CHECKLIST 2 – Everything You Need for a Smooth Start with Your Cat: From essential equipment, safety and health to settling in, litter box setup, nutrition and daily routines. Helping your cat arrive comfortably and feel safe in your home.

CHECKLIST 2 – Everything You Need for a Smooth Start with Your Cat: From essential equipment, safety and health to settling in, litter box setup, nutrition and daily routines. Helping your cat arrive comfortably and feel safe in your home.

For Cats

Basic Equipment

Carrier
Litter box
Cat litter
Litter scoop
Food and water bowls
High-quality cat food
Cat tree or scratching furniture
Scratching board or scratching mat
Cat bed
Retreat area / cat cave
Toys
Brush or comb
Tick remover, especially for outdoor cats
Window and balcony safety measures
Optional: drinking fountain
Optional: puzzle feeder or treat toy
Optional: GPS tracker for outdoor cats

Health

Find a local veterinarian
Schedule an initial check-up
Check vaccination status
Have the microchip inserted or checked
Register the cat with TASSO or FINDEFIX
Discuss neutering/spaying
Plan deworming
Arrange flea and tick protection
Have dental health checked
Monitor weight regularly
Save the veterinarian’s emergency number
Research the nearest veterinary clinic
Review pet health insurance options

Home Safety

Remove toxic plants, especially lilies
Store medications securely
Keep cleaning products out of reach
Secure cables
Remove small objects that could be swallowed
Secure tilt-and-turn windows
Secure the balcony with cat netting
Check the washing machine and dryer before every use
Protect hot stovetops
Make rubbish and food waste inaccessible
Create a quiet retreat area

Litter Box & Hygiene

Provide at least one litter box
For multiple cats, plan for multiple litter boxes
Rule of thumb: number of cats + 1 litter box
Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location
Do not place it directly next to food or water
Clean the litter box daily
Schedule regular deep cleaning

Nutrition

Choose high-quality wet or dry food
Transition food gradually
Establish a consistent feeding routine
Always provide fresh water
Place the water bowl separately from the food where possible
Try a drinking fountain for cats that drink too little
Give treats only in moderation
Avoid unsuitable foods
Monitor weight and appetite regularly
Adjust food portions according to age, weight, activity level and health status

Settling In

Prepare a quiet arrival room
Leave the carrier open in the room
Provide the litter box, food, water and a sleeping area
Offer hiding places
Do not pressure the cat
Do not give immediate access to the entire home
Keep visitors, children and other animals away at first
Introduce rooms gradually
Establish a consistent routine
For multiple cats, plan a slow introduction process

Enrichment & Behaviour

Provide scratching options
Create climbing areas
Set up lookout points
Provide hiding places and rest areas
Include short daily play sessions
Offer hunting-style games
Use wand toys
Use puzzle feeders or treat games
Rotate toys regularly
Use positive reinforcement
Redirect unwanted behaviour instead of punishing it

Documents & Organisation

Store the vaccination record safely
Save the microchip number
Check registration with a pet database
Record veterinary appointments
Create a food and medication plan
File insurance documents
Save photos of the cat
Document weight development
Save emergency contacts
Set up the PetConnect app

Daily Routine

Clean the litter box daily
Clean food and water bowls daily
Plan grooming time
Offer playtime and cuddle time
Monitor weight and behaviour
Keep an eye on appetite and drinking behaviour
Allow sufficient rest periods
Develop a routine
Respect retreat areas

Emergency Check

Buy a first aid kit for pets
Keep the carrier within easy reach
Save phone numbers for:
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary clinic
- Pet sitter
- Poison control or veterinary emergency service
Keep emergency food at home
Administer medication only as instructed by a veterinarian
Be familiar with toxic plants and foods
Save a current photo of the cat
Use the PetConnect app

For Outdoor Cats

Microchip and registration
Neutering/spaying
Check vaccination status
Parasite prevention
Optional: GPS tracker
Current photo
Consistent return-home routine

Things to Do with a Cat

Exercise & Enrichment

Play daily
Offer hunting-style games
Create climbing opportunities
Set up lookout points
Use food-based enrichment games
Rotate toys regularly
Respect rest periods
Pay particular attention to enrichment for indoor cats

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