First-Time Cat Owner Guide for the UAE: Everything You Need Before Day One

The weeks before your kitten arrives are as important as the days after. A well-prepared home makes the transition smoother for the kitten and the experience far more enjoyable for you.

Begin by designating a safe room — a single, kitten-proofed space where your new arrival will spend its first few days. This removes the overwhelm of an entire apartment or villa at once and gives the kitten time to acclimatise at its own pace.

Before your kitten arrives, you will need: a litter tray and high-quality litter, food and water bowls (ceramic or stainless steel are preferable to plastic), a kitten carrier, a cat bed or sleeping space, at least one scratching post, interactive toys (wand toys, crinkle balls), and a cat tree or elevated perch.

In the UAE, a circulating water fountain is a strongly recommended addition given the dehydrating effect of air conditioning on indoor cats.

Kittens are creative explorers. Before your kitten arrives, walk through your home identifying potential hazards: loose cables, toxic houseplants (lilies are acutely dangerous to cats), open windows without secure screens, small gaps where a kitten could become trapped, and cleaning products left accessible.

In UAE homes, the balcony requires particular attention. Balcony falls are a leading cause of serious cat injuries in high-rise living. A purpose-designed balcony net or cat-safe screen is essential if balcony access is possible.

Allow your kitten to emerge from its carrier in the safe room at its own pace. Do not force interaction — sit quietly on the floor, let the kitten approach you, and reward any approaches with calm, gentle acknowledgement.

Most kittens from our programme settle visibly within the first 24 hours. Their extensive pre-departure socialisation means they arrive curious rather than fearful. Do not be alarmed by initial quietness — this is a normal response to the transition and will pass quickly.

Register with a UAE veterinarian before your kitten arrives, and book the first appointment for within 48–72 hours of arrival. Present the full health documentation from Emirates Kitten Haven — including vaccination records, microchip certificate, and health check paperwork — at this appointment.

Establishing a veterinary relationship early creates a baseline health record, ensures the vaccination schedule continues without a gap, and gives you a trusted professional to consult as questions arise.