Adopting your first cat? Here's what an expert wants you to know first.

Thanks to our brand partner, Royal Canin

Bringing home your first cat is exciting, emotional and, if we're honest, a little overwhelming.

With 69 per cent of Australian families living with some kind of pet, and 33 per cent of households owning a cat, it's clear that we're a nation deeply attached to our animals — but that doesn't mean adopting is a decision to take lightly.

In the 2023–2024 financial year alone, the RSPCA received 26,704 cats, with 16,448 of them rehomed across the country. Cats now make up the largest group of animals entering shelters, and the need for committed, informed adopters remains high.

Dr Annabel Robertson, Royal Canin's Health & Scientific Affairs Manager, said one of the biggest misconceptions about cats is that they are aloof and low-maintenance pets.

"Cats can be very territorial and stress-sensitive," she told Mamamia. "It can take cats quite a long time to adjust to a new house or a new environment.

This misconception can make the first weeks of settling in harder than it needs to be.

"With some planning prior, there are lots of things cat owners can do to integrate their new family member into their home," Dr Robertson said.

"It's more than just a bowl and a litter tray. Cats need multiple hiding spots, scratching posts, resting areas, and separate food and water resources."

What to do before bringing a cat home.

Creating a healthy feline environment should start days before the adoption.

The Five Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment (developed by AAFP and ISFM) outlines the steps to take, but to summarise, you should:

• Ensure there's safe, quiet hiding spaces.

• Have separate resources for each cat

• Provide opportunities for play

• Have predictable, calm human interaction

• Stick to a routine.

If there are children in the home, predictable interaction is especially important.

"Cats thrive on routine," she said. "Unpredictability — noise, sudden movements — can be very stressful. Having quiet places where they can retreat can really help make them feel comfortable."

It's also important to recognise the signs of stress ahead of time, to be able to remedy it quickly.

Some signs are obvious: hissing, an arched back, and puffed fur.

But others are easier to overlook, and can include:

• Excessive hiding

• Over-grooming

• Hairballs

• Inappropriate urination (often a stress response, not naughtiness)

• Changes in appetite

• Dilated pupils or flattened ears

These behaviours are signals your pet may be struggling to adjust.

"When in doubt, monitor your cat's behaviour for these subtle cues," Dr Robertson urged. "If something changes suddenly, get your vet involved.

"If there's a refusal to eat for more than 24 hours, definitely bring them in."

How to encourage healthy feeding habits.

Cats have a bit of a reputation for being fussy eaters, but their fussiness isn't a personality flaw. It's biology.

"Cats have only 5 per cent of the taste buds humans do," Dr Robertson said. "They don't taste sweetness, so they rely heavily on smell, texture, and temperature."

Dr Robertson's feeding tips for new owners include:

• Warm their wet food slightly to enhance palatability.

• Feed in quiet areas away from the litter tray.

• Introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset.

• Remove wet food after about an hour.

• Split your cat's daily food into several small meals to mimic their natural eating habits — cats prefer grazing on little portions rather than one big meal.

• For extra fun and mental stimulation, try puzzle feeders or hide small amounts of food around the house to turn mealtime into a game.

How to choose your cat's food.

One of the first questions you should ask before bringing your feline friend home should be "what are they currently eating, and does it meet their specific nutritional needs?"

"Your cat doesn't need more stress during the transition," Dr Robertson said. "Keep them on the same food initially, then if you need to change their diet to a vet-recommended diet, do this gradually over seven days."

From there, look at the life stage of your cat.

Kittens need higher energy, protein, and nutrients for brain development, plus antioxidants to support immunity. Adult cats may need diets tailored to their lifestyle — e.g., indoor cats often benefit from hairball control formulas or foods with psyllium to support digestion. Breed-specific cats (like Persians) may benefit from diets designed for coat health or skin sensitivities.

Dry versus wet food?

Both are fine, as long as the diet is complete, balanced, and fed correctly.

"Dry food supports dental health and works well in puzzle feeders," Dr Robertson said. "Wet food helps with hydration, exposing them to different textures, and supporting their urinary health. Many owners prefer to use both — offer them side by side, as many cats prefer them not to be mixed, and ensure they're compatible, for example, from the same product range."

Dr Robertson said Royal Canin's Sensory Range is a great option for picky eaters, thanks to its emphasis on aroma and texture.

"The brand is pet first," she said. "There's a lot of research that goes into our products, and the quality control is really high as well. You don't need to compromise between nutrition and taste.

"All Royal Canin foods go through palatability tests, and each diet actually needs to be consumed enthusiastically by 80 per cent of cats before being launched as a product.

"It's one of the many reasons why Royal Canin was rated Most Satisfied Cat Food Customers this year, by Canstar Blue and most recommended diets by vets for palatability."

The takeaway: and the question everyone is afraid to ask.

When it comes to adopting a cat, another question that often gets glossed over is about their toilet habits, or more specifically, their litter.

Clumping? Crystal? Clay? Self-cleaning?

The options to choose from are endless, and there's no one answer. Every animal is different.

"At the end of the day, it's the cat's preference, so it's going to be an element of trial and error," Dr Robertson laughed. "My cat would only use the clay litter, she would not use crystals. I worked out it was because her feet were sore on the crystals."

The one non-negotiable?

"Clean the litter at least twice a day. Cats have an incredible sense of smell — they do not want to use a dirty tray."

If there's a core message Dr Robertson hopes would-be cat owners remember from this article, it's this:

"Use food as enrichment," she said. "And see a high-quality, well-balanced diet as one of the best tools you have for preventative care."

Royal Canin is the #1 petfood brand recommended for palatability by Australian vets. Explore the Royal Canin Sensory range using savoury flavours that stimulate your cat's sense of taste and support their health and wellbeing.

Petfood brand ranking according to Ipsos Telephone survey, 400 vets, December 2024 – January 2025 across Australia on behalf of Royal Canin.

Feature image: Canva.

Royal Canin has been a leader in pet nutrition since 1968, working with veterinarians, breeders and pet experts across the world to develop precise, science-backed diets for cats and dogs. With years perfecting every diet, Royal Canin can be your trusted partner, not just in feeding your cat something they will love, but also supporting their health at any age. Royal Canin has also been rated Australia's Most Satisfied Cat Food Customers 2025 by Canstar Blue, achieving five-star scores for overall customer satisfaction, pet enjoyment, packaging and variety and range.