3 A4 pages
First-cat starter pack
Have the essentials ready, choose where they go and share the household jobs.
Use the guideDownload first-cat starter pack (PDF)
Sheet basis: 6 October 2026. Check the guide for current context.
The guide directory
Find your next useful guide.
The things you buy, the things you clean, and the things your cat has other plans for.
Find free tools & printablesStart here
Your first cat? Start here.
What to have ready, what can wait and where everything goes. You do not need to buy an entire pet shop.
Use the first-cat essentials checklistLitter & trays
Tray size, litter choices and keeping on top of the cleaning.
Explore the guidesFeeders & fountains
Choose equipment, check portions and look after the moving parts.
Explore the guidesScratching & play
Things to climb, chase and destroy that you bought for the purpose.
Explore the guidesCatios & outdoor space
Choose an enclosure, plan the project and furnish it.
Explore the guidesCosts & upkeep
Budgets, repeat orders and keeping useful things working.
Explore the guidesLife at home
Make room for a cat and work out the household routine.
Explore the guidesLess waste
Clean, repair or replace: start with what you already own.
Explore the guidesCarriers & travel
A starting checklist for planning the journeys you make.
Explore the starting pointsFree tools & printables
A plan you can actually use.
Start with the guide, then keep the sheet beside you. Each download has an accessible version in its guide, with the context and sources still attached. No email address required.
2 A4 pages
Household cat budget
Write down your own quotes. Separate setup, repeat bills and contingency savings.
Use the guideDownload household cat budget (PDF)
Sheet basis: 6 October 2026. Check the guide for current context.
4 A4 pages
Automatic litter-box planner
Check cat fit, placement, ongoing costs and the cleaning routine before choosing a machine.
Use the guideDownload automatic litter-box planner (PDF)
Sheet basis: 17 September 2026. Check the guide for current context.
1 A4 page
Cat-tree sizing worksheet
Record the complete footprint, resting spaces, access and fitting questions.
Use the guideDownload cat-tree sizing worksheet (PDF)
Sheet basis: 2 October 2026. Check the guide for current context.
4 A4 pages
Catio planning pack
Plan the space, compare complete quotes and record costs that still need confirming.
Use the guideDownload catio planning pack (PDF)
Sheet basis: 6 October 2026. Check the guide for current context.
2 A4 pages
At-home activity cards
Five small invitations using things you already own, with time, materials and cleanup notes.
Use the guideDownload at-home activity cards (PDF)
Sheet basis: 6 October 2026. Check the guide for current context.
Sharing a sheet? Please credit The Cat Standard and link to the guide printed on it. The underlying guidance keeps its original attribution.