10 things you wish you knew before adopting a cat

Adopting a cat seems simple in theory: a beautiful, independent animal that uses the bathroom on its own. What could go wrong? Quite a lot, actually. I'm not writing this to put you off. I'm writing it because if I'd known this earlier, I would have saved months of frustration, wasted money, and that feeling of being completely lost with my new feline companion.

1 —Pet insurance is not optional

This is the most expensive mistake first-time owners make. It doesn't matter if your cat never goes outside, lives in a small flat in the Eixample, or looks like the healthiest cat in the world.

Cats are masters at hiding pain. By the time they show visible symptoms, what was manageable has become an emergency. And veterinary emergencies don't negotiate with your budget.

• A urinary blockage in a male cat: between 800 and 2,000€ in emergency care
• Chronic kidney disease: lifelong treatment
• A fall injury: yes, cats do fall. It can mean surgery

2 —Cats scratch out of need, not spite

Your cat is not being destructive when it attacks your curtains. It is being a cat. Scratching is a biological necessity: it removes the outer layers of claws, stretches the spine, and marks territory through scent glands in the paws. The problem is not that it scratches — the problem is that it is scratching the wrong things.

3 —The cheap supermarket scratching post won't work

Fifteen euros, adorable, "problem solved." Two weeks later it is gathering dust in a corner while the sofa is still being destroyed. Why? Because it is unstable. The moment the cat puts its weight on it, it wobbles. A cat that does not trust a scratching post's stability will not use it. Full stop.

• Weight and stability: it must not move when a full-grown cat is on it
• Minimum height 80-100 cm so they can fully stretch
• Sisal material: rough, durable, cats love it
• Multiple options: horizontal, vertical, and angled

4 —The N+1 litter box rule

If there is one rule that would solve 90% of behaviour problems, it is this:

A dominant cat can block access to the only box, forcing the other to find alternatives. And what are the alternatives? Your bed, your rug, your clean laundry.

5 —The independence myth

Cats are not as independent as you think. Years of popular culture have perpetuated that image. The reality is that they need mental stimulation, daily play and social company. An ignored cat is not a quiet cat — it is a depressed, anxious and destructive one.

A minimum of 15-20 minutes of interactive play per day, ideally in two sessions. This is non-negotiable.

6 —Your home is their kingdom: build upward

A flat, minimalist apartment is an anxiety environment for a cat. In the wild, heights are where they feel safe — they can see danger coming, they have an escape route, they are in control. Without vertical options, the cat is in a constant state of vulnerability.

• Wall shelves distributed around the home
• Stable cat trees of at least 150 cm
• Access to high cupboards if possible

7 —Hands are never toys

It is adorable when the kitten is two months old. Those needle teeth in your finger. Cute. But that 300g kitten becomes a 4-5 kilo adult cat that still believes your hands are fair game.

From day one: when it tries to attack your fingers or feet, stop the interaction and offer a toy instead. Always redirect. The patience you invest in the first weeks saves years of scratches.

8 —The hunt-catch-eat cycle

All feline behaviour is driven by the instinctive hunting cycle. Cats are predators. That instinct is hardwired into their DNA even if they have never seen a real mouse.

If a cat does not complete the Hunt → Catch → Kill → Eat cycle, the frustration comes out as 3am sprints, sudden attacks and destructive behaviour.

9 —Dry food dehydrates your cat

The domestic cat's ancestors came from the desert. Their bodies are designed to get most of their hydration from prey, not from a water bowl. A diet of only dry kibble keeps the cat in a state of mild chronic dehydration — the main culprit behind kidney problems and urinary tract disease.

Add quality wet food to the diet. It does not need to be 100%, but it should be a significant part. Some cats also respond well to water fountains.

10 —A cat's love is earned

Show a dog attention and it loves you instantly. With a cat, you have to convince it. And the most important part: you have to respect it. Do not force cuddles. If it pulls away, let it. Paradoxically, respecting its choices is exactly what makes it come closer.

Learn its language: the slow blink, the tail position, the ears. A cat that trusts you is a loyal companion for life. That loyalty is earned, not assumed.

What to prepare before day one

Weeks before

• Research pet insurance and choose one that covers emergencies and chronic illness
• Choose a vet and book an initial appointment
• Buy stable, tall scratching posts
• Work out how many litter boxes you will need

Days before

• Set up vertical space: shelves, cat trees
• Buy large litter boxes (not small ones)
• Hide cables and remove toxic plants
• Buy quality kibble and wet food
• Choose a transition room for the first days

Day one

• One small room with everything needed: food, water, litter box, hiding spot
• Let it explore at its own pace — no forcing contact
• Keep consistency: same times, same places for everything
• The first days it will be scared. That is completely normal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to adopt one or two cats?

It depends on the cat's character. Some benefit greatly from feline company; others prefer to live alone. Ask the shelter about the cat's personality before deciding.

How much does it cost to keep a cat per month?

Between 60 and 150 euros monthly for food, litter and vet visits. Not counting emergencies — which is exactly where insurance makes the difference.

What do I do if my cat has behaviour problems?

First rule out medical causes with your vet. Then identify the root: boredom, stress, lack of resources. 80% of behaviour problems have an environmental cause and a relatively simple solution.

What if I need to travel and leave my cat alone in Barcelona?

Cats should not be left alone for more than 24-48 hours. Prolonged absence creates real anxiety. A professional in-home cat sitter is the best option: they maintain routine, territory and emotional balance while you travel.

Does my cat love me even if it doesn't show it?

Almost certainly yes. Cats have a completely different language of affection: the slow blink, sleeping nearby, following you around, purring, rubbing against you. These are all declarations of trust in feline. Learn to read them.