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Things You Should Know as a First-Time Cat Parent

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  May 31st, 2025

Are you planning on sharing your home with a cat for the very first time in your life? Congrats on becoming a new cat parent! But there are some things you should know about kitties so you can take great care of them and understand them better. Here’s a brief guide to get started.  

larisa Stefanjuk/Shutterstock

Cats Aren’t As Independent As You Might Think


Although cats have a reputation for being independent, they’re actually more social and needy than you might think. Don’t leave them alone all the time or ignore them. They need a lot of attention and are happiest when they get to interact with gentle, affectionate people.


Because cats are social, having more than one is a good idea. Just make sure you perform introductions properly, especially if you have an older cat and want to give them a new companion.


Cats don’t need to be taken for walks or let outside to go potty like dogs, but they still require a lot of your time every day.  


Play


Playing with your cat is important, regardless of their age. Senior cats can be encouraged to stay active, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.


Play is exercise, and this can help keep them fit and at a healthy weight. Plus, if your cat releases their energy through play, they’ll be less inclined to let that energy out in destructive ways.



  • Some cats will play fetch, while others will spend tons of time playing with electronic toys and interactive toys when you aren’t able to play with them.


  • Puzzle toys are great for kitties because they mentally challenge your pet to figure out how to get tasty treats all on their own.


Environmental Enrichment


There are many pet products designed to make cats feel right at home, and these can also provide much-needed environmental enrichment to keep them entertained.


  • Scratching posts are a necessity for cats to stretch and scratch, while wall perches and cat trees are loads of fun and provide high places to perch and watch their surroundings.

 



  

Grooming


Your cat will need to be groomed, and getting them comfortable with being handled will make this easier.


  • Whether your kitty has short, medium, or long fur, keep their coat smooth and free of tangles and mats by brushing them a few times a week. This helps keep their coat and skin healthy while removing loose hair that could cause hairballs.


  • Longhaired cats tend to have higher grooming needs because their fur can tangle and mat easily, but even a hairless cat has special needs to keep their skin clean and healthy.


  • Cats usually don’t need baths. However, some might need to be bathed, and you can discuss this with your veterinarian.


  • All cats should have their nails trimmed often, as you don’t want them getting super sharp (ouch!) or overgrown. Don’t declaw your cat, as it’s cruel and unnecessary.


You Need to Cat-Proof Your House


Cats can get into everything, so cat-proof your home to prevent injuries or illness.


Here are just a few of the many important steps to take to make your home a safe and secure environment for your feline:


  • Cover electrical wires that can be chewed on
  • Keep toxic plants out of your home
  • Keep cleaning products and medications out of reach
  • Tie up cords on window treatments
  • Place secure screens on windows


Cats Have Preferences  


Don’t assume all kitties like the same food. One cat might love wet food while another might only eat dry food. Part of getting to know your new cat involves figuring out their food preferences.


Sure, cats can be picky, but there’s a lot to consider about their food: they have preferences when it comes to flavor, texture, and even where they’re fed. Many even prefer eating out of a dish rather than a bowl to avoid whisker fatigue.


When it comes to litter, some kitties might refuse to use their litter box if it doesn’t contain a litter they like (yes, there are multiple types of litter beyond clay), or if it’s in an area of your home where they don’t feel comfortable.


Cats Like Routine and Can Easily Get Stressed


Cats can get frazzled quite easily (e.g., if an environment is too chaotic or noisy, you have a baby, you move, or strangers visit). Try to maintain a calm and clean home where your kitty can feel comfortable and confident.


Maintain a routine for feeding them, playing with them, and cuddling with them. And give them places to hide when they want to retreat—even something simple like the Bedsure Cat House can help them feel at ease.

Now that you know a bit more about what to expect when it comes to caring for cats, you can give your new feline friend exactly what they need to thrive.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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