The Ultimate Guide for New Cat Owners in 2025

Cats are wonderful companions, each with their own unique personalities. They're affectionate with their owners and offer love, comfort, and plenty of entertainment. Owning a cat can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but like any pet, it also comes with responsibility.

If you’re a first-time pet owner, showing your cat love entails more than just toys and food; it's a big, life-long commitment. Cats are social animals that need daily interaction and attention. So it's important to be prepared to devote time and energy to meeting their needs.

To help you learn more about your feline friend, we've put together a comprehensive guide for first-time cat owners. From selecting the right diet to understanding cat behaviour, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to care for cats.

1. Getting Your Home Ready

Cats are naturally curious animals and will often explore their environment, which can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. By cat-proofing your home, you can keep them happy and unharmed. Here are some steps you can take to create a safe haven for your pet and prevent accidents and injuries:

Install A Mesh On Windows and Balconies

Did you know that SPCA Singapore reports around 5 cases of cats falling from heights every week? That’s about 250 cases a year, and sadly, many of these falls result in serious injury or worse. Installing a secure mesh on your windows and balconies is a simple way to help keep your cat safe while still allowing them to enjoy the view.

Secure Cords and Cables 

Some cats can't resist chewing on cords and cables, which can pose a choking hazard. Keep cords safely out of reach or use cord covers to protect your curious cats. Also, be mindful of other small items like string, yarn, rubber bands, dental floss, or hair ties. These may seem like fun toys but can easily become dangerous if swallowed or tangled.

Remove Toxic Plants In Your Home 

You may not know it, but common houseplants can be toxic to cats. Aloe Vera, Lilies, Poinsettias, Amaryllis, Asparagus Ferns, Jade, Snake Plant, Sweetheart Ivy, Ceriman, Cyclamen, Dracaena, and Sago Palms can all cause serious problems for your pet. Exposure or ingestion can lead to skin irritations, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach or consider replacing them with safe alternatives.

Put Away Household Chemicals and Other Hazardous Materials 

Cats are naturally curious and may try to ingest or play with household chemicals and other hazardous materials. To prevent emergency vet visits, always store sharp objects, like scissors, knives, as well as chemicals such as laundry detergents, drain cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners, in secure, cat-proof locations. The same goes for antidepressants, aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, all of which can be extremely harmful to cats.

Anchor Unsteady or Top-Heavy Furniture To The Wall 

This is one of the most important tips for new cat owners. Consider securing flat-screen TVs, wobbly bookshelves, or anything else that could topple a cat who has attempted to scale it. A baby-proofing anti-tip kit can be beneficial.

Keep Every Receptacle Covered 

Keep trash cans securely lidded, close washer and dryer doors, and always put the toilet seat down — anything your cat might jump or fall into should be kept closed. Be extra careful with plastic bags too. Many cats find them fun to play with, but they can be dangerous if left lying around.

Protect Your Furniture 

Protect your sofa and other furniture by covering or reinforcing the surfaces to discourage scratching. Place a proper scratching post nearby, so your cat can satisfy their natural instincts without turning your favourite couch into their new scratching spot.

2. Buying Essential Supplies and Equipment

As a first-time pet owner, it's important to stock up on a few essentials before bringing your cat home. Here's a simple checklist of what your new feline friend will need:

Litter Box and Litter 

A litter box gives your cat the freedom to relieve themselves whenever they need to, without relying on you to take them outside. This is especially helpful if you have a busy schedule or live in a flat where outdoor access isn't always possible. It also helps keep your home clean and hygienic by containing your cat’s waste in one spot.

Bowls

When choosing a bowl for your cat, opt for one made from durable materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or heavy-duty plastic. These are easy to clean and built to last. The bowl should also be the right size, large enough for your cat to eat comfortably from, but not so big that it causes spills or wasted food.

Cat Water Fountain

A cat water fountain offers several benefits. Cats are naturally drawn to moving water, as it tends to be fresher and cleaner in the wild. Flowing water encourages them to drink more, helping to keep them hydrated. A fountain bowl also provides more oxygenated, better-tasting water and can help keep it cooler, especially appealing to cats on warm days.  

Bed

Cats love to sleep, and having their own bed gives them a cozy, comfortable spot to relax.  It also offers a safe, secure place to retreat when they 're feeling anxious or stressed. 

Shampoo 

Cats generally do not need to be bathed as frequently as dogs, as they do a great job of grooming themselves. However, there may be times when a bath is necessary, for example, if your cat gets into something sticky or dirty, or if they have a skin condition that requires special care. When bathing your cat, be sure to use a shampoo specifically formulated for cats, as human or dog shampoos can be too harsh for their skin. A gentle, cat-safe shampoo will help keep their coat clean and healthy without causing irritation.

Deshedding Brush 

Cats naturally shed their fur as part of their grooming process, and this shedding can increase during certain times of the year. A deshedding brush helps to reduce the amount of fur that ends up on furniture, clothing, and other household surfaces. It can also help to reduce the risk of hairballs, which can be uncomfortable for your pet and may require veterinary attention.

Toys

Your cat needs mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Providing cat toys will keep them entertained and from getting into trouble. It's a good idea to have a variety of toys available for them to play with. This can include things like balls, laser pointers, and scratching pads.

Scratching Post 

As a new pet owner, you should understand that your feline friend has a natural instinct to scratch, so it's important to provide them with a scratching post. This will help keep their claws healthy and prevent them from scratching your furniture. Scratching posts can be made of cardboard, sisal, or wood, and some even have additional features such as perches or toys.

Cat Collar 

A cat collar and a dog collar may look similar — both are used to attach ID tags and leashes — but there are some important differences. Cat collars are typically lighter, more flexible, and often feature a breakaway safety mechanism that allows the collar to release if it gets caught on something, helping to prevent injury. This safety feature is especially important for cats, who love to climb and explore tight spaces.

Cat Carrier 

Cats are known to be fight-or-flight animals. When they're stressed or faced with a perceived threat, cats may choose to either stand their ground and fight or run away.  To ensure that your pet feels safe and secure, it's essential to provide them with a comfortable environment. A good carrier can be very useful for trips to the vet, moving to a new home, or travelling.

If your cat is fearful of going out, you can also consider housecall pet services, such as grooming, microchipping or vet check-ups, which allows your cat to stay in the comfort of their own home.

3. Acclimatising

Acclimating a cat to a new home takes time and patience. It’s important to give your new pet the space they need to feel safe and comfortable as they adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. Be patient, go at your cat’s pace, and let them settle in gradually. Here are some helpful tips to support your cat through this transition:

• Set up a quiet, comfortable space for your cat to call their own; this can be a small room or a crate, and it should be equipped with all of the necessary supplies, such as food, water, a litter box, and a bed or blanket.
  

• Gradually introduce your cat to the rest of the house. Once they seem comfortable in their designated space, allow them to explore the rest of the house gradually, one room at a time.
  

• Make sure to provide plenty of food, water, and litter boxes throughout the house to make it easy for your cat to access these necessities.
  

• Provide plenty of attention and affection to help your cat feel comfortable and secure in their new surroundings. This can include grooming, playing, and cuddling.
  

• You can also use calming sprays like Feliway to help them de-stress and adjust to their new surroundings. It’s generally safe and well-tolerated by cats.
  

4. Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Feeding Your Cat

Cats are natural carnivores and need a high-quality diet with the right balance of essential nutrients, including: protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water. You can feed them wet food, dry food, or a combination of both.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food

Both wet food and dry food can be part of a healthy diet for your cat. Each type offers its own benefits and trade-offs, so it’s important to choose what works best for your cat’s needs, preferences, and your lifestyle.

When caring for a new pet, it's a good idea to offer a variety of wet and dry foods to help meet their nutritional needs. Blended or mixed feeding routines can give your cat the best of both worlds — for example, feeding dry food in the morning and wet food in the evening, or mixing wet food with dry kibble. Just be sure to maintain proper portion control, so your cat receives the right balance of nutrients and maintains a healthy weight.

Here’s an easy comparison to help you decide which options may suit your cat best:

	Wet Food	Dry Food
Packaging	Sold in cans or pouches	Sold in bags (kibble)
Texture	Soft, moist	Crunchy, hard
Moisture Content	High; helps with hydration and uninary health	Low; ensure your cat drinks enough water
Palatability	Often more appealing, great for picky eaters	May be less appealing to some cats
Nutritional Content	High in protein and nutrients	May contain more fillers or additives
Shelf Life	Spoils quickly once opened	Long shelf life, easy to store
Convenience	Messier to serve, needs more care	Convenient and easy to serve
Dental Health	Doesn't contribute to dental health	Can help clean teeth and support dental health
Cost	Generally more expensive	More affordable
Suitability	Ideal for cats needing extra hydration or prone to urinary issues	Good everyday option, espeically if hydration is monitored

How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?

Young kittens need to eat frequently, as they require plenty of fat and calories to support their growth. Typically, kittens should be fed three meals a day with high-quality kitten food that’s rich in amino acids, vitamins, and essential nutrients, up until they reach one year old.

After their first birthday, cats can transition to an adult diet and usually do well with one to two meals per day. It’s important to ensure that adult cats aren’t eating only protein or entirely home-cooked meals. If you plan to feed your cat home-cooked food, be sure to include a multivitamin supplement to provide complete nutrition.

Visiting the Vet

Cats are naturally good at hiding pain or illness and often won’t show obvious signs of being unwell until the condition is more advanced. That’s why regular vet check-ups are so important, even if your cat seems perfectly healthy.

During these visits, your vet will examine your cat, check their vital signs, and perform any necessary diagnostic tests. This helps catch potential health issues early, allowing for timely treatment. Your vet may also recommend vitamins and supplements to support your cat’s overall well-being.

For example, if your cat is experiencing joint discomfort, your vet might suggest Antinol, a joint supplement made from a patented omega-3 extract (PCSO-524), known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain.

Regular check-ups also ensure your cat stays current on vaccinations and preventative care, such as flea and parasite control, helping to keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

Getting Vaccinations

Taking care of your cat and keeping them up to date on their vaccinations is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Vaccines help protect cats from preventable diseases, and the recommended core vaccines may vary depending on your cat's age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure.

Below are some of the most commonly recommended vaccines for cats. Typically, vaccines are administered 2 to 4 weeks apart, with the final vaccine administered at or after the age of 16 weeks. After completing the initial series, yearly boosted vaccinations are recommended to maintain protection.

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• Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) vaccine: Protect against a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects cats.
  

• Feline calicivirus (FCV) vaccine: Protect against calicivirus that can cause a range of respiratory and oral problems, such as sneezing, coughing, and ulceration of the mouth. The disease can be serious, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
  

• Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) vaccine: Protect against a respiratory disease caused by the herpesvirus. It’s a common virus that can cause respiratory infections, eye infections, and other health problems in cats.
  

• Feline rabies vaccine: Protect against rabies, a viral and potentially fatal disease that’s transmitted through bites from infected animals. However, Singapore is considered a rabies-free country, so this vaccine is optional.
  

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine: Protects against feline leukemia, a viral disease that can cause cancer and other serious health issues. This is recommended for cats who go outside or have contact with other infected cats.

Vaccines are an important part of maintaining your cat's overall health and can help prevent serious and potentially fatal diseases. It’s important to consult with your vet to determine the best vaccination schedule for your cat based on their individual needs.

Deworming

Cats can be infected with several types of worms, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. They can become infected with parasitic worms through a variety of means, including ingestion of infected prey, ingestion of contaminated food or water, and contact with infected soil or feces. These worms can cause a variety of health problems like vomitting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and a lack of appetite. 

In addition, some worms can be transmitted to humans, so it’s important to deworm your cat to protect both its health and the health of your family. It’s typically recommended to deworm your pet once or twice a year as a preventive measure.

Aside from worms, your cat is also vulnerable to other parasites such as fleas, fur mites, and ear mites. For fast-acting parasite control and protection, you can use a once-a-month topical treatment like Frontline or Revolution.

Spaying/Neutering Your Cat

Spaying or neutering your cat, also known as sterilisation, is a surgical procedure that involves removing their reproductive organs. There are several reasons why spaying or neutering your cat can be beneficial.

• Improved Health: Spaying or neutering can help prevent certain health problems that can be life-threatening for cats. These include uterine infections, breast tumors, and testicular cancer.

• Behaviour Modification: Sterilisation can help to make your cat more manageable and easier to care for. Cats that are not spayed or neutered may exhibit behaviours such as roaming, fighting, spraying, and marking territory. These can be inconvenient or annoying for owners. Spaying or neutering can help reduce or eliminate these behaviors.

• Cost-saving: Spaying or neutering your cat can save you money in the long run, as it can prevent expensive medical treatments for certain health problems and behaviours.

• Population Control: Sterilisation helps prevent unwanted litters.  This reduces the number of unwanted cats and prevents overpopulation.

Most cats can be safely spayed or neutered at around 6 months of age, but some veterinarians may recommend waiting until a cat is older.

5. Keeping Your Cat Clean

Litter Box Cleaning

Regular cleaning of your cat’s litter box is essential for their health and hygiene. Cats prefer a clean space, and if the litter box is dirty, they may avoid using it, which can lead to inappropriate elimination.

Cleaning out their litterboxes also prevents bad odours, pests, and the spread of bacteria and parasites that could harm your cat or other members of the household. To maintain a clean litter box, scoop waste daily and fully clean and replace the litter at least once a week. Use a litter-safe disinfectant and avoid harsh chemicals that could be toxic to your cat.

Grooming Your Cat

Cats are naturally clean and groom themselves, but some — especially long-haired cats — may need extra help to prevent tangles, mats, and hairballs. Regular grooming also improves circulation and keeps their coat healthy and shiny.

Use tools like a slicker brush, comb, or grooming scissors suited to your cat’s coat type, and groom them a few times a week (or more during shedding season). Don’t forget nail trims and dental care too — keeping nails short and teeth clean helps prevent discomfort and health issues.

If needed, you can also book a professional groomer or mobile cat grooming service to help keep your cat’s coat and skin in great condition.

6. Training Your Cat

Litter Training

Training your cat to use the litter box consistently helps prevent accidents around the house and gives your cat more independence. A well-trained cat can eliminate without your assistance, so you can be away longer without worry. Litter-trained cats are also less likely to develop urinary tract infections and other health issues linked to improper elimination.

To litter train your cat, place the litter box in a quiet, accessible spot away from their food and water. Gently place your cat in the box and encourage them by lightly scratching the litter. Use positive reinforcement — praise and treats — when your cat uses the box correctly.

Be patient, as every cat learns at their own pace. Some may pick it up quickly, while others may take a little longer.

Furniture Scratching

Scratching is a natural and instinctive behaviour for cats. If your cat is scratching the furniture, the best solution is to provide plenty of appealing scratching alternatives. Use positive reinforcement to encourage them to use the correct surfaces.

Place scratching posts or pads in different areas of your home, especially near the furniture they like to scratch. You can make them more attractive with catnip or treats, and use clicker training to reward good behaviour.

It also helps to cover your furniture during training, so you stay patient and avoid frustration. Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish couch covers available today to help keep your home both cat-friendly and beautiful.

First-Time Cat Owner Tips

Cats undoubtedly make some of the best companions for humans. By following these new cat owner tips and working closely with your vet, you can help ensure that your cat lives happily and healthy with you for many years to come.

For more pet care tips and guides, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Pawkit connects Singapore pet owners to a variety of pet-related resources and services. Get everything you need in one place, from the latest pet care tips to your pet’s details and medical history, as well as a directory of on-demand pet services in your area, such as veterinarians, groomers, and daycare.