New Cat Owner Checklist for Richmond Residents: Essentials Guide

Summary: If you have recently welcomed a cat or kitten into your home in Richmond, Kew or West London, the key essentials are registration with a vet, vaccinations, parasite control, neutering advice, microchipping, suitable food, litter, a safe home set-up and regular health checks. A calm routine and preventative care can help your cat settle well and stay healthy.

Introduction

Bringing home a new cat is exciting, but it can also feel like there is a lot to organise in the first few days and weeks. At Kitten to Cat we regularly help new cat owners across Richmond, Kew and West London with the practical steps that make early cat care simpler, safer and less stressful.

As a dedicated cat-only veterinary clinic, we know that cats are not small dogs. They have their own behavioural needs, health risks and ways of showing stress or illness. Small details such as a quiet settling-in space, a suitable carrier and a consistent feeding routine can make a big difference.

This checklist covers the essentials for local cat owners, whether you have adopted an adult cat, taken on a rescue, or brought home a young kitten. If you are ready to get started, you can register your cat with Kitten to Cat and explore our Kitten VIP Plan or Cat VIP Plan for ongoing preventative care.

Your new cat owner essentials checklist

1. Register with a vet early

One of the first jobs on your checklist should be choosing a veterinary practice and completing registration before a problem arises. Many local cat owners ask us whether they should wait until vaccinations are due or until their cat seems unwell. Our advice is to register early, so support is already in place when you need it.

You can register your cat online with our feline veterinary team in Richmond. This makes it much easier to arrange routine care, discuss any early concerns and book a first health appointment.

2. Arrange an initial health check

A first veterinary check is useful even if your new cat seems perfectly well. Cats often hide signs of illness, and subtle changes can be easy to miss in the early days of ownership. Our feline veterinary team often advises an initial appointment to review:

• general health and body condition
• eyes, ears, skin and coat
• heart and lungs
• teeth and gums
• vaccination status
• microchip details
• parasite prevention
• diet, weight and toileting habits

You can arrange this through our health checks and clinics service or use our online booking system to book an appointment at a convenient time.

3. Check vaccinations are up to date

Vaccinations are an important part of preventative feline healthcare, including for many indoor cats. Kittens usually need an initial course followed by boosters, while adult cats may need to restart or continue an existing schedule depending on their history.

In our experience supporting cats across Richmond and West London, one common misunderstanding is that indoor cats do not need vaccination advice. Indoor lifestyles may reduce some risks, but not all. Our team can advise on the right plan for your cat as part of our preventative healthcare approach.

4. Start parasite prevention

Fleas, worms and other parasites are not only an outdoor cat issue. Indoor cats can still be affected, especially in multi-pet households or homes where parasites are brought in on clothing, bedding or other animals. Kittens and rescue cats may need particularly careful screening and treatment planning.

Our experienced team supports cats across Richmond, Kew and West London with parasite prevention tailored to age, lifestyle and risk. The VIP Health Plan, including our Kitten VIP Plan and Cat VIP Plan, can help owners spread the cost of routine preventative care.

5. Make sure identification details are correct

If your cat is already microchipped, check that the contact details are current. If not, ask your vet about arranging this. A microchip only works if the information linked to it is accurate. This is especially important if you have moved house, changed number or adopted a cat from a previous owner.

Many local cat owners in Richmond and Kew are surprised to learn how often outdated contact details create problems when a cat is found.

6. Discuss neutering at the right time

Neutering is an important part of responsible cat ownership. It can help prevent unwanted litters and may reduce some hormone-driven behaviours. Timing can vary depending on age, sex and individual circumstances, so it is best discussed with your vet rather than relying on conflicting online advice.

As a dedicated cat-only clinic, we commonly advise new owners on when to plan neutering and what to expect before and after the procedure. If your cat needs broader medical or surgical support, our advanced surgery and medicine service is available.

7. Create a calm home set-up

Cats settle best when they have a safe environment and some control over their space. A new home can be overwhelming, particularly for kittens, rescue cats and nervous adult cats.

We recommend preparing:

• a quiet room or area for settling in
• a comfortable bed or hiding place
• separate food and water bowls
• a suitable litter tray in a quiet location
• a scratching post
• safe toys and places to climb or perch
• a secure, well-ventilated cat carrier

Stress can affect feline behaviour, appetite and toileting, so a calm set-up is not just about comfort. It also supports health and wellbeing. Our clinic environment at Kitten to Cat has been designed around feline comfort and behaviour for the same reason.

8. Choose the right food and feeding routine

Feed a complete cat food appropriate for your cat’s age and stage of life. Kittens need different nutrition from adult or senior cats, and sudden diet changes can upset digestion. If possible, continue the food your cat is already used to at first, then make any changes gradually.

Fresh water should always be available. Some cats prefer wide bowls, ceramic dishes or water fountains. If you are unsure how much to feed, speak to our feline veterinary team or ask during a cat health check.

9. Think about insurance and ongoing costs

Planning ahead can make veterinary care more straightforward if your cat needs treatment in the future. Alongside insurance, many owners like the predictability of a preventative plan that covers routine needs.

You may find our 5 weeks free pet insurance offer helpful when settling in a new cat, and our current offers may also be worth exploring. If you are joining us for the first time, our new client offer can help you get started.

What We Commonly See at Kitten to Cat

One of the most common concerns we hear from cat owners is whether their new cat is “settling normally”. In many cases, a quiet cat who hides at first is simply adjusting. However, we also remind owners that cats often hide signs of illness, so reduced appetite, not using the litter tray, repeated vomiting or marked lethargy should not be ignored.

Many local cat owners ask us whether indoor cats really need routine healthcare. A common misunderstanding is that staying indoors removes the need for check-ups, vaccination review and parasite advice. In reality, indoor cats still benefit from preventative healthcare and regular monitoring.

We regularly help owners whose cats are eating very little after moving home, struggling with litter tray habits, reacting to stress, or resisting the carrier and car journeys. These are especially cat-specific issues. A calm, predictable approach usually helps, and our cat-only veterinary clinic can advise if you are unsure what is normal.

At Kitten to Cat we also commonly see confusion around feeding, neutering age, vaccination timing and when to let a new cat outdoors. Early guidance can prevent many avoidable problems and helps owners feel more confident.

Practical advice for the first few weeks

• Keep routines steady: feed at similar times each day and avoid too many changes at once.
• Monitor appetite and toileting: small changes can matter in cats.
• Use the carrier positively: leave it out at home with bedding and treats so it feels familiar.
• Give your cat choice: allow hiding spots and avoid forcing interaction.
• Introduce new rooms gradually: especially for nervous cats or kittens.
• Book preventative care early: this helps avoid last-minute decisions when vaccinations or parasite treatment are due.

As a cat-only clinic shortlisted at the Best UK Vets Awards 2024, we know many owners value practical support as much as medical care. If you are feeling unsure, it is always sensible to speak to our team and book an appointment for tailored advice.

When To Contact A Vet

Our award-recognised feline team regularly helps new cat owners decide when something needs veterinary attention. Please contact a vet if your new cat or kitten:

• is not eating or drinking normally
• has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
• seems unusually quiet, weak or withdrawn
• is straining to pass urine or not passing urine
• has breathing changes or is breathing with difficulty
• has significant discharge from the eyes or nose
• has ongoing sneezing, coughing or obvious discomfort
• has not used the litter tray as expected
• has eaten something potentially toxic

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.

Emergency support information is available through our emergency vetcare page, which explains how to access urgent help when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I register my new cat with a vet?

Ideally, before or as soon as your cat comes home. Early registration makes it easier to arrange vaccinations, health checks and advice if any concerns come up.

Does an indoor cat still need veterinary care?

Yes. Indoor cats still need regular health reviews, vaccination advice, parasite prevention and weight monitoring. They may also hide signs of illness, so routine checks are important.

Should I choose a cat-only veterinary clinic?

Many cats cope better in a feline-focused environment. A cat-only veterinary clinic is designed with feline stress, behaviour and handling in mind, which can help visits feel calmer for both cats and owners.

What should I bring to a first appointment?

Bring any vaccination history, adoption paperwork, insurance details, current food information and details of any medication. Transport your cat in a secure carrier with familiar bedding.

Are health plans worth considering for new cat owners?

For many owners, yes. Plans can help spread the cost of routine preventative care and keep reminders organised. You can explore our Kitten VIP Plan or Cat VIP Plan depending on your cat’s age.

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.

Ready to get started with your new cat’s care?

If you have welcomed a new cat or kitten into your home in Richmond, Kew or West London, we would be happy to help. You can register your cat with Kitten to Cat, book an appointment online, or explore our Kitten VIP Plan and Cat VIP Plan for ongoing preventative care. If you need urgent support, please use our emergency veterinary information.