What Should You Know Before Adopting a Cat?

It's best to start with the same food they were eating prior to adoption to avoid upsetting their stomach right away. After a week or so, you can gradually transition to a high-quality, nutritionally complete cat food by mixing it with the old food in a transition diet over several days.

Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should be rich in animal protein. A combination of dry and wet food is ideal - dry food helps with dental health, while wet food supports hydration and urinary tract health. Feed your cat measured portions daily (either once or twice for adult cats, and more frequently for kittens), and avoid giving in to begging to prevent overeating. Human food should be avoided, as it can be harmful or nutritionally inadequate for cats.

Always provide fresh water, and if you’d like to offer milk, ensure it’s a lactose-free version made specifically for cats/pets.

Absolutely! Cats can be introduced to dogs – provided , but success depends heavily on the personalities of both animals and how the introduction is managed. However, some cats may not like dogs, and vice versa – some dogs might just not like cats, and that’s ok!

Cats are naturally cautious and territorial, while dogs can be excitable and curious, especially around new animals. Because of this, the key to a successful introduction is patience, structure, and safety. Before any interaction, your cat should have time to settle into their new environment and feel secure. This means giving them their own space, away from the dog, where they can relax and adjust

Over time, and with consistent positive reinforcement, many cats and dogs learn to coexist peacefully—and some even become close companions. But remember, not every cat will enjoy a dog’s company, and that’s okay. Respecting their boundaries is just as important as encouraging friendship.

It’s important to make sure that you have a good, reliable veterinarian. It’s great to get recommendations from your friends or your local rescue group. Your vet is like your family GP for your cat, so find one you are comfortable with and one close to home.

Always make sure you are aware of where the closest 24-hour vet is for emergency visits late at night and at weekends. Keep their details recorded somewhere where everyone can easily locate it, so if you need to act immediately, you can.

Pet health insurance has become quite important in a modern family, it ensures you are covered in case your cat falls very ill or gets injured, just like human health insurance.  Some treatments can run into thousands of dollars. We strongly recommend you get insurance.  It can alleviate some horrible choices in some very stressful situations.

You’ll need to be prepared to take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups. They will talk you through vaccination requirements, and options for worming, flea, and tick treatments. Your local pet speciality store will also have knowledge on parasite prevention and the best products to buy that are affordable and manageable, to ensure your pet is safe from parasites and ticks.

Once you’ve decided you’re ready to adopt and have found a cat that seems like a great fit for your family, it’s time to submit your application!

One of the wonderful things about adopting a rescue cat is that their carers often know a lot about each cat’s personality and what kind of home would suit them best. The more detail you provide in your application, the better chance you have of being matched with a cat that fits your lifestyle.

Don’t be shy—share as much as you can about your home and daily routine. Being open helps rescue groups make thoughtful decisions. Here are some helpful tips for writing a strong application:

• Describe your household. Who lives with you? Include the ages of children if relevant
• Share your home environment. Is it busy and lively, or quiet and relaxed?
• Talk about your schedule. Do you work from home, part-time, full-time, or are you retired?
• Considering the specific cat’s adoption profile; why do you think they would suit your home and family?
• Mention any current pets. Include their personalities, habits, and how they might respond to a new feline friend

It’s important to remember that the rescue groups know the cats in their care very well, and always want to make sure that their happy new beginnings are also their happy ever afters!

If your first application hasn’t been successful or you haven’t heard back from a rescue group, please don’t be too discouraged. Most rescue groups are entirely volunteer run by people with other full-time jobs, and they may not be able to respond to all enquiries. It can sometimes be very hard for rescue groups to choose just one application from the many great ones that they may receive; just because you weren’t chosen this time doesn’t mean that they don’t think you would be a great pet owner – it’s just a case of waiting for that perfect fit to come along!

Deciding whether to adopt one cat or two depends on your lifestyle, your home environment, and the personalities of the cats involved—but there are some helpful insights to guide your choice.

Cats are often seen as solitary animals, but many actually thrive with feline companionship, especially when adopted as kittens. Two kittens raised together tend to bond deeply, entertain each other, and learn faster through shared experiences. They’re less likely to become bored or develop behavioural issues from lack of stimulation, which can be helpful if you’re out of the house often.

However, adopting two cats may not always be the best fit for every household. If you already have a cat, introducing a second cat can sometimes be tricky. Cats can be territorial, and not all are too keen to share their space. It’s always important to consider the temperament, age, and social history of both cats. Younger cats are generally more adaptable, and gradual introductions can help ease the transition.

If you're adopting for the first time and know you want two, choosing a bonded pair or two kittens from the same litter is ideal. They’re more likely to get along and adjust smoothly to your home. But if you're unsure, starting with one cat and seeing how things go is perfectly fine too.

Deciding whether to adopt one cat or two depends on your lifestyle, your home environment, and the personalities of the cats involved—but there are some helpful insights to guide your choice.

Cats are often seen as solitary animals, but many actually thrive with feline companionship, especially when adopted as kittens. Two kittens raised together tend to bond deeply, entertain each other, and learn faster through shared experiences. They’re less likely to become bored or develop behavioural issues from lack of stimulation, which can be helpful if you’re out of the house often.

However, adopting two cats may not always be the best fit for every household. If you already have a cat, introducing a second cat can sometimes be tricky. Cats can be territorial, and not all are too keen to share their space. It’s always important to consider the temperament, age, and social history of both cats. Younger cats are generally more adaptable, and gradual introductions can help ease the transition.

If you're adopting for the first time and know you want two, choosing a bonded pair or two kittens from the same litter is ideal. They’re more likely to get along and adjust smoothly to your home. But if you're unsure, starting with one cat and seeing how things go is perfectly fine too.

When adopting a new cat, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to keep them indoors or allow outdoor access. While both lifestyles have their pros and cons, many rescue groups and veterinarians strongly recommend keeping cats indoors – some rescue groups adopt their cats out on the condition that they are only kept indoor.

Indoor living offers a safer, healthier, and more controlled environment for cats. It protects them from traffic, predators, disease, and harsh weather. Cats kept indoors are less likely to suffer injuries, contract illnesses, or get lost. They also tend to live longer, healthier lives.

From a rescue group’s perspective, indoor homes are ideal because they offer stability and reduce the risks that many rescue cats have already faced. These cats may have come from uncertain or unsafe situations, and indoor living helps ensure their new beginning is a safe one.

But indoor living doesn’t mean boring! With the right setup—scratching posts, climbing trees, toys, and interactive play—cats can enjoy a rich and stimulating life.

However, some cats—especially those with previous outdoor experience or high energy levels—may benefit from controlled outdoor access. Options like harness/leash training or enclosed outdoor spaces (catios) allow cats to explore safely while staying protected. These alternatives can offer the best of both worlds: stimulation and safety.