Adopting and bringing a cat home
Bringing a cat home goes better with a little planning: where the cat will come from, what it will cost, and how to set up the first few weeks so a nervous cat settles in.
Start here
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Step 1 First-Time Cat Owner Guide: Everything You Need to Know First-time cat owner? This beginner guide covers supplies, vet care, daily routines, and common mistakes so you and your new cat start off on the right foot. -
Step 2 How to Adopt a Cat: Step-by-Step Guide How to adopt a cat: walk through finding adoptable cats, the application and meet-and-greet, adoption fees, and what to expect when you bring them home. -
Step 3 Adopting vs. Buying from a Breeder: Which Is Right for You? Adopting vs. buying from a breeder: compare cost, health, personality, and ethics to choose the option that fits your home, budget, and long-term plans. -
Step 4 How Much Does a Cat Cost? First-Year Budget Breakdown Adoption or purchase, supplies, first vet visits, food, litter, and emergencies. Here are realistic first-year cat cost ranges to budget before you commit. -
Step 5 Bringing Home a New Cat: Week-by-Week Adjustment Guide Bringing home a new cat? This week-by-week guide covers the first 30 days, what to expect, and how shelter cats may differ from cats raised by a breeder.