Collection Pet Adoption 2026.07.07

Essential Items to Prepare Before Adopting a Shelter Cat

Supplies to help a cat adapt safely by hiding, eating, and using the bathroom in a new home

#Cat #Cat Supplies #Adoption of Stray Cats #Stray Animals #Kitten Adoption Preparations

Adopting a shelter cat has slightly different preparation points than adopting a shelter dog. Cats often prefer to hide and check out their new surroundings through smell and sound rather than exploring right away. Therefore, it's better to prepare a quiet room with a litter box, food, water, and a hiding spot on the first day rather than opening up the entire house. This list has compiled the necessary supplies that will help the shelter cat adapt safely to its new home and allow the owner to begin basic care.

Cat Carrier

A cat carrier is essential from the first day of adoption. Carrying them in your arms poses a high risk of escape, so a secure carrier must be used. A type that opens from the top makes it easy to take the cat out for veterinary visits, and products with strong door locks are preferable. Placing a non-slip blanket or pad inside can help reduce anxiety during travel. It's also a good idea to keep the carrier open in a room for the cat to get used to having a hiding place.

추천 포인트 병원 방문과 응급 이동을 안전하게 준비하는 것 용도 이동·병원 방문 체크 포인트 안정성, 상부 개방, 세척 확인 포인트 문 잠금과 통풍 준비 우선순위 매우 높음

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Cat Litter Box

A litter box must be prepared before adopting a cat. Showing them the location of the litter box as soon as you arrive home will help them feel more secure. A box that is too small makes it hard for them to turn around, and some cats may dislike covered boxes due to odor retention. Initially, an open type that is easy to access can be considered. The location should be quiet and low traffic, but still a spot where the cat can easily find it.

용도 배변 공간 확인 포인트 몸길이에 맞는 크기 준비 우선순위 매우 높음

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Bentonite & Tofu Litter

Bentonite and Tofu Litter

Cats are sensitive to the texture of litter. If possible, verify the type of litter used at shelters or foster homes and start with a similar product. Bentonite is highly absorbent and often preferred by cats, but dust levels should be checked, while tofu litter is convenient for disposal, though some cats may dislike its texture. It's safer to gradually transition to new litter rather than making sudden changes right after adoption.

용도 배변 모래 확인 포인트 기존 사용 모래 확인 준비 우선순위 매우 높음

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Hiding House & Cat Tunnel

Hiding Spots and Cat Tunnels

Shelter cats often look for a hiding place when they arrive in a new home. Hiding spots or cat tunnels can create a secure area where the cat can feel safe. Allowing them to explore without forcing them out can help build trust. Initially, place the hiding spot in a quiet room with low foot traffic, and keep water and the litter box nearby. Practical materials that are easy to clean and wash are recommended.

용도 안정 공간 확인 포인트 입구 크기와 세탁 가능 여부 준비 우선순위 높음

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Scratcher

A scratcher is closer to a basic necessity than an option. Cats scratch to manage their claws and mark their territory. Without a scratcher, they may scratch sofas, wallpaper, or mats. Each cat has different preferences for vertical, horizontal, or post-style scratchers, so it's best to start with one of several types and observe their reactions. Placing it near their favorite spots can increase the likelihood of use.

용도 발톱 관리·스트레스 해소 확인 포인트 수직·수평 취향 확인 준비 우선순위 높음

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Cat Bowls and Water Dishes

Cat bowls are more important than you might think. If bowls are too deep or narrow, they may feel uncomfortable due to their whiskers touching the sides. Wide, shallow dishes or elevated bowls help cats eat comfortably. Instead of placing the water bowl too close to the food, having multiple dishes in different locations can encourage them to drink more. Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are easy to clean and less prone to retaining odors.

용도 식사·음수 확인 포인트 넓은 입구와 세척 편의 준비 우선순위 높음

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Cat Food and Wet Cans

Cat Food and Wet Canned Food

In the early days after adoption, cats might eat less due to stress. Checking the type of food they were eating before and starting with the same product or a similar diet can ease the transition. If you want to switch to a new food, it should be gradually mixed in over several days. Wet food can help with hydration but giving a lot suddenly may cause diarrhea, so it’s best to start with small amounts and monitor their response.

용도 식사 적응 확인 포인트 기존 사료와 급여량 확인 준비 우선순위 높음

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Window and Balcony Safety Net

Window Screens and Safety Nets

Before adopting a cat, it’s crucial to check the safety of windows and balconies. Cats may react to surprises in a new home or respond to sounds from outside, potentially leaping through open windows. Safety nets or screens need to be more securely installed than regular insect screens. Especially in high-rise buildings, the risk of falling is significant, so don’t assume that just leaving a window open a little is okay. This is one of the first safety measures to check before adoption.

용도 탈출·추락 방지 확인 포인트 창문 구조와 고정력 우선순위 매우 높음

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In the early days of adopting a shelter cat, it's more important to make them feel 'safe' rather than 'friend' quickly. It is common for them to hide or eat less during the first few days, but if a lack of appetite or bathroom issues persist, a consultation with a vet is needed. When choosing supplies, the location and stability are more important than aesthetics. Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible spot, and set the scratcher and hiding spots where the cat can freely choose to use them.

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Cat Carrier

병원 방문과 응급 이동을 안전하게 준비하는 것 · 이동·병원 방문 · 안정성, 상부 개방, 세척 · 문 잠금과 통풍 · 매우 높음

Cat Litter Box

배변 공간 · 몸길이에 맞는 크기 · 매우 높음

Bentonite & Tofu Litter

배변 모래 · 기존 사용 모래 확인 · 매우 높음

Hiding House & Cat Tunnel

안정 공간 · 입구 크기와 세탁 가능 여부 · 높음

Scratcher

발톱 관리·스트레스 해소 · 수직·수평 취향 확인 · 높음

Cat Bowls and Water Dishes