New cat at home: a guide for future cat owners
Getting your first cat is one of life’s great joys. But there is quite a bit to think about before your little four-legged companion moves in. This guide helps you prepare as a future cat owner.
Start by considering what type of cat suits your lifestyle. Do you have a small apartment in the city center? Then a calm indoor cat might be perfect. Do you live in a house with a garden? Then you have more options. Also think about whether you want a kitten or an adult cat. Adult cats from shelters are often already socialized and vaccinated.
Stockholm has several shelters and organizations where you can adopt: Stockholms Katthem, Djurskyddet Stockholm, and other local associations take in cats that need new homes. Adopting is a wonderful way to give a cat a new life, and you often get support and advice from the organization.
Before the cat arrives, prepare your home. You will need: a litter box with litter, food and water bowls, quality food, scratching furniture, toys, and a safe resting place. Cat-proof the home by securing windows, hiding loose cables, and removing poisonous plants. Common houseplants toxic to cats include lilies (potentially lethal), dieffenbachia, aloe vera, poinsettias, and peace lilies. Contact your vet or the Swedish Poisons Information Centre for a complete list.
Book a vet visit within the first week. The vet checks the cat’s health, updates vaccinations, and can advise on microchipping, neutering, and deworming. Stockholm has many good veterinary clinics, including AniCura, Evidensia, and several local practices.
The first days at home are an adjustment period. Give the cat access to one room at a time and let it explore at its own pace. Do not force contact, as most cats need time to feel safe in their new environment. Be patient and let the cat come to you.
As a cat owner, you also have access to a fantastic community of cat lovers. Need tips, help with cat sitting, or just want to chat with other cat owners? Cat Surfing connects cat lovers near you, free and hassle-free.
Ready to start your cat life? Join the Cat Surfing community at cat-surfing.com and meet other cat lovers in your neighborhood. Completely free, always.