Start with CRO

Tip: print this page or save it as a PDF — then tick the boxes as you go.

Setting up for a dog?

New Cat Owner Checklist

Everything for a calm, well-prepared first week with your cat.

First-week essentialsTick as you goFree printable
EssentialsFirst-day supplies

Litter & bathroom

  • Litter box — one per cat, plus one extra
  • Unscented clumping litter
  • Litter scoop
  • Litter mat to catch tracking

Food & water

  • Ceramic or stainless food bowl
  • Wide, shallow water bowl (avoids whisker fatigue)
  • High-quality wet food
  • High-quality dry food

Comfort & enrichment

  • Tall, sturdy scratching post
  • Cat tree or window perch
  • Cozy bed or fleece blanket
  • Carrier for vet visits

Toys

  • Wand toy (feather or ribbon)
  • Crinkle balls
  • Catnip toy (not all cats react — that’s normal)
  • A cardboard box (they love them)
FeedingHow much and how often
  • Kittens under 6 months: 3–4 small meals a day
  • Adult cats: 2 meals a day, or free-feed measured dry food
  • Offer wet food daily for hydration
  • A water fountain encourages drinking
  • Switch foods slowly over 7–10 days (up to 14 for sensitive stomachs)
  • Never: dog food as a staple, onions, garlic, grapes, or raisins
QR code linking to petcro.com/printables
More free printablesPlus our premium New Puppy First-Year Planner. Scan the code, or visit petcro.com/printables
First Vet VisitBook within 2 weeks
  • First vet visit booked (within 2 weeks)
  • Vaccination records from breeder or shelter
  • Questions for the vet written down
  • Flea & tick prevention discussed
  • Spay/neuter timeline discussed with your vet
  • Microchip registered in your name
Pet-Proof Your HomeSafety first
  • Toxic plants removed — lilies are especially dangerous
  • Electrical cords hidden or covered
  • Cleaning products stored away
  • String, hair ties & small objects cleared
  • Toilet lid kept down
  • Windows and balconies screened or secured
First-Week TipsSettle in smoothly
  • Give them a base camp. Start in one quiet room with litter, food, water, and a hiding spot, then expand.
  • Let them come to you. Don’t force contact; let a cat approach on its own terms and trust builds faster.
  • Reward, don’t punish. Praise and treats for good behavior; redirect the rest.
  • Watch appetite & stools. A cat not eating for 24 hours, or ongoing loose stools, warrants a vet call.
Numbers to Keep HandyFill these in now
Your vet
Emergency vet
Pet sitter
Microchip number
Breeder / shelter
Pet insurance claim line

ASPCA Animal Poison Control 1-888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply)  ·  Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-764-7661

General guidance for new pet owners — not veterinary advice. Your vet sets the exact plan for your pet.  ·  More free guides at petcro.com