New Cat Checklist for the UAE: What You Need on Day One
Bringing a cat home in the UAE is exciting, and a little overwhelming. You do not need a huge shopping list: a safe room, the daily basics, and a few things that help your cat settle, play and feel like itself.
Make the home safe before arrival
Most cats in the UAE live indoors, and that is the kinder choice in this climate. Close off or securely screen balconies and open windows. A slip through a sliding door or a gap in a railing is a real risk in apartment buildings. Tuck away loose cables, thread, rubber bands and anything small enough to chew or swallow. Put cleaning products and medicines in closed cupboards, and keep unsafe houseplants — especially lilies — well away.
A closed flat can also get dangerously hot if the air conditioning fails while you are out. Leave fresh water in more than one room, and have a plan for who can get in if you are at work.
Food, water and a quiet first room
Set up one quiet room for the first few days, not the whole apartment. Put food, water, a litter tray and a soft place to sleep in that room, with the tray well away from the bowls.
Use a complete cat food that matches your cat's age. In air-conditioned UAE homes, many cats drink less than we expect, so it helps to offer wet food as part of their meals and keep water bowls full and easy to find. If you change food, do it gradually over several days once your cat is eating well. A cat that refuses food for more than a day, or seems weak or in pain, needs a vet the same day.
Litter, sleep and a way to travel
Have a litter tray, a scoop and unscented, low-dust litter ready. Strong scents can put a new cat off the tray, and dusty litter is no help in a dry climate. Scoop daily, and plan for more than one tray if you have more than one cat.
A carrier is not optional. You will need it for the first vet visit and any move, so leave it open in the room with a familiar blanket. A simple bed, or even a cardboard box on its side, gives your cat somewhere to retreat.
Play, scratching and a first brush
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in order and to stretch. If there is no scratcher on day one, the sofa often becomes one. A mat on the floor, near the furniture your cat is already eyeing, is a practical start.
They also need to hunt a little, even indoors. A rolling play ball gives them something to bat and chase, and a short evening play session helps a new cat settle before bed. A soft grooming brush, used gently once your cat allows a few strokes, starts a calm habit and picks up loose fur.
If you would rather begin with three essentials in one kit, the Paw and Palms Cat Starter Kit brings together an Electric Cat Rolling Ball, an Anti-Scratch Cat Chew Mat and a Pet Brush. It is AED 260 with free delivery across the UAE. The brush colour may vary, and the items may arrive in separate deliveries.
A first-week plan, including the vet
Keep visitors to a minimum at first. Let the cat come to you, and let hiding happen. Many cats spend the first days under a bed and come out at night.
Book a check-up with a local vet in the first week if one is not already scheduled. Ask about vaccinations, parasite prevention, microchipping and any registration rules that apply where you live in the UAE, as these can differ by emirate. Once the cat is eating, using the tray and seeming more confident, open up the rest of the home one room at a time.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need on day one for a new cat in the UAE?
A carrier, litter tray and unscented litter, food and water bowls, suitable cat food, a quiet room, a bed or hiding spot, something to scratch, a simple toy and a grooming brush. Secure windows and balconies, and keep the home cool.
Should I let a new cat explore the whole apartment on the first day?
It is usually kinder to start with one room. Open the rest of the home gradually once your cat is eating and using the litter tray.
Do I need a lot of toys and scratchers at once?
No. A rolling ball, a scratch mat and a brush are enough at the start. You can add more later as you learn what your cat enjoys.
