The purr-fect start: Everything you need for your first cat

Next, food and water bowls. Cats are particular and whisker fatigue is real so opt for wide, shallow bowls to keep him or her comfortable during meals. Stainless steel bowls are the best as, unlike plastic and ceramic, bacteria (which can cause fungal infections) from leftover food and saliva cannot enter stainless steel's hard surface. They’re more sanitary, more durable, and easier to clean. Ensure they’re placed far from the litter box, for obvious reasons. Cats are fastidious creatures that don’t enjoy dining near where they go number two–and neither would you.

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While we’re on that topic, choosing your kitty’s food can get a bit complicated because cats have special dietary needs to help them stay healthy. In the wild, they prey on small animals such as mice and birds but as domestic animals, they don’t hunt for their food. So ensure that your little obligate carnivore gets a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, be it wet food or kibbles.

Some cat parents swear by a raw diet which is very primal and requires a lot of tedious work but please consult with your vet before going down this route.

Your new feline friend will need a scratching post unless you fancy your expensive furniture or curtains being reduced to a pile of kindling. Cats need to scratch; it’s how they mark their territory and keep their claws in tip-top shape. Invest in a good-quality scratching post (or three) and place them strategically around your home—next to the litter box, your living room, your bedroom, and your study. Your furniture (and your cat) will thank you.

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Of course, we mustn’t forget about playtime. Cats may seem aloof, but they do need mental stimulation. Interactive items are a must: feather wands, puzzle feeders, and those delightful little (toy) mice filled with catnip. If you’d like, you could even go ahead and get your furry friend a cat tree. It’s like a playground for cats and gives them a high perch from which they survey their animal kingdom aka your home.

Now, grooming. Purchase a cat nail clipper, your trusty tool to help you maintain your furbaby’s nails. Also, while cats are generally quite good at keeping themselves tidy, some breeds, such as Persians or Maine Coons, require more maintenance. Regular brushing is a must, not only to keep your cat looking its best but also to prevent hairballs. Invest in a good quality brush for your cat's plush coat. Some brushes even have an automatic release button on the top to easily dispose of the hair.

A word of warning, though: you’ll be doing a lot more vacuuming than usual.

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Placing healthcare as a priority for yourself is just as important as for your purr-y buddy. Regular check-ups with the vet are essential, as are vaccinations to protect your kitty cat from the most common diseases and flea treatments. Do consider pet insurance as well because while cats have nine lives (so they say), it can save you a small fortune if your little one decides to eat or do something they shouldn't.

Additionally, spaying or neutering your feline companion provides medical and behavioural benefits and is the single best decision you can make for your cat's long-term welfare. Spaying a female cat helps prevent uterine infections, uterine cancers, and breast cancer. Neutering male cats eliminates the chances of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems. They’ll be less likely to roam, yowl, wail, bite, display aggressive behaviour or spray to mark their territory.

Finally, be patient and give him or her time to adjust to the new surroundings. He or she might hide under the bed for days, use your favourite kicks as a scratching post, or wake you at ungodly hours demanding food—it’s all part and parcel of settling in. Remember, you're not just getting a pet—you're gaining a tiny, furry aristocrat who will rule your home with an iron paw.

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But it’ll be worth it. The purrs, the cuddles, the way they look at you like you’re the most important person in the world… there’s nothing quite like the love of a cat. It’s unconditional, it’s pure, and it’s worth every shredded curtain and 5 am wake-up call–well, sometimes.

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