Your first cat or kitten: the complete starter guide

They crawl into everything, jump on everything and love anything that moves or glitters. So before the big day, walk through your home as if you were a cat yourself. That way you avoid surprises.

Pay particular attention to open and tilted windows (a cat can get stuck in them or fall out), cables and strings (put away or hide), cleaning products and medicines (behind a closed cupboard door) and poisonous plants. Lilies in particular are dangerous for cats, even the pollen. Always check any doubtful ones. And make a habit of looking in the washing machine and tumble dryer before you switch them on.

Also set up a quiet room in advance where your cat can settle in for the first few days, with all its things together.

They like to do their business in a clean litter tray in a quiet spot. So don't put the tray next to the food bowl, nor in a busy thoroughfare or next to a noisy washing machine.

Choose a tray that's big enough: your cat should be able to turn around in it easily. Fill it with a layer of cat litter and scoop out the wees and poos every day with a litter scoop. A widely used rule of thumb: one litter tray per cat, plus one extra.

Away from home a lot, or don't fancy scooping every day? Then a self-cleaning litter tray is a smart choice. After each visit from your cat the drum rotates and sifts the clumps out of the litter. Use clumping litter in it, let your cat get used to it calmly and empty the waste bin regularly. For kittens, rather choose a regular tray with a low entry.

So choose a complete cat food that suits your cat's age. That's always on the packaging. Many cats get a combination of dry and wet food. Wet food contains lots of moisture, and that's good, because cats naturally don't drink very much.

Switching food? Then do it gradually, spread over about a week. Mix in a little more new food with the old each day. That way the tummy can get used to it. And stick to the feeding guidelines on the packaging, so your cat gets neither too much nor too little.

Many cats don't like it when their whiskers brush against the edge of a deep bowl. Ceramic and stainless steel are sturdy and easy to clean.

And then water: make sure there is always fresh water available. Preferably put the water a little way from the food. Many cats prefer to drink in a different spot from where they eat. A drinking fountain is a nice extra: many cats find running water extra interesting.

A nice basket or cushion in a warm, quiet spot is therefore no luxury. Many cats like a closed igloo bed where they can hide. Others prefer to lie out in the open, or up high with a view.

Preferably give your cat a few spots to choose from. Don't be surprised if your cat lies in the box the bed came in anyway. That's all part of it!

It keeps their claws in condition, lets them stretch out nicely and leaves their scent behind. So give your cat a scratching spot of its own, otherwise it will choose one itself: your sofa! A good scratching post is sturdy and doesn't wobble. It's tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully.

Cats also love to climb and prefer to look around from above. A scratching post with platforms is therefore a scratching spot, play spot and lookout tower in one. An extra scratching board by the sofa or the door also works wonders.

Play lets your cat stalk, sneak up, pounce and catch, just like in the wild. That's good for the body and for the brain. A cat that plays enough gets bored less and is often nicely relaxed.

A cat wand is a favourite: you move, your cat hunts. Mice, little balls and toys you can put kibble in provide entertainment when you're not around for a bit. Preferably play briefly with your cat a few times a day and let it catch the 'prey' at the end.

Brushing removes loose hair, so less ends up on your sofa. Short-haired cats you brush now and then, long-haired cats preferably a few times a week, so no tangles form.

Also look at the claws now and then. Indoor cats sometimes don't wear them down enough. Then carefully trim only the sharp tip, and stay well away from the pink part of the claw. Nervous about it? Then first ask your vet to show you.

And after that now and then to the vet or to the cattery. A sturdy travel carrier with good ventilation is therefore essential. Choose a carrier you can clean well and that opens easily. Put a soft blanket in it.

After arriving, also plan an introductory visit to the vet. There you can discuss everything about health, such as vaccinating, worming, microchipping and neutering or spaying. Your vet knows exactly what your cat needs and when.

First let your cat settle into one quiet room with the litter tray, food, water, a bed and a hiding spot. Put the travel carrier open on the floor and let your cat come out by itself. Even if that takes a while.

You can't force trust, but you can earn it. Sit quietly nearby, talk softly and let your cat come to you by itself. Going well? Then expand step by step to the rest of the house. For the first few days, keep an eye on whether your cat eats, drinks and uses the litter tray. Unsure about anything? Then feel free to call your vet.