New Cat Owner Checklist for Richmond Residents: The Essentials Guide

Summary: If you have recently brought home a cat or kitten in Richmond, the essentials are simple: register with a vet, arrange a health check, organise vaccinations and parasite prevention, choose suitable food and litter, set up a safe home, and plan ongoing care. At Kitten to Cat, we help local cat owners across Richmond, Kew and West London get started confidently.

Introduction

Bringing a new cat home is exciting, but it can also feel like there is a lot to remember. Many local cat owners ask us what they really need to sort out first, especially in the first few days and weeks.

At Kitten to Cat, we regularly help new owners across Richmond, Kew and West London settle cats and kittens into their new homes. As a dedicated cat-only veterinary clinic, we know that cats need a calm, species-specific approach from the very beginning.

This practical checklist covers the essentials, whether you have adopted an older cat, taken on a rescue cat, or welcomed a young kitten. If you are ready to get started, you can register your cat with us and arrange a suitable first appointment.

Your New Cat Owner Checklist

1. Register with a veterinary practice

One of the first things to do is register your cat with a vet, ideally before there is any urgent problem. This makes it much easier to arrange routine care, ask questions, and get help quickly if your cat becomes unwell.

Our feline veterinary team often advises owners not to wait until they need emergency support. If you live in Richmond, Kew or nearby West London areas, you can register your cat online with Kitten to Cat in just a few steps.

2. Book an initial health check

A first health check helps us assess your cat’s overall wellbeing and pick up any issues that may not be obvious at home. Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness, so a professional examination is especially useful for new pets.

At Kitten to Cat we commonly see newly adopted cats with minor concerns such as ear irritation, dental tartar, skin issues, weight changes, or digestive upset that owners had not noticed. Booking one of our cat health checks and clinics is a sensible early step.

If you have a young kitten, you may also want to take advantage of our Free Kitten Health Checks.

3. Check vaccination status

If your cat or kitten has come from a breeder, rescue centre or previous owner, ask for their vaccination record. If you are unsure whether vaccinations are up to date, bring any paperwork with you to your appointment.

Our experienced veterinary team supports cats across Richmond and West London with tailored preventative healthcare, including vaccinations based on age, lifestyle and risk. An indoor cat may still need routine protection, especially if they may go into catteries, meet other cats, or have future lifestyle changes.

4. Ask about flea, worm and parasite prevention

Many new owners are surprised to hear that even indoor cats can pick up parasites. Fleas can come into the home on clothing or other pets, and worms may still be a risk depending on your cat’s background and habits.

In our experience supporting cats across Richmond and West London, it is much easier to prevent common parasite problems than to deal with them later. Our VIP Health Plan and dedicated Cat VIP Plan can help owners spread the cost of routine preventative care.

If you have a young cat, our Kitten VIP Plan is designed specifically for kittens as they grow.

5. Make sure your cat is microchipped and your details are correct

Microchipping is an important part of responsible cat ownership. If your cat already has a microchip, check that the contact details are up to date. If not, ask us about arranging this during a visit.

Many local cat owners focus on collars first, but collars can come off. A microchip gives a permanent form of identification.

6. Set up a safe, calm space at home

Cats usually settle better when they have one quiet room or area to begin with. This should include:

• A comfortable bed or hiding place
• Food and water bowls placed away from the litter tray
• A clean litter tray in a quiet location
• A scratching post
• Safe toys and enrichment
• A secure carrier kept accessible

Stress can affect feline behaviour, appetite and toileting, so keeping the environment calm matters. As a dedicated cat-only clinic, we often remind new owners that cats are not small dogs. Most prefer gradual change, predictable routines and gentle handling.

7. Choose the right food and feeding routine

Try not to change your cat’s diet too suddenly, especially in the first few days. Ask what they have been eating and transition gradually if you need to make changes.

Our feline veterinary team often advises owners to monitor appetite closely. Small changes can matter in cats. If a cat stops eating, even for a relatively short period, veterinary advice may be needed.

If you would like guidance on weight, feeding, dental care or routine wellness, our clinics and health checks can help.

8. Get the litter tray set-up right

This is one of the most important practical points for new owners. A suitable litter tray in the wrong place can still cause problems. Keep trays in quiet, accessible areas and scoop them regularly.

We commonly see toileting concerns caused by stress, lack of privacy, strong-smelling litter, or trays that are too small. If your new cat is not using the tray consistently, it is worth seeking advice early rather than waiting for the pattern to become established.

9. Plan for neutering if needed

If your cat has not yet been neutered, ask us about timing. Neutering can help prevent unwanted litters and may reduce some hormone-driven behaviours.

At Kitten to Cat, we provide a wide range of feline veterinary services, including routine surgical care, in a calmer environment designed around feline comfort and wellbeing.

10. Think about ongoing costs and support

Routine care is easier to keep on track when it is planned in advance. Food, litter, vaccinations, parasite prevention and check-ups all add up over time.

That is why many owners explore our VIP Health Plan, Cat VIP Plan or Kitten VIP Plan early on. If you are new to the practice, you may also wish to view our New Client Offer.

What We Commonly See at Kitten to Cat

One of the most common concerns we hear from cat owners is, “My cat seems fine at home, so do they still need a check-up?” In many cases, the answer is yes. Cats often hide discomfort, and subtle changes in grooming, appetite, weight or behaviour can be easy to miss.

Many local cat owners ask us whether indoor cats need the same preventative care as outdoor cats. The answer is not always identical, but indoor cats still need regular veterinary attention, vaccination review, parasite advice and weight monitoring.

We regularly help owners whose new cats are:

• Hiding more than expected after moving home
• Eating less due to stress or change of diet
• Not using the litter tray reliably
• Scratching furniture because they do not yet have suitable outlets
• Showing mild digestive upset after a sudden food change
• Due routine care that has been missed during rehoming

A common misunderstanding is that a purring cat is always relaxed or that a quiet cat is always content. In reality, cats show stress and discomfort in subtle ways. Our award-recognised feline team, shortlisted at the Best UK Vets Awards 2024, regularly helps owners understand these early feline signals in a practical and reassuring way.

Practical Advice for the First Few Weeks

• Keep your cat indoors initially if appropriate, until they are settled and you have discussed vaccination, neutering and microchip details with your vet.
• Use a sturdy carrier with a top opening if possible, as this often makes travel and examinations less stressful.
• Allow your cat to approach people in their own time rather than forcing interaction.
• Offer several resting places, including somewhere to hide.
• Record any concerns about eating, drinking, toileting or behaviour before your appointment.
• Arrange routine care early through our online booking system if you need a convenient first visit.

If you need a repeat medication in the future, our prescription request service is also available for ongoing care where appropriate.

When To Contact A Vet

Please contact a vet promptly if your new cat or kitten:

• Has not eaten for a concerning length of time
• Seems unusually quiet, withdrawn or weak
• Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
• Is straining to urinate or not passing urine normally
• Has a swollen abdomen, difficulty walking, or obvious pain
• Has discharge from the eyes or nose that is worsening
• Shows sudden changes in behaviour, breathing or coordination

If your cat is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, cannot pass urine, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately.

For urgent support, please refer to our emergency vetcare information. At Kitten to Cat we regularly help owners decide what needs prompt attention and what can safely wait for a routine appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I take my new cat to the vet?

Ideally within the first few days to week, especially if vaccination status, parasite treatment or previous medical history is unclear.

Does an indoor cat still need preventative care?

Yes. Indoor cats still benefit from vaccination review, parasite advice, dental checks, weight monitoring and regular health assessments.

Should I insure my cat straight away?

It is sensible to look into insurance early, before any medical issues arise. You may also wish to explore our 5 Weeks Free Pet Insurance offer if relevant.

What is the best way to transport a cat to the vet?

Use a secure carrier lined with familiar bedding. Keep the trip calm and quiet. Covering part of the carrier with a towel can help some cats feel more secure.

Why choose a cat-only clinic?

As a cat-only veterinary clinic, we have designed our environment specifically around feline behaviour and comfort. This can help reduce stress for many cats during visits and allows our team to focus entirely on feline care.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your cat is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Get Started with Kitten to Cat

If you have welcomed a new cat or kitten and would like friendly, practical support, our feline veterinary team would be very happy to help. We support cats across Richmond, Kew and West London with preventative, medical and surgical care in a calm cat-focused setting.

You can register your cat, book an appointment online, or explore our Kitten VIP Plan and Cat VIP Plan for ongoing care. If you need urgent help, please use our emergency veterinary support information.