How do I give up my Yorkie?

Several options are available if you have to give up your Yorkie. No one enjoys the thought of giving up their dog, but it could be necessary. He’s been a good companion for you, and you’d love nothing more than to keep him. However, life may have thrown you a curveball, and you find that you’re no longer capable of caring for him for one reason or another. You might have to move into a retirement home that doesn’t allow pets. You might have had an injury or illness that prevents you from caring for him.

There could be any number of issues. The important thing is to do your best to find a place for your Yorkie. Several options are available, and some are better than others.

Rescues and Shelters

A rescue or a shelter might be the first place that you consider when you need to give up your Yorkie. Shelters and rescues do their best to ensure adoption, but it’s never a guarantee. While rescues will keep dogs for the remainder of their lives, shelters are unable to do this. They have a limited amount of room. While these types of facilities are methods that can be used to give up your Yorkie, you may want to try some other options first.

Talk with Friends and Family

If you have trouble taking care of your Yorkie for one reason or another, you may want to speak with friends and family before giving him up. For example, if you have trouble watching your dog during the day while you’re working, you might have a family member that can come over and walk him or watch him during the day. If you have some issues financially, you might have some family that could help you out so you don’t have to give up your dog.

It’s also possible that you may find someone you know who wants to adopt a dog. They might be interested in adopting your Yorkie. This could be a good fit since you already know the person and can be sure they’ll take good care of him.

Rehoming on Your Own

Although it may take a little longer, rehoming is an option. You can do this on your own by finding online pet adoption sites. Always be sure you’re using a quality, reputable site, of course, and steer clear of places like Craigslist. When you’re allowing someone to adopt, be sure to charge a rehoming fee, as well. This helps to reduce the risks for your dog. People who have ill intentions toward him won’t want to pay money for the dog.

Using the Rehome Platform

One site that you should consider using is Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com. It’s a peer-to-peer platform that will let owners create detailed profiles of their dog. Provide all of the most important information about your Yorkie, including any issues that they might have. Add some photos and videos, too. Then, potential adopters can look at the profile to get a better idea of whether he’s the right dog for them. You’ll review applications and find the perfect new home for your Yorkie. It’s fast, easy, and safe.

What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for an English Bulldog?

A reasonable rehoming fee for your English Bulldog will typically be somewhere between $50 and $150. However, it’s important to understand that many factors can affect the cost of this fee. Some of the biggest factors include whether your dog is purebred, their age, and your location. Certain parts of the country may have higher rehoming fees, for example.

Research Your Area 

To get a better idea of what a reasonable rehoming fee would be for an English Bulldog, you should look into the typical prices in your area. This is something you should do whether you’re an owner that’s looking for someone to adopt your dog, or you’re someone looking to adopt an English Bulldog.

Look at what private individuals are charging for rehoming fees, as well as the costs online and through shelters and rescues. You’ll usually find that the rehoming fees from individuals will be similar to what the rescues and shelters charge for their adoption fees. If the price is a lot higher, they aren’t truly rehoming fees.

Once you get a sense of the typical rehoming fees in your area, it will give you a better idea of what you should charge for a rehoming fee for your English Bulldog —or what you should be paying if you’re adopting.

Why Are Rehoming Fees Needed?

Many people wonder why there are rehoming fees at all. They may think that if someone has to give up their dog for whatever reason, they should be happy to find someone willing to take her. However, the rehoming fees are there for a reason, and that reason isn’t to line the pockets of the owner.

Instead, the rehoming fees are used to avoid giving the dog to someone who doesn’t want to invest in a dog and who may not have the means to care for her properly. The rehoming fees are also important because they help to reduce the risk for your dog. Some are looking for dogs that could be used for righting or that could be sold to labs. You don’t want your dog to go through any of those situations. Rehoming fees help prevent this.

Make Rehoming Easier with Rehome

Rehome is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that helps to make the entire process of rehoming easier. It’s free for owners to use, and adopters will pay a small rehoming fee right to the site. This ensures owners don’t have to worry about finding the right rehoming fee. The price through Rehome for adopters is about the same as what they would pay at a shelter or a rescue.

Rehome lets you create a profile for your English Bulldog that you have to give up. You can add videos, pictures, and a bio that lets the potential adopters know everything needed about your dog.

The platform makes it possible for you to find the perfect new owner for your dog. You’ll rest easy knowing that you’ve found a place where she’ll be loved and happy.

How Do I Find A Home For My Cat?

If you need to find a home for your cat, there are several things you should do to ensure both you and your cat are happy with the decision for the long-term. You’ll need to get prepared with all of your cat’s important information, create a biography or story, and then start sharing that info with the right people and in the right places.


Preparing to Find a New Home for Your Cat

Make sure you have all of the necessary information your cat’s potential new family might be interested in knowing. This would include not only your cat’s medical records and health history, but also information on his temperament and personality. Is he good with other cats? How about dogs? Do you think he’d like living in a home with children? These are all questions potential adopters might ask. It’s also a good idea to have at least one or two engaging photos of your cat ready to share (for tips on how to take great pet photography, check out the Pet Photo and Video Tips section of our FAQs).


Create a “Bio” for Your Cat

Now you’re ready to get started. Start by writing a short description of your cat that will give would-be adopters an idea of why your cat would be a great addition to their life. Maybe he likes to snuggle and binge-watch Netflix with you, or perhaps his silly antics are known to keep you laughing for hours. Help others understand why he’s a great cat. This “bio” for your cat, along with those amazing glamour shots you took earlier, are just the thing your cat needs to stand out!


Share Your Cat with Friends and Family

Get your cat seen by adopters. Easier said than done, right? Actually, this part might be easier than you think. We always recommend talking with friends and family as a first step when you must find a new home for any pet. Oftentimes, a beloved pet can remain in your extended family by being adopted by a loved one who happens to be looking for a new pet just as you are looking for a new home for yours. They will appreciate the thorough information you put together on your pet’s personality and health and you’ll appreciate knowing they are in an awesome home!


Use Rehome to Find a New Home for Your Cat

If your family and friends are unable to take your cat, the team here at Adopt-a-Pet.com has a program called Rehome that is available for pet parents in exactly your situation. It’s free, simple to use, and will get your pet’s photos and bio in front of the millions of potential adopters who are searching on our site. Our team will provide guidance along the way including an application interested adopters can fill out right from your cat’s profile and tips on how to review applications for good answers and red flags. We’ll even help you to transfer your cat’s medical records to the new adopter! Get started with Rehome here.

How Do I Give Up My Husky?

If you’re in a situation where you can longer keep your pet you may wonder, “How do I give up my husky? Options for giving up your husky include surrendering him to a shelter, signing him over to a rescue, or rehoming him yourself. No matter which you choose, take the time to do some rehome_research first to make sure your husky has the best chance of finding a happy, loving home.

How to Surrender a Husky to a Shelter 

The procedure is usually fairly simple. You’ll meet with an intake specialist, pay a fee, and hand over your dog. While that itself is straightforward, you should also take the time to do some rehome_research before signing over your husky.

Learn about the shelter’s save rates, policies regarding how long they’ll keep a dog, and how they handle dogs with health or behavior problems. Doing some rehome_research will give you some insight into the potential outcomes for your dog.

How to Find a Rescue 

A reputable private rescue is a great alternative because they are usually able to keep pets indefinitely if needed, but it can be difficult to find one with space. Look for a rescue that focuses on huskies and start there. If you’re willing to be put on a waiting list, that may increase your chances of finding a great rescue that will take your dog.

How to Rehome a Husky Yourself 

Would you like to have a say in what happens to your husky? If so, then rehoming your dog yourself is the best option. If you’ve never found a home for a dog before then the task can seem overwhelming, but there are some resources available with advice and helpful tools to assist you in finding the perfect home for your pet. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com offers useful tips on how to find your husky a new home and allows you to build a pet profile that can be viewed by millions of potential adopters on Adopt-a-Pet.com. 

Only you can decide which option is best for you, but the peace of mind you’ll have finding a loving home for your husky yourself is worth the extra time and effort.

What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for an Australian Shepherd?

A reasonable rehoming fee for an Australian Shepherd is typically around $300. However, this varies from one geographic to the next. There are additional factors that could change the amount of the rehoming fee, as well. The age of your dog, whether she has medical issues, and where she’s currently located, for example, can all play a role in determining the amount of a rehoming fee.

Why Charge a Rehoming Fee?

Rehoming fees are important for several reasons, even though they have earned a bad reputation. The purpose of the fee is not for someone to make money off of an animal they are selling. Instead, when adopting or rehoming a pet, the fees are used to cover the expenses of caring for your dog before the adoption or rehoming. When using Rehome, for example, those who are adopting through the site will pay a rehoming fee that will then go back to care for other animals.

However, this isn’t the only reason to charge a rehoming fee for the pet. One of the primary reasons for these fees is to ensure that only those who have good intentions can bring the animal home.

Dogs and other pets that are given away to people on sites like Craigslist or Facebook could be in danger. While there may be wonderful people looking for pets on those sites, there are also people who have nefarious intent. They may not care for the dog properly, or they may use them for fighting or labs, for example. The rehoming fee helps to ensure that they have a financial stake in bringing the pet home.

Should Owners Charge a Rehoming Fee to Friends and Family?

If you have to give up your Australian Shepherd, and you’re fortunate enough to find a loved one who wants to adopt your dog, that’s great. It tends to be less stress on the owner and your dog in these cases. When she is going directly to someone that you know and trust, there’s less of a reason to need to charge the rehoming fee.

You still want to make sure that this will be the right home and the right fit for your pet, of course. Make sure that the new owner has the financial capabilities to provide for your dog, and that they’ll be capable of spending time with the pet.

Using Rehome for Adoption

Rehome is a platform through Adopt-a-Pet.com, and it makes adopting easier on owners and adopters. This platform allows owners to add a pet profile for their Australian Shepherd, along with pictures and videos.

Once you find the perfect person or family to adopt the dog, you can provide the animal’s medical records through the site. It’s free for the owners to use, and you can examine the adoption applications to find the best new owner. The adopters can search for animals and submit their applications. They will only have to pay a small rehoming fee comparable to what is paid in a shelter.

How Do I Surrender My Husky?

The answer to, “how do I surrender my Husky,” depends on where you live and the specific rules of your local shelters. Generally speaking, you’ll be asked to complete an interview with an intake specialist, pay a surrender fee, and then sign over the rights to your dog. Once you do, what happens next is entirely at the discretion of the shelter. For that reason, it’s important to understand what it means to surrender your pet before giving up your Husky. 

Will They Find Him a Good Home?

Maybe. The truth is shelters do their best to rehome all their dogs, but it’s not always possible. Also, some shelters have lower save rates than others, and there are many factors that contribute to this.

Doing a little rehome_research may give you peace of mind about the possible outcomes for your pet—or may make you want to find a different path. Either way, avoiding a shelter is the better option for several reasons, including that it relieves the stress of caring for more pets from overtaxed shelters and many dogs don’t do well in a shelter environment.

Is There Another Option? 

If you’d like a different option, consider talking to a reputable private rescue. You may be able to find a breed-specific rescue that is willing to take your Husky. Another thing to consider is rehoming your dog yourself. This will take a bit more time and effort, but will be totally worth it to have the peace of mind of knowing your pet is in a safe and loving home.

If you like the idea of rehoming him yourself but aren’t sure where to start, check out the Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com website. You’ll find expert advice and helpful tools, including the ability to create a pet profile that can be seen by people actively looking for a pet, you’ll be able to communicate with potential adopters, and more.

If you can’t keep your Husky, finding him a home yourself is a way to give him the best chance of a happy future. 

How Can I Protect My Furniture from Cat Scratching?

You can protect your furniture from cat scratching with protective barriers, such as corner guards and no-scratch tape, but teaching your cat to scratch in appropriate places is a longer-term solution. Since it can take a while to break your cat’s bad scratching habits, the barriers will prevent the shredding of your favorite sofa in the meantime.

Getting a Cat to Scratch Where You Want 

Cats need to scratch, so the goal isn’t getting the behavior to stop. Instead, you just need to provide more attractive options than your furniture. Here are a few top tips to protect your furniture from cat scratching.

Provide Scratching Posts

This doesn’t mean a single scratching post stuck in a corner of a room. Instead, provide several options and place them in all of the locations where your cat hangs out. Posts covered in rough material, like sisal or burlap, are best. Also, be sure some of the posts are a minimum of three feet tall to allow your cat to fully stretch out. 

Entice Them to the Posts

The simple act of placing a scratching post in a space may not be enough to tempt your pet away from your furniture. Make the post more attractive by sprinkling it with catnip and spending time playing with your cat nearby. As you add a new post, show it to your cat and, for kittens, rub their paws on the post in a scratching motion. 

What about Declawing?

In a word: inhumane. Declawing isn’t simply trimming your pet’s nails. Instead, it’s akin to cutting off your fingers at the first knuckle. It’s so problematic in fact that it’s illegal in many countries, including most of the EU. In June of 2019, a New York bill passed that would make the state the first in the U.S. to ban declawing.  

As an alternative to declawing, consider having nail caps put on your cats. Each application lasts about six weeks.

By providing attractive alternatives, your cat will learn to scratch in appropriate places, and your furniture will be safe from those impressive claws! 

Kitten’s First Vet Visit: How To Prepare For A Visit With The Vet

Preparing for a kitten’s first vet visit. Learn about what yu can expect from a vet visit and what you should do to ensure it goes smoothly.

BY JANELLE LEESON

Veterinarian checking on newly adopted cat
ilkermetinkursova / iStock

Whether you’ve taken a pet to the vet before or not, it’s natural to have some questions about your cat or kitten’s first checkup. The good news is that many pet parents find the first vet visit to be informative, laying the foundation for their cat’s lifelong health. To make the most of the first vet visit, here are some tips.

Before you schedule, gather key information such as your cat’s breed, age, and vaccination records, which should be in the adoption paperwork. While you’ll want to schedule the first vet appointment soon after adoption, give your kitty a few days at home to settle in first. Use a comfy carrier and skip serving a big meal before the visit. Be upfront with your vet about any concerns or behavior issues and follow their advice, including scheduling regular checkups.

With those tips in mind, here’s what to expect at your cat’s first vet appointment, from scheduling to meeting your veterinarian.

When to take your new cat to the vet

Your cat should have their first wellness visit within the first couple of weeks following adoption. However, the timing can vary slightly if your cat requires a longer adjustment period or if they’re due to the vet sooner for a core vaccination or other health concern. Keep in mind that if you plan to purchase pet insurance before your first visit, a waiting period will apply.

After their initial visit, you’ll be going in for checkups at least annually. Kittens completing their vaccination schedule, seniors, and those with existing health conditions will see the vet more often.

Waiting until your cat shows signs of illness isn’t the right time to establish care. The goal of wellness exams is to keep your kitty healthy and get ahead of any conditions before symptoms develop.

What can I expect when first visiting the vet?

Scheduling the appointment

Some veterinary offices have a waitlist for establishing care, while others offer immediate appointments. To avoid delays, call to schedule your cat’s appointment before their arrival home.

Preparing for the visit

At the time of scheduling, ask the clinic what to expect during the exam. This guide can give you a general idea of your cat’s first exam. Your clinic will also know what vaccinations are common in your area and what your cat’s lifestyle might call for. This gives you time to research any recommendations and budget accordingly. You can also jot down any questions you’d like answered by your vet.

Pet parents can prepare for their vet’s questions by taking note of the following before the exam:

  • Eating habits: Your vet will ask what foods your cat eats, how much, how often, and if there have been any changes in appetite.
  • Bathroom tendencies: Be prepared to describe the stool consistency if you’re unsure what healthy cat poop looks like or if you’ve noticed any changes.
  • Lifestyle and activity level: Learning about your cat’s everyday life — such as if they go outside and how much they play in a day— will help your vet determine if they’re eating the right amount of food and whether there are any other preventive measures to recommend.

What to bring to the visit

The list of what to bring to your cat’s first vet visit isn’t long, because the most important thing is to get your cat secured in a carrier. However, if you haven’t already electronically forwarded any veterinary records from the shelter, bring those along with you, as well as a fresh stool sample if it was requested at the time of scheduling.

If you’ve jotted down questions or notes about your cat’s day-to-day activities, you’ll want to bring those with you to your first visit as well. Remember, visits with your vet are the best time to ask any questions you might have about cat care or your cat’s specific needs and behaviors.

And don’t forget your cat’s favorite treats. While many veterinary clinics offer tasty snacks, it’s always a good idea to bring a stash. They’ll help distract your kitty during the exam and reward them for a successful visit.

During the visit

A veterinary nurse or technician will likely start your exam with a few questions about how your cat is doing at home, including their meal and bathroom routines.

Next will be the physical part of the exam carried out by your veterinarian and perhaps another staff member:

  • Weight check, via a scale
  • Observing their physique and feeling their ribs to assess their body condition score
  • Measuring the body temperature through the rectum or ear
  • Listening to their heart and lungs with a stethoscope
  • Examining your cat’s eyes, ears, nose, and paws
  • Examining the skin and fur, potentially combing for fleas and/or dirt
  • Opening the mouth and feeling the gums
  • Feeling the lymph nodes, joints, and abdomen

Most veterinarians are happy to explain what they’re doing during the first exam and what role it plays in assessing your cat’s health. Let your vet know if you have additional questions along the way.

Follow-up and care

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) previously reported a troubling trend: While 83 percent of pet parents bring their cats for their first vet visit, less than half return for crucial follow-up care. Here are a few examples of lifelong preventive care your vet might discuss, in addition to the importance of routine wellness visits.

Maintaining vaccination schedules

Most vaccinations for cats start when they’re six to eight weeks old, and they’ll require boosters until they’re about 16 weeks old. After that, your cat may need a booster annually or every three years. If your cat or kitten received a vaccination at their visit, your veterinarian will send you home with care instructions, typically to keep an eye on your little one and to give the clinic a call if they seem unwell.

Keeping up with dental care

If your vet found signs of dental disease, they may discuss scheduling a dental cleaning under anesthesia. Many cats have more than one cleaning throughout their lives, but you can prevent gingivitis and bad breath by practicing oral care at home.

Applying flea and tick preventatives

Your vet will have likely told you that even if your cat is indoor-only, they should be treated with flea preventatives all year round. Spot-on flea treatments (which also typically protect against ticks, heartworms, mites, and other parasites) are applied to your cat’s skin every month to every three months. They require a prescription from your vet.

Are there questions I should ask the vet during my cat’s first visit?

Unsure what cat veterinarian questions you should ask? Here are a few important questions to get you started:

  • What is my cat’s ideal weight and daily caloric needs based on their lifestyle?
  • What is the appropriate type of food for my cat based on their age and health?
  • What are some tips to keep my cat mentally and physically stimulated, whether I’m home or away for the day?
  • How much play should my cat get a day?
  • What vaccinations do you recommend based on my geographic location and my cat’s lifestyle?
  • Can you demonstrate how to brush my cat’s teeth?
  • Can you demonstrate how to clip my cat’s nails?
  • Why is my cat [doing this]?
  • How often should my cat have a routine checkup and what can I expect during future visits?

What is the cost of a cat’s first vet visit?

The cost of an initial cat vet visit depends on your geographic location and the services your cat requires. Some clinics charge extra fees to establish care while others charge a flat fee for all wellness visits. Generally, cat exams range from $50 to $90 and vaccines from $20 to $60 each. Purchasing pet insurance before your first exam may help cover some expenses.

What is the importance of establishing a relationship with a veterinarian for your cat’s health care?

Building a rapport with your veterinarian is crucial for your cat’s wellbeing. Regular checkups can detect diseases early, potentially adding years to your cat’s life and even saving you money on healthcare down the road. Plus, preventive care improves your cat’s life by keeping them feeling their best. Establishing care soon after your new cat arrives home offers an opportunity to learn how best to care for your cat. Because kittens need a lot from their vet, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know them.

FAQs (People also ask)

How often should I take my cat to the vet?

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the AAFP recommend that all cats be seen by their vet at least once per year. Kittens need more frequent visits for their initial vaccines, and senior cats often benefit from bi-annual exams. Cats with health issues or behavioral concerns may also require frequent vet visits. Talk with your veterinarian to determine the best schedule for your cat.

How can I budget for vet expenses?

While the annual cost of raising a cat can vary widely ($1,149 to $3,600), it’s important to budget for essential medical care alongside food and toys. Pet insurance can help cover unexpected emergencies and treatments, and some policies may even partially cover preventive care. However, depending on your cat’s age, pre-existing conditions, and budget, pet insurance might not be the best fit.

If that’s the case, consider pet wellness plans, which are typically more affordable and only cover essential care such as annual exams. Ultimately, whether you choose to purchase pet insurance, a wellness plan, or go without coverage, an emergency pet care fund can help you budget for vet expenses and unexpected vet bills.

How can I make the vet visit less stressful for my cat?

Make vet visits less stressful by choosing a feline-friendly and fear-free certified vet, skipping meals just before the visit, gradually counterconditioning and desensitizing your cat to their carrier and the car, and using a pheromone spray. If your cat still shows signs of stress, your vet can prescribe a medication to help them relax. Alternatively, consider a mobile vet service, where the vet comes to your home for a low-stress exam.


Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Inside Your Dog’s Mind, Inside Your Cat’s Mind, and Paw Print, as well online at Insider Reviews, NBC Select, Shop Today, PetMD, and Daily Paws. She has two adventure cats, a flock of urban chickens, and a soon-to-be-husband who doesn’t mind housing the occasional foster cat — or five

What To Know Before Getting A Cat: An Adoption Buyers Guide

Thinking of adopting a cat? Study up and learn more about what to expect with a new cat around the house.

BY JANELLE LEESON

new cat on cat tower
Irina Ozhigova / Stocksy
It’s easy to get carried away when shopping for your new cat. Or to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Naturally, you want to welcome your new family member home with everything they need. If you’re bringing home a new cat or you’re considering adopting a cat, here’s everything you need to buy to be prepared.

Start with this new cat essentials checklist with all the cat necessities: food and water bowls, a litter box and litter, a scratching post, bedding, a carrier, food, toys, a collar and ID tag, grooming supplies, and cleaning supplies.

How should I plan and prepare for my new cat?

More than a few cat experts suggest preparing everyone in the family for the responsibilities of cat care. You’ll also want to set up a cat-friendly environment before a single toe bean ever enters the house. Designate a quiet space for your cat to gradually acclimate, establish a consistent routine, and prioritize regular veterinary checkups.

The advantage of setting up your home for your cat before they arrive is ensuring a comfortable and safe space for your kitty, as well as establishing clear roles and responsibilities for everyone else. All in all, a little prep will make the transition from the shelter to your home a smooth one.

To prepare your home and family for a new cat:

  • Designate roles and responsibilities: Consider everything from cat care to food and litter box duties.
  • Set house rules: Should the cat be allowed in the bedroom at night?
  • Create a routine: Consider how often and when your cat will be fed.
  • Prepare your cat’s safe space: The room should be a small, quiet room with essential supplies. They’ll stay in this room during the acclimation phase and should have access to the room as they continue settling in.
  • Cat-proof your home: Protect your pet from potential hazards and secure breakable items.
  • Shop for essential supplies: Explore what to buy for a new cat below.
  • Choose a veterinarian: Your new cat requires a check-up soon after coming home.
  • Prepare other pets: If applicable, get ready to introduce your dog to your new cat by practicing common training cues, such as sit, stay, and leave it.

What do you need to buy when bringing home a cat?

Sometimes, it’s smart to assess your cat’s preferences before sinking too much money into every popular bed, toy, tower, and treat. We’ve narrowed down this list of cat essentials for new pet parents, so you’ll have everything ready for your cat’s arrival, rather than leaving you with more cat supplies than you or your cat know what to do with.

Food and water bowls

If you’re adopting more than one cat or adding another one to your clower, each cat should have their own food bowl. Stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls are typically easiest to clean. Cats should also always have access to clean, fresh water. You might even consider getting a cat water fountain, as the filters keep water fresher for longer than a traditional bowl.

Litter boxes and litter

You’ll need one litter box per cat, plus an extra one. Place the boxes in quiet, easily accessible spots away from their food, water, and areas with high traffic or startling noises. Kittens and seniors tend to do best with low-entry litter boxes, and in general, cats should be able to comfortably turn around inside the litter box without touching the sides. As for the best cat litter, opt for a sand-like consistency without added perfumes, as these tend to be feline-friendly qualities.

Cat carrier

A comfortable and secure cat carrier is a must-have for bringing your cat home from the shelter and any future outings, such as routine vet visits. Carriers come in both soft-sided and hard-sided options, and they should provide a balance of privacy and ventilation. If you plan to travel by plane with your cat, look for an airline-approved cat carrier.

Scratching post

Cats’ scratching preferences can vary; some prefer vertical scratching surfaces, while others go for horizontal ones. And the type of material matters too–some cats love the feel of sisal, while others prefer to sink their claws into carpet or cardboard. When you’re not sure what your cat likes, you can start by offering a budget-friendly multi-surface scratcher or a corrugated cardboard one. Either way, offering your cat one or more appropriate places to scratch will save your furniture, floors, and mattress from potential damage.

Cat Bed

Provide your cat with a cozy place to rest. Because the transition from shelter to home can be a little overwhelming and scary for some cats, consider an enclosed bed such as a cat tent, cave, or cubby.

Collar and identification tag

The most common types of pet identification are microchips and a collar with an ID tag. Both work hand-in-hand to ensure your cat’s safe return if they ever wander off. Most shelters and rescues send newly adopted cats home with an implanted microchip. This tiny chip is inserted under the skin and, when scanned, populates pet parent information that helps reunite lost cats with their families.

While microchips are crucial, collars and tags offer immediate identification. Breakaway collars will unclip from themselves if snagged, offering an extra layer of safety. Ensure the tag includes your cat’s name and your phone number.

Grooming supplies

Even for short-haired cats, weekly brushing reduces shedding and hairballs while providing a bonding opportunity. It’s a good idea to keep up on clipping your cat’s nails too. To ensure grooming is a positive experience, reward your cat with a high-value treat after each session.

Cleaning supplies

Accidents are bound to happen, and when they do, you’ll be glad to have the best cleaners for pet messes on hand. Enzymatic pet cleaners are your best bet because they break down uric acid in pet urine to eliminate odors, rather than cover them up.

Toys

Having a few toys on hand is a good idea because cats require at least 30 minutes of daily play. Kicker toys are great for getting out pent-up energy, plus some cats find comfort in licking those that contain catnip. Experts also recommend wand toys for building bonds with new or shy cats. Just remember to store them safely after each session to avoid string-related hazards. While you’re still discovering what your new cat enjoys playing with, try a few DIY or free cat toys.

What do you need to buy when bringing home a new kitten?

Purchasing supplies for a kitten isn’t all that different from the supplies for an adult cat. That said, there are a few key differences in cat supplies made for adults, seniors, and kittens. Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for a new kitten:

  • Low-entry litter box: Kittens have short legs and need a litter box with a low entrance for easy access. The same can be said for senior cats who may have arthritis
  • Easy-to-access food and water bowls: Opt for bowls that are shallow enough for kittens to comfortably eat and drink without straining their necks. 
  • Scratching posts and climbing structures: Kittens tend to be more curious and have more energy than adult cats. Provide them with safe and stimulating climbing structures, such as cat trees or shelves, to exercise and explore their surroundings safely. While they may need more options for climbing and scratching, kittens and adult cats can typically use the same furniture. 
  • Kitten food: Cat food is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of cats at different stages of life. Kittens, for instance, must eat food labeled as kitten food for growth or all life stages food. These foods contain all the nutrients kittens require to grow into healthy adults. Once your kitten reaches adulthood, around a year old, switch to adult cat food formulated for maintenance. If you have any questions about what food to feed your cat, how much, or how often, consult your veterinarian.

What toys are appropriate for a new kitten?

When purchasing toys for a new kitten, consider ones that encourage your kitten to stalk and pounce, such as wand toys with feathers. They’re not only fun for your kitten, but also help build a bond between you and them. Like adult cats, kittens also enjoy toys they can bat around on their own, such as toy mice. And catnip-filled toys are great for kicking.

Safety tip: When choosing kitten-appropriate toys, avoid anything with small parts such as buttons, that could be a choking hazard. After play sessions, safely store any toys with strings that could pose a hazard.

FAQs (People also ask):

What should I do to cat-proof my home?

When making your home more cat-friendly, you’ll want to protect your cat from hazards and your belongings from damage. Cover electric cords, cables, and phone chargers to prevent your cat from chewing on them, which can lead to serious injury. Keep cupboards, especially those containing cleaning supplies and medications, securely locked. Keep an eye out for other hazards, too, such as dropped medications or sharp objects, and move toxic plants out of the house or out of reach. Want to redirect destructive behaviors such as scratching the furniture? Provide plenty of toys, scratching surfaces, climbing structures, and hiding spots.

Should I have pet insurance before bringing home my new cat?

Purchasing a pet insurance plan as soon as possible could be a smart move. Just as you might want health insurance before you get sick, the same goes for your cat.

When should I take my new cat to the vet for the first time?

Even if your new cat comes with a clean bill of health and all their shots, it’s still a good idea to get them checked out by a vet soon after adoption. It’s a chance to ask new cat-parent questions, get familiar with the clinic, and establish a relationship with your veterinarian. If you’re adopting a kitten rather than an adult cat, you’ll be seeing the vet quite often after adoption because they’ll need a series of vaccinations over the next few weeks and months.


Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Inside Your Dog’s Mind, Inside Your Cat’s Mind, and Paw Print, as well online at Insider Reviews, NBC Select, Shop Today, PetMD, and Daily Paws. She has two adventure cats, a flock of urban chickens, and a soon-to-be-husband who doesn’t mind housing the occasional foster cat — or five