What I Wish I’d Known Before Adopting My First Cat

It’s so much easier to prep for cat adoption than the old days but some cat adoption tips and tricks are still gold.

When I adopted my first cat as a young adult, I was completely clueless. I thought I knew what I was getting into—I’d watched friends’ cats, read a book. This was pre-internet with few resources, and figured cats were pretty straightforward pets.

I brought home my little kitten with the bare minimum supplies and zero understanding of what I was actually signing up for.

Looking back now, after decades of cat ownership and much more knowledge under my belt, I realize how unprepared I was for almost everything. If I could go back and have a conversation with my naive younger self, there are some things I’d definitely want to share.

Consider this your brutally honest field guide from someone who learned most of these lessons through trial, error, and more than a few panicked calls to a vet.

Spaying and Neutering: Don’t Wait Like I Did

World Spay Day: Why Cats Live Longer When Spay/Neutered

This is probably my biggest regret from my early cat parenting days. I had planned to spay my kitten but kept putting it off, thinking I had plenty of time. Then one day, around 5 months old, she started making the most awful howling sounds I’d ever heard. I genuinely thought she was in pain or distress and nearly rushed her to the emergency vet before told she was in heat.

That experience taught me everything I never wanted to know about cat reproduction cycles. The constant yowling, the escape attempts, the way she’d present herself to every piece of furniture in the house—it was exhausting for both of us. I got her spayed as soon as possible after that, but I should have done it much earlier.

What I know now is that early spaying (before the first heat cycle) significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer in cats, much like breast cancer prevention in humans. Most vets now recommend spaying as early by 8-12 weeks or earlier and there are real health benefits to not waiting. Learn from my mistake and get this scheduled early.

The “Independent” Cat Myth is Just That—A Myth

Let’s address one of the biggest misconceptions: cats are independent creatures who don’t need much attention. This might be true for some cats, but many are velcro pets in disguise. My current cat especially Otto who follow the food man from room to room, sits on his desk during every video call, and has separation anxiety when we leave for more than a few hours.

The reality is that cats form deep bonds with their humans and crave interaction, just differently than other pets do. They might not greet you at the door with obvious enthusiasm ( some do!) but they’ll show their love by bringing you dead bugs at 3 AM or kneading your stomach while you’re trying to sleep.

Your Sleep Schedule Will Never Be the Same

Speaking of 3 AM, prepare yourself for the truth about cat schedules. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk. This translates to zoomies at midnight, early morning serenades outside your bedroom door, and the delightful experience of being woken up by a cat deciding your face needs grooming at 5 AM.

No amount of automated feeders or puzzle toys completely eliminates this behavior. You’ll adapt, but say goodbye to sleeping in on weekends without a furry alarm clock.

The Litter Box Reality Check

Here’s what the adoption pamphlets don’t tell you: some cats are incredibly particular about their bathroom situation. The general rule is one litter box per cat plus one extra, but even then, you might find yourself dealing with a cat who refuses to use a box that’s been used once, or who decides the bathroom rug is a better option.

I’ve learned that litter box placement is an art form. Too close to their food? Unacceptable. In a high-traffic area? Absolutely not. In the basement where they feel vulnerable? Nice try, human. You’ll become a litter box feng shui expert whether you want to or not. Be prepared to scoop the box way more frequently if you want a happy cat.

Cats Have Expensive Tastes and Mysterious Preferences

You’ll spend $30 on a fancy cat toy, and they’ll prefer the cardboard box it came in. You’ll buy premium food, and they’ll turn their nose up at it while begging for your sandwich. I once bought an expensive cat tree that got used twice, but my cats spend hours in a free cardboard box from the grocery store.

The unpredictability extends to everything from bedding preferences to which type of scratching surface they’ll actually use. My advice? Start cheap and work your way up based on what actually gets used.

Veterinary Costs Add Up Faster Than You Think

Annual checkups, vaccinations, and preventive care are just the beginning. Cats are masters at hiding illness, which means when they do show symptoms, the problem might be more serious (and expensive) than expected. Emergency vet visits happen, and they always seem to occur at the worst possible times financially.

Consider pet insurance or start an emergency fund early. That adorable kitten will eventually need dental cleanings, and senior cats often develop conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism that require ongoing management.

The Destruction is Real, But Different

Cats won’t chew your shoes like dogs might, but they have their own special ways of redecorating your home. Scratched furniture, knocked-over plants, and shredded toilet paper are just the beginning. Some cats are door scratchers, others are curtain climbers, and a few special ones will figure out how to open cabinets and redistribute your belongings.

Cat-proofing your home is different from dog-proofing, but equally important. Secure anything breakable, invest in scratching posts, and accept that your houseplants might not survive.

Cats Communicate More Than You Realize

Before adopting, I thought cats basically meowed for food and that was it. In reality, cats have complex communication systems that include different types of meows, purrs, chirps, and body language cues. My cats have developed distinct vocalizations for “I want breakfast,” “there’s a bird outside,” and “pay attention to me immediately.”

Learning your cat’s communication style takes time, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you start understanding what they’re trying to tell you. Some cats are chatty, others are more subtle, but they’re all communicating if you know how to listen and that includes non-verbal communication like body language

The Emotional Bond Might Surprise You

I expected to like my cats. I didn’t expect to become completely smitten with their individual personality quirks, to worry about them when I travel, or to find myself showing pictures of them to anyone who’ll look. The bond that develops with a cat is different from other pets but just as strong.

Cats choose their favorite humans, and if you’re lucky enough to be chosen, it’s a special relationship. They’ll comfort you when you’re sick, celebrate with you when you’re happy, and somehow always know when you need a purring heating pad on your lap.

Final Thoughts

Adopting a cat will change your life in ways you don’t expect. Your furniture might suffer, your sleep schedule will definitely change, and you’ll find yourself having conversations with a creature who responds with judgmental stares and occasional head bonks.

But here’s the thing—it’s absolutely worth it. Every 4 AM wake-up call, every shredded piece of furniture, fur ball and every emergency vet bill becomes part of the story of life with your particular cats. They’re not low-maintenance accessories; they’re complex, emotional creatures with their own personalities and needs. But they make me smile every single day.

If you’re considering adopting a cat, go in with realistic expectations, a sense of humor, and the understanding that you’re not just getting a pet—you’re gaining a roommate with very strong opinions about how the household should be run. And somehow, that roommate might just become the best part of your day.

Leave your comment with what you wish you’d known before adopted your cat.