Getting Started With Your New Cat

Being a first-time cat owner can be daunting, but we're here to help. Get expert advice on the supplies, food, and anything else your feline friend needs.

A dog biting into a torn bag spilling white material
5 First-Week Mistakes New Pet Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)
composite of cat and dog on camping set
The New Pet Survival Guide
black and white cat looks at two blue and white food bowls
Cat Food 101: How to Pick the Perfect Cat Food For Any Palate
Grey hairless cat lounging comfortably on a couch, relaxing with a serene expression.
212 Hairless Cat Names For Your Beautifully Bald Feline

Explore Getting Started

All Cat Names Cat Adoption Kitten Care
traveling with pet dog
8 Tips to Make Traveling with Pets Much Easier
Child sits on the floor with a white dog
The Relationship Between Pets and Children: How to Foster a Positive Bond
Furry snuggles
The Science Behind Why Pets Make Us Happy
A cat sitting on a bed a hand holding a remote control in the foreground
Keep Your Pets Safe and Comfy: Here's the Ideal Thermostat Setting For While You’re Out
maine coon in carrier in backseat of car
Traveling With Pets This Summer? Try These Road Trip Game-Changers
Illo of grey cat playing with a ball in front of beige background
How to Play With a Cat and Why It’s So Important
illo of three cats wrecking havoc
How to Cat-Proof Your Home in 5 Easy Steps
illustration of man grooming white and orange cat
How to Groom Your Cat—Without Getting Scratched or Bitten
woman wearing a brown sweater cuddles tabby cat
How to Bond With Your Cat and Build the Ultimate Relationship
long-haired white cat being pet on face with photo treatment
5 Ways to Get Your New Cat to Like You
Black, brown and white dog laying on bed cover next to brown and black cat
10 Compelling Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats
Gray and black cat being brushed with dematting comb
Tackle cat fur mats gently with expert tips for stress-free grooming.
Tan short-haired cat sitting next to box of tissues
Living with Cats: Navigating Cat Allergy Symptoms for Pet Lovers
illustration of checklist for first cat
How to Raise a Cat: Essential Tips for First-Time Cat Owners
Tan and white polydactal cat lying on brown surface
7 Fascinating Facts About Polydactyl Cats You Should Know
Gray and white cat sitting in front of open windows
8 Things Your Cat Loves
Photo of Ragdoll Cat Casper
Why Does My Cat Stink?
Portrait Of Cat Sitting Outdoors
10 Ways to Find Your Lost Cat
cat in the bathtub
How to Bathe Your Kitten or Adult Cat
black cat
How to Tell How Old a Cat Is: Decoding Your Feline's Age
Illustration of a DIY cat tree plan
Build Your Own: 7 Free DIY Cat Tree Plans
grey cat looking out toward the sun
The Costs of Responsible Cat Ownership
Cat food materials, bedding, toys and crate organized on wooden floor
Essential Cat Supplies: Must-Have List for New Feline Owners
Cat between owner's feet looks up at camera
Top 5 Reasons Some People Just Don’t Like Cats
where cats like to be pet
7 Places Where Cats Like to Be Pet
cat claws
How to Manage Your Cat's Claws
Brown striped cat playing with toy
Top 10 Ways to Show Your Cats You Love Them
Angora cat
What Is the Difference Between Cat Hair and Fur?
Photo of Ragdoll Cat Casper
How Old Is Your Cat in Human Years?
Black and tan kittens standing on cushioned seat next to houseplants
How to Kitten-Proof Your Home
cat birthday
8 Fun Ideas to Celebrate Your Cat's Birthday
10 Dog-Friendly Ideas for Apartment Balconies
10 Dog-Friendly Ideas for Apartment Balconies
Person and cats lounging on couch
What Is Cat Dander?
cat playing with owners hair
Why Does My Cat Lick My Hair? Reasons Why Your Feline Likes to Groom You
Cat playing with pink catnip toy
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Older cat and kitten on gray sofa
How Old Is My Cat in Human Years?
A cat and a child sleeping in a car
Cats in Cars: 8 Tips to Help a Kitty Enjoy Car Rides
A cat sitting on a cat tree and looking into the camera.
10 Amazing Cat Trees You Have to See
Brown striped cat eating birthday cake with candle
How to Make a Cat Birthday Cake: A Delight Treat for Your Feline
White cat without collar sitting on bench outside.
What to Do if You Found a Lost Cat
Cat lying on owner
Purrternity Leave: Welcoming a New Cat into Your Home
Christmas cat
13 Cats Who Love Christmas
Kitten nibbling on shoe
Why Do Cats Like Shoes?
Cat in apartment
Is Your Apartment Big Enough for a Cat?
The Best Animal Charities You Should Know About
Top Animal Charities You Should Support
Playful kitty Cat
Your Cat’s Personality Isn’t Random—Here’s Where It Comes From
Woman with pet carrier
How to Take a Car Trip With Your Cat
Tabby cat's face with yellow eyes closeup
The Fascinating World of Cat Eyes: Explore Their Unique Vision
Brown and black cat sitting on perch tree while being petted
How to Find a Cat Sitter
A cat lounging on top of a high dresser
Why Do Cats Like High Places?
kitten in grass
Should You Allow Your Indoor Cat to Go Outside?
Vaccination Timeline for the Average Adult Cat
The Average Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
Black cat getting teeth brushed with wooden finger toothbrush
How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth
Microchip Pet Scan
Do Microchips Cause Cancer in Pets?
Cat with toy
Why Won't Your Adult Cat Play?
White cat smelling a bouquet of flowers
Any Cat's Sense of Smell Is Used for All Aspects of Survival
A young orange tabby cat lying on a couch
325 Orange Cat Names For Your Little House Tiger
Cat on Santorini in Greece
145 Greek Cat Names Full of Culture and History
black cat in autumn leaves pile
165 Adorable Fall Cat Names for Your Feline Friend
Famous cat names American Wirehair cat
130+ Famous Cat Names for Your Superstar Kitty

More in Getting Started:

Cat Names Cat Adoption Kitten Care