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Get them a comfortable bed to snuggle in -

Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, so it's essential you choose a comfortable bed they can snuggle in. It needs to be warm, cozy, and safe for them.

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Choose a room for your cat to settle into -

Establish one room in their new home as a base for your cat. This room should ideally be a spare room or another space that isn’t too busy.

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Give your cat places to hide -

Having different hiding options is key in helping a cat settle into a new environment. These places can be under a bed, in a wardrobe, or even inside cardboard boxes.

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A scratching post is a must -

Cats love to scratch; it's a completely natural behavior for them. However, you don't want your furniture ripped apart either. So have a scratching post in place for them.

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Remove dangerous objects -

Cats are curious animals that will want to play and explore. Make sure there aren't any dangerous items that could harm them, such as lilies and other toxic plants, as well as cords and strings.

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Give your cat time and space -

Your cat needs time to settle in and feel comfortable before meeting too many new people. If after several days your cat seems relaxed and keen to explore, then you can let them out of their room.

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Don’t forget the food and treats -

It may seem obvious, but before bringing a cat home, make sure you’re well stocked with food and treats. Keep in mind that there are different formulations of cat food depending on their age and life stage.

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Make sure your place is escape-proof -

In the first few days, your cat will not be familiar with your home and may be scared. Their instinct will be to escape, so be careful with leaving windows and doors open.

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Get a large litter box -

Some litter boxes are too small. Make sure to get one that's large enough for your cat to turn around in, so that they don't feel trapped.

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Choose proper bowls -

Opt for bowls that are made of stainless steel, as they won't collect as much bacteria and oil as a plastic bowl. Make sure it's also wide and shallow, with plenty of room to accommodate your cat’s whiskers.

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Have a good cat brush -

Cats sometimes throw up hairballs after an intense session of self-grooming. You can prevent this by regularly grooming your cat to ward off tangles with a good brush.

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Opt for cat litter that controls odor and tracks less -

A cat will go through a lot of litter in their lifetime. And since both you and the cat will be around a lot of litter, opt for one with good odor control and which tracks less.

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Get lots of toys -

Cats love to play, which means they require lots of toys to play with. For example, kittens are extremely active, so have a variety of toys on hand to keep yours entertained.

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Get lots of toys -

Toys offer cats an outlet for their energy, and it gives them the physical and mental stimulation they need to be happy. Plus, it's a great way for you to bond with them.

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Make sure your kids are ready -

If you have young children, it’s really important to explain that they need to be gentle with the new cat. Children will want to snuggle and play, but at the beginning this has to be supervised, as the new cat may feel overwhelmed.

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Get your kids involved -

Get your kids involved from the beginning by allowing them to help pick the cat's name, and establish ground rules for interaction before bringing the new pet home.

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Water bowls -

For water, bowls that hold at least 20 ounces (500 ml) of water are recommended. This is about a two-to three-day supply, depending on your cat’s size and diet.

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Gradually introduce your cat to other pets -

It's also important to keep your cat separate from other pets in the home. Allow gradual and well-supervised interactions so they get to know each other.

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Be ready for accidents -

If you get a kitten, they're bound to have the odd accident, just like any other pet. Have cleanup and odor control products on hand that are pet friendly, as you don’t want to inadvertently poison your cat.

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Consider a pheromone diffuser -

Your cat might benefit from a calming pheromone diffuser. These emit a synthetic version of a pheromone that cats produce naturally from scent glands in their cheeks. Installing one of these at least 24 hours before their arrival will help reduce their stress.

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Have a water fountain -

A water fountain is a great way to entice your cat to drink more water. You can find options that are very quiet and easy to clean and maintain.

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Have a water fountain -

A good water fountain holds 100 ounces (three liters) of water, so you’ll need to refill it only once or twice a week. And your cat will love it!

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Have a place for them to perch -

Cats enjoy surveying their surroundings from high perches. This also gives them the freedom to examine their new home from the security of a spot high above the ground.

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The first nights -

Where will your cat spend the night? You may want to keep your cat in one location for the first few weeks, especially if it's a kitten, as they can decide to hide.

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Store chemicals securely -

Make sure you store any dangerous chemicals such as bleach or floor cleaner out of your cat's reach, as their curiosity can easily get them into trouble.

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Get a sturdy carrier -

Before bringing a new cat home, get your hands on a good quality cat carrier to make transport easier. It’s essential to get your cat used to traveling in a carrier, especially when they're young.

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Get a sturdy carrier -

You will need regular trips to the vet, especially in the early stages. So you want to ensure your cat is comfortable with the experience.

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Get some catnip -

To help your cat relax in their new home, consider sprinkling their bedding or scratcher with some catnip. It's even better if it's fresh!

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Have some good cleaning supplies -

To deal with everyday cat messes like hairballs and litter-box gunk, you need an all-purpose cleaner. Consider also getting a cordless handheld vacuum to easily pick up stray litter messes around the box. 

Sources: (The New York Times) (Petbarn)

See also: The world's most expensive cat breeds

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