Life at home

First-cat setup, living spaces and the everyday business of sharing your home.

A useful place to start.

Take stock first

List the equipment you already have and the space available. Start with the practical jobs it needs to do, rather than a shopping list of everything sold for cats.

Make a household plan

Agree who handles food, cleaning, supplies and appointments. It is a fairly short meeting. The cat is unlikely to attend.

Keep advice in context

Our practical guides will distinguish household experience from welfare guidance and link to appropriate sources when a question needs expertise.

Guides & reviews

Life at home

First-cat essentials: what to buy before bringing a cat home

Start with the things that do a job. The matching accessories can cope with being disappointed.