How to Care for a New Cat

• Step 1

  Introduce her to your veterinarian. It's important that your cat receive a wellness check as soon as possible, so that she can be placed on an examination schedule and be given a prescription for a heart worm preventative. In addition, if there is any illness, condition or parasitic presence, your veterinarian can begin immediate treatment.
  

  How to Care for a New Cat

• Step 2

  Spay or neuter your cat. According to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), your cat will be happier and healthier if it is altered, and you will ensure that it will not reproduce.

• Step 3

  Keep your cat inside. Your cat can get into a lot of trouble if allowed to roam free--speeding cars, mean children and hungry coyotes, just to name a few menaces. Your cat will be perfectly happy--and much safer and healthier--living indoors as long as you are there with him.
  

  How to Care for a New Cat

• Step 4

  Microchip her. Just in case she does manage to slip outside, a microchip is an easy, inexpensive way to increase your chances of bringing her home safely. Your veterinarian will have information about this.

• Step 5

  Provide your cat with high-quality cat food and fresh water every day. Every cat's nutritional needs are different; the HSUS advises that you discuss what and how much to feed your cat with your veterinarian.
  

  How to Care for a New Cat

• Step 6

  Set up a litter box. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, most cats prefer a box without a hood, filled with finely-textured, unscented litter. Place the box in a clean area far away from your cat's food and water bowls. Clean the box regularly; your cat may resist using a dirty box.

• Step 7

  Provide a scratching post. It is a cat's nature to scratch, so it is up to you to satisfy this need (and save your carpets and furniture in the process). A vertical scratching post and a horizontal scratching pad should provide your new cat with endless hours of scratching pleasure. You may need to show your cat how to use his new toys. When he uses them correctly, reward him with treats and praise.
  

  How to Care for a New Cat

• Step 8

  Groom your cat. Using a steel brush or comb, brush her regularly to keep her coat healthy and clean, and to remove excess fur that might otherwise end up as hairballs in her gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it is important to trim her nails and brush her teeth.

• Step 9

  Play with him. Your cat needs regular exercise, mental stimulation and time with you. All three of these requirements can be fulfilled if you take some time every day to get down on the floor and play with him. Cat Channel.com recommends interactive toys and soft-sided cat tunnels as two good choices for play and exercise.
  

  How to Care for a New Cat

• 2
• High-quality cat food High-quality cat treats Food and water bowls Litter box Cat litter Scratching post and pad Steel grooming brush or comb Cat nail clippers Toothpaste and toothbrush (made for cats) Cat toys
• High-quality cat food
• High-quality cat treats
• Food and water bowls
• Litter box
• Cat litter
• Scratching post and pad
• Steel grooming brush or comb
• Cat nail clippers
• Toothpaste and toothbrush (made for cats)
• Cat toys
• Stainless steel food and water dishes are a good choice. They are easy to clean and contain no crevices or porous material in which bacteria can hide. If your cat has a behavioral problem, like biting or other aggressive tendencies, don't give up. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an animal behaviorist to help you and your cat.
• Stainless steel food and water dishes are a good choice. They are easy to clean and contain no crevices or porous material in which bacteria can hide.
• If your cat has a behavioral problem, like biting or other aggressive tendencies, don't give up. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an animal behaviorist to help you and your cat.

References & Resources

• Caring For Your New Cat
• The Humane Society of the United States: Top Ten Cat Care Tips
• Cat 101
• The Humane Society of the United States: Cat Care
• Cat Channel.com