An honest decision first
A cat lives 15 years, a dog 10–14 — this is a commitment. Think of food, vet care, grooming and potential treatment as a yearly budget; factor in your travel patterns and how many hours the home stays empty.
Consider adopting before buying: shelters and rescue networks are full of wonderful companions whose temperaments are already known.
Prepare the home
- Tidy away cables; secure open windows and balconies.
- Remove toxic plants — lilies are especially dangerous for cats.
- Move small swallowable objects and cleaning chemicals out of reach.
- Set up a calm room for day one: bed, water, food, and a litter tray for cats.
The first 72 hours
A new home is a wall of unfamiliar smells and sounds. Keep visitor traffic low for the first days, let your companion decompress in one quiet room, and fix the routine — meal times, toilet, sleeping spot — from day one.
Book a general check-up within the first week; settle the microchip, parasite programme and vaccine plan at that visit.
Introducing existing pets
A rushed introduction is the fastest route to weeks of tension. Start with scent swapping (trade blankets), allow under-the-door interaction, then move to short, supervised face-to-face meetings. If you see tension at any stage, step back one stage.
First-month checklist
- Microchip and ID registration done
- Vaccine and parasite programme planned with the vet
- Food transition done gradually
- Health records in one place — PetCowe's health passport exists for this
This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for a veterinary examination. Always consult your vet for decisions about your companion's health.
Got a question on your mind?
Post it on the forum and hear from experienced owners — or download the app to start using the health passport and the vet map.