer and litter liners; a stain and odor remover; a cat scratcher; a perch or cat condo; toys; a bed; a collar and ID tags; a kitten carrier; and calming solutions, like supplements or diffusers.

Your new kitten will likely feel overwhelmed and a little bit nervous when they first come home. You can alleviate some of this by creating a safe space in a bedroom or bathroom and letting them explore and get used to that area first. If you have other pets in your home, make sure introductions happen slowly.

A basic supplies checklist for your new cat includes cat food, cat treats and food and water bowls; litter, a litterbox and accessories, like a scoop, deodorizer and litter liners; a stain and odor remover; a cat scratcher; a perch or cat condo; toys; a bed; a collar and ID tags; a travel carrier; and calming solutions, like supplements or diffusers.

Depending on your new cat's age and personality, they may take some time to become fully accustomed to their new space. To help ease this transition, be sure you have all the right supplies before you bring your new cat home. Once there, give them a dedicated space, introduce them to other people and pets slowly and give them hands-on attention when they want it.