Before the little one arrives home, it’s worth having the basics sorted. You don’t need to spend a fortune — you just need the essentials, and they should be good quality. Here’s a checklist to get you off to a good start.
Before you go shopping: get your home ready
This is the part that almost everyone skips, and it’s the one that prevents any nasty surprises in the first week. Before your pet arrives, walk round the house at their eye level:
- Exposed wires and cables are irresistible to puppies and kittens — tidy them away or cover them up.
- Cleaning products, medicines and rubbish should be kept in cupboards that lock. An open bin is both a temptation and a hazard.
- Plants — many common houseplants are toxic to pets. Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats. If in doubt, keep them out of reach and check with your vet.
- Windows and balconies — if you’re bringing a cat into your home, safety netting is no overkill. Falls from balconies are one of the most common reasons for cats living in flats to end up in A&E.
- A quiet retreat — a peaceful spot where your cat can be on its own whenever it wants. In the first few days, this is more valuable than any toy.
A place to sleep
A comfortable bed gives your pet a space of its own, where it feels safe. Choose the right size: it should be able to stretch out comfortably. For cats, it’s worth considering a den or enclosed bed — many prefer to sleep hidden away.
Food and water
Stable, easy-to-clean bowls (stainless steel is practical and hygienic). Always have fresh water available; a portable water bottle is useful for walks.
Tip for cats: keep the water bowl separate from the food bowl. Many cats drink less when the water is next to their food, and staying hydrated is important for urinary health.
Hygiene
For cats, a litter tray and litter are essential from day one. For dogs, poo bags for walks. A brush suitable for their coat helps keep everything clean — and it’s a good bonding moment.
A rule of thumb for litter trays: one per cat plus one. With two cats, three trays. It may seem excessive, but it solves most problems with cats doing their business in the wrong place.
Walking (for dogs)
A lead and a comfortable, properly sized harness. A well-fitting harness is safer and prevents pulling that can hurt the neck.
One or two toys
You don’t need a whole boxful. One toy to chew on and another to play with you are enough to start with — you’ll soon realise which one they like best.
Mandatory in Portugal: microchip and registration with SIAC
It’s not a suggestion, it’s the law. In Portugal, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped and registered with SIAC — the Companion Animal Information System. For animals born after 25 October 2019, the deadline is 120 days after birth.
If you’re adopting or buying a pet, check before bringing it home: does it already have a microchip? Is the registration in the name of the person handing it over to you? The transfer of ownership must be made into your name — it’s not enough for the animal simply to have the chip. It’s also what ensures the animal is returned to you if it goes missing, and it’s the first thing any vet or animal shelter will check.
The first vet appointment
Book it for the first few days, even if your pet seems perfectly healthy. This serves to establish a baseline (weight, general check-up), confirm the status of vaccinations and worming treatments, and build a relationship with the vet you’ll be seeing for years to come. Take everything you’re given with you: documents, vaccination record and worming history.
It’s also the right time to discuss a parasite prevention plan, which depends on the animal’s age and lifestyle — whether they go outside, hunt, or if there are children in the house.
What you don’t need to buy just yet
Save yourself money and frustration by leaving these things until you’ve got to know your pet:
- Clothes and accessories — they’re rarely necessary and many pets can’t stand them.
- Five different toys — you’ll find out within the first week whether they prefer chewing, chasing or tugging.
- The most expensive bed — puppies and kittens grow, and some chew up their first bed. Start with a simple one.
- Large bags of new pet food — the change in diet should be gradual. Start with the food he’s already used to and switch over bit by bit.
And, above all, patience
The supplies help, but what your pet needs most in the first few days is calm, routine and time to settle in. Let them explore at their own pace, avoid a flood of visitors in the first week and stick to a predictable schedule for meals and walks. The rest will follow naturally.
Sources
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Informative content, revised in August 2026. This is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation.