1
Prepping your home
globalstripe-121225
Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
We got "Gotcha Day" covered
Our new pet parent guides
got you covered for "Gotcha Day"
Our New Pet Parent Guides can help answer all your pet parenting questions.
Hero 122624
The Petco new cat guide
Click below to navigate the exciting journey into pet parenthood with helpful tips, expert guidance and shopping recommendations for all your milestones together.
TopNav 050925
New Cat Guide Widget 1
1
Prepping your home
Fill your space with supplies and essentials before your cat arrives to help them feel comfortable and safe from the start.
Blinds & pulls
Cats are attracted to windows, so be sure to secure hanging pulls and move blinds out of their way to help reduce the risk of injury.
Scratchers & condos
Give your new feline cat-approved spaces to tap into their their natural instincts.
Scratch protection
Help focus scratching and keep your cat away from items you don't want them to touch.
Secure trash
Help prevent them from ingesting potentially harmful items like coffee grounds and other waste items.
Remove hanging tablecloths
Cats may reach up to scratch and pull down the cloth, along with anything else on the table.
Water fountains
Cats tend to not drink enough water, and moving water can entice them to drink so they stay hydrated.
Calming aids
Pheromone diffusers can help your cat settle in and should be placed in your home a week before they come home.
Furniture
Cats are curious creatures! Securing furniture to the wall can help ensure it is not accidentally knocked over.
Beds
Give your cat a designated safe place to sleep and retreat to when they need to decompress.
Shut washing machines & dryers
Help prevent them from getting trapped in an appliance while they're exploring.
Lock away potential dangers
Keep fabric softener, mothballs, batteries, cleaning products, pest poisons and other harmful substances out of your cat's reach.
Litter boxes & supplies
Placing a litter box in a quiet place will increase the likelihood they use it, and keeping cleanup supplies nearby can help make chores easier.
Top-recommended products to prep your home
S1-Prepping 050925
2
FIRST NIGHT TOGETHER
Help your new cat feel cozy the first night with you with the right supplies.
Set up a safe place
Create a small, dedicated space with their bed, litter box, food, water and toys to help them adjust to their new home.
Shop Food & Supplies
Let them explore at their own pace
Allow your cat to come out of their travel carrier when they want to and make sure not to rush them.
Shop Carriers
Make introductions slowly
At a comfortable pace for your cat, allow your friends and family to meet them while making sure each interaction is short and positive by rewarding them with treats.
Shop TreatsTop-recommended products for their first night
S2-FirstNight 050925
3
FINDING THE RIGHT NUTRITION
Set a strong foundation for their physical health with quality nutrition.
Why quality nutrition is important
Quality nutrition helps your cat have healthier skin, a shinier coat and improved vitality and longevity.
What to look for in cat food
When looking for cat food, consider your cat’s age, health needs, such as food sensitivities or weight management, and choose a recipe that suits their specific lifestage. Opt for cat food with high-quality ingredients and a complete and balanced recipe.
Health starts with what's in their bowl
Build a balanced bowl with quality nutrition and toppers to help ensure a healthy diet.
Why we believe in quality nutrition
For healthy skin, a shiny coat, improved vitality and longevity.
What to look for in cat food*
Our nutrition standards are a first step in a journey toward better health for the pets we all love.
*See how Petco defines artificial ingredients at petco.com/nutritionstandards.
Health starts with what's in their bowl
Build a balanced bowl with quality nutrition and toppers to help ensure a healthy diet.
Top-recommended nutrition picks
S3-Nutrition 050925
4
FIRST TRIP TO THE VET
Visiting the vet regularly from the start can help support your cat's physical health and overall wellness.
S4-FirstVet 050925
5
Building your bond
Socializing with your cat helps strengthen your relationship while providing the stimulation and exposure they need for positive physical, mental and social health.
Toys & catnip
Encourage them to play when they're alone so they stay mentally stimulated.
Tunnels
Provide a safe space to hide, play and explore—and they often have a hidden toy for even more entertainment.
Top-recommended products for playtime
Carriers
Provide a safe way to transport your cat during trips to the vet or other outings.
Harnesses & leashes
Depending on your cat's temperament, you may be able to leash-train them.
Top-recommended products for their first walk
S5-BuildingBond-JS 050925
Frequently Asked Questions
-
While cats are typically lower maintenance pets and can mostly take care of themselves, a kitten may need additional attention if you plan to be gone for long stretches of time. If you have adopted a new or very young kitten, it's best to not leave them alone for more than a four-hour stretch without checking on them to ensure they have plenty of water and have not gotten into any dangerous situations while exploring their new surroundings. As they age, they will be perfectly happy waiting for you to return from work to play with them.
-
Different kittens may take different amounts of time to become fully adjusted to their new space. You can help your new family member get used to their new home by giving them a safe place to call their own and slowly introducing them to other people and pets.
-
If you're adopting a new kitten, start by getting these essential supplies before bringing them home: kitten food, kitten treats and food and water bowls; litter, a litterbox and accessories, like a scoop, deodorizer and litter liners; a stain and odor remover; a cat scratcher; a perch or cat condo; toys; a bed; a collar and ID tags; a kitten carrier; and calming solutions, like supplements or diffusers.
-
Your new kitten will likely feel overwhelmed and a little bit nervous when they first come home. You can alleviate some of this by creating a safe space in a bedroom or bathroom and letting them explore and get used to that area first. If you have other pets in your home, make sure introductions happen slowly.
-
A basic supplies checklist for your new cat includes cat food, cat treats and food and water bowls; litter, a litterbox and accessories, like a scoop, deodorizer and litter liners; a stain and odor remover; a cat scratcher; a perch or cat condo; toys; a bed; a collar and ID tags; a travel carrier; and calming solutions, like supplements or diffusers.
-
Depending on your new cat's age and personality, they may take some time to become fully accustomed to their new space. To help ease this transition, be sure you have all the right supplies before you bring your new cat home. Once there, give them a dedicated space, introduce them to other people and pets slowly and give them hands-on attention when they want it.
FAQs 050925