Adopting a cat is exciting, but it’s easier (and kinder) when you prepare first. This checklist is for first-time adopters, rescuers, and urban cat owners in the Philippines who want to bring a cat home safely and smoothly. Use it to plan your home setup, supplies, budget, and vet care—so your new cat can settle in with less stress.
Before you commit to adoption
Before you say yes to a cat, do a quick reality check on time, rules, and money. These steps help you avoid rushed decisions and make the transition smoother for everyone at home.
Confirm your household is ready for a cat
A cat will need daily care for many years, so it helps to agree on responsibilities early. Talk about who will handle feeding, cleaning the litter box, vet visits, and costs so the work doesn’t fall on one person.
Make sure your landlord or condo rules allow pets, and check if anyone at home has allergies or asthma triggers so you can plan ahead.
Prepare a realistic monthly budget and an emergency fund
Adoption can be low-cost, but care is ongoing. Plan for food, litter, basic supplies, and routine vet needs, plus a small emergency fund for unexpected illness or injury.
If your budget is tight, it’s still okay to adopt—just be honest about what you can sustain and choose a setup you can keep consistent.
Set up your home before your cat arrives
Your home doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should be safe and predictable. A few simple adjustments can prevent accidents and help a new cat feel secure faster.
Cat-proof your space for safety
Many home hazards are easy to miss until you have a curious cat. Secure windows and balconies, hide or protect electrical cords, and remove small items your cat could swallow.
If you keep houseplants, double-check they’re cat-safe and place them where your cat can’t nibble them.
Set up a quiet “safe room” for the first few days
A new home can feel overwhelming, especially for rescues. A small, quiet room helps your cat decompress and learn where to eat, drink, and use the litter box.
Include food, water, a litter box, a hiding spot, and something soft to sleep on, then let your cat explore the rest of the home slowly.
Plan a slow introduction if you have other pets
If you already have pets, don’t do a face-to-face meeting right away. Slow introductions can reduce fights, fear, and stress for everyone.
Separate them at first, swap scents, and increase contact gradually based on calm behavior—not on the calendar.
Prepare the essential supplies
You don’t need to buy everything at once, but a few essentials should be ready before your cat comes home. Prioritize the items that support eating, drinking, toileting, and stress-free settling in.
Food and water setup
Cats do best when they have steady access to fresh water and consistent meals. Choose a food that fits your budget and your cat’s age (kitten, adult, senior), and avoid switching brands too quickly in the first week.
Start with whatever the cat was already eating if you can, then transition slowly if you need to change.
Litter and litter box basics
A clean, accessible litter setup is one of the biggest “settling in” factors. Pick a litter box size your cat can enter comfortably, and place it in a quiet area that’s easy for the cat to reach.
Scoop daily if possible, because many cats avoid dirty boxes—and that can lead to accidents in the home.
Carrier for transport and emergencies
A sturdy carrier is not optional—it’s how you safely bring your cat home and get to the vet. Choose one that’s easy to clean and secure enough that your cat can’t push the door open.
Leave the carrier out at home sometimes so it feels normal, not scary.
Scratching and resting areas
Scratching is normal cat behavior, not “misbehavior.” Provide a scratching post or pad so your cat has a safe outlet and your furniture has a better chance.
Add a simple bed or blanket and a hiding spot (like a box) so your cat has places to feel safe while adjusting.
Plan the first vet visit and basic care
A vet visit soon after adoption helps you understand what your cat needs now and what to plan for next. It’s also a good time to ask questions while you’re still learning your cat’s routines and behavior.
Schedule a vet check-up soon after adoption
A vet visit helps you understand your cat’s current health and what preventive care is needed. Bring any records you received from the rescuer, shelter, or previous owner, including deworming, vaccination, or spay/neuter history.
Ask about diet, litter concerns, grooming, and behavior too—new adopters often have quick questions that are easier to answer early.
Deworming and parasite prevention
Many newly adopted cats—especially kittens and former strays—may have internal or external parasites. A vet can recommend an appropriate plan based on age, weight, and risk.
Avoid guessing or self-medicating, because parasite products aren’t one-size-fits-all and some can be unsafe if used incorrectly.
Vaccination planning
Vaccines can help protect cats from common infectious diseases. Your vet can help build a schedule based on your cat’s age, health status, and lifestyle (indoor-only vs. indoor-outdoor).
If you’re adopting a cat with an unknown history, your vet can advise what protection makes sense to prioritize.
Spay/neuter planning
If your cat isn’t fixed yet, plan for spaying or neutering when your vet says it’s appropriate. This can help prevent unplanned litters and may reduce roaming, fighting, and stress-related behaviors in some cats.
If cost is a concern, low-cost kapon services can make this step more accessible.
Microchipping and identification
Cats can slip out unexpectedly, even in condos and apartments. Microchipping is a permanent form of ID that can help reunite lost cats with their families if someone brings them to a clinic or shelter that can scan.
Even if you don’t microchip right away, consider a breakaway collar with an ID tag for cats who tolerate it.
Conclusion
Preparing before adoption makes the first days calmer for you and safer for your cat. With a cat-proof home, basic supplies, a plan for vet care, and a realistic budget, you’ll be ready to support your new companion from day one. If you’re still deciding where to start with the adoption process, read Cat Adoption in the Philippines next.
References
- International Cat Care (iCatCare). (2025). Helping your new cat or kitten settle in. https://icatcare.org/articles/helping-your-new-cat-or-kitten-settle-in
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). (n.d.). Introducing Cats. https://spca.org/file/Introducing-Cats.pdf
- Humane World for Animals. (n.d.). How to Litter Train a Kitten or Cat: Tips for Litter Boxes, Placement & Common Issues. https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/how-litter-train-kitten-or-cat