When adopting a cat for the first time, the three most important things are: make your home safe, have the basic supplies ready, and give your cat a quiet room with hiding spots so it can settle in at its own pace during the first week. After your cat arrives, take it to a vet for a check-up and update the owner details on its pet registration.
Before your cat arrives: essential supplies
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Carrier | Needed to bring your cat home and for vet visits. A hard-shell carrier that opens from the top is easiest |
| Litter box and litter | A common rule of thumb is "number of cats + 1" litter boxes |
| Food and water bowls | Ceramic or stainless steel are easy to clean |
| Cat food | Start with the brand your cat already eats. If you want to switch, mix in the new food gradually |
| Scratching post or pad | Scratching is natural for cats, and a scratcher helps save your sofa |
| Hiding place | A cardboard box works fine and helps your cat feel safe |
| Brush and nail clippers | For everyday grooming |
Nice to have: cat tree, wand toys, water fountain, pet camera.
Before your cat arrives: make your home safe
- Install window screens or guards and lock them. Falls are one of the most common accidents for cats, and many rehomers require this
- Put away cables, rubber bands, hair ties, plastic bags, string and other small items that could be swallowed
- Check whether your houseplants are toxic to cats. If you're unsure, move them out of reach and ask a vet
- Always check that your cat isn't inside the washing machine or dryer before using it
Which costs should you budget for?
The cost of keeping a cat varies a lot depending on where you live, the brands you choose and your cat's health. Here are the types of costs to plan for. For actual prices, ask local shops and vet clinics, or try our Pet Cost Calculator:
- One-off costs: carrier, litter box, scratcher, cat tree and other supplies
- Monthly costs: food, litter, treats
- Regular vet care: annual check-ups, vaccines, internal and external parasite prevention
- Emergency fund: vet visits, tests and hospital stays if your cat gets sick or injured. It's a good idea to set aside a separate emergency fund
- Other: pet sitters or boarding when you travel
Days 1–7: helping your cat settle in
- Start in one small room with water, food, a litter box and a hiding box, so your cat can get used to a small space first
- Don't force interaction. Hiding and eating less for the first day or two can be a normal stress response. Stay calm and let your cat come out on its own
- Keep an eye on eating, drinking and toilet habits. Note whether your cat is eating, drinking and using the litter box
- Gradually expand its space. Once your cat explores on its own and approaches you, open up other rooms
- If you have other pets, keep them apart at first and introduce them gradually — swap scents and let them get used to each other through a closed door before they meet
When should you see a vet right away? If your cat hasn't eaten anything for more than a day, keeps vomiting or has diarrhoea, seems very lethargic, or hasn't urinated, take it to a vet as soon as possible — don't wait. Be especially careful with kittens and senior cats.
Within two weeks of bringing your cat home
- Take your cat for a vet check-up, and ask the vet about vaccines, parasite prevention and spay/neuter
- Update the pet registration: Under Taiwan's Animal Protection Act, cats must also be microchipped and registered. The Ministry of Agriculture has stated that from 1 January 2026, owners who fail to register their cat can be fined NT$3,000–15,000. You can find a registration station through the Pet Registration Management Information Network (in Chinese)
- Check whether your cat is spayed/neutered: The Animal Protection Act requires pet owners to spay/neuter their dogs and cats, or file a report with the authorities if they don't. See the original law for details
- If you signed an adoption contract, send the rehomer updates as agreed
Getting ready to welcome a dog? Read Adopting a Dog for the First Time: Checklist and the First 30 Days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I adopt an adult cat or a kitten?
Both have advantages. A kitten can build habits from a young age but needs more time for care and play. An adult cat's personality is already settled, so the rehomer can tell you exactly what it's like. For people who work full-time or are adopting a cat for the first time, an adult cat is often easier to bond with.
Is it normal for my new cat to keep hiding?
Very common. A new environment is stressful for cats, and hiding for a few days is a normal part of settling in. Give your cat a quiet space and a hiding spot, and don't pull it out. But if it hasn't eaten or drunk anything for more than a day, see a vet as soon as possible.
Does my cat have to be registered?
Yes. Under the Animal Protection Act, both dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered, and you must update the owner details after adopting.
References
Find your new family member on Ashera Pet
Browse cats, dogs and rabbits waiting for a home across Taiwan, or create a profile for your pet and list it for rehoming. Free to download.