Image by Jay Woodworth via Flickr
The arrival of a new cat or kitten is an exciting time in any household, and if you have never before owned a cat, there are certain things you can do to make sure that your home is a safe and welcoming place for your new family member. Just as you and every member of your family needs furniture, your cat needs some of his or her own things, too — so make sure that you are fully equipped for the day when your new cat moves in!
Your cat will need a litterbox, preferably one with a deep pan and a top that can be removed. There are many schools of thought on litter, but I have found that what works best is a layer of litter about a quarter inch deep. In addition to conserving litter, you will be better able to keep the litter clean and by cleaning the litterbox every day, you will always have a nice bathroom for your cat. Just as you would rather not go to the bathroom if it is dirty, your cat doesn’t want to either, and its nose is much more sensitive than yours. If you get the clumping litter you can address the litterbox before it is too disgusting, by scooping out the clumps every day.
In addition, your cat will need a bowl for food and water, and cat food. If you already have a vet, consult with him or her on the best kind of food; otherwise, look for a high-quality food, with little or no grain filler (especially corn). This kind of food may be more expensive, but it will be worth it, because your cat will eat less, and make less waste. Needless to say, just as you would be reluctant to eat off dirty dishes, your cat will, too, so keep your cat’s dishes clean!
If your cat ever leaves the house, such as to go to the vet for shots, you will need a hard-sided pet carrier. Teaching a cat to go into a carrier is a little time-consuming, but it is better to take the time to train the cat when it is young, in order to avoid being bitten or scratched when you are in a hurry to take a cat who is not feeling well to the vet! In addition, training your cat to ride in a pet carrier, and teaching your cat to walk on a leash with a specially-designed cat harness, will enable you to take the cat with you on vacation, on a car trip, or out to the park.
Cats are highly intelligent animals, and if they get bored, they will find something to occupy them. Make sure it is a cat toy, rather than one of your rare or valuable possessions! Cat toys are cheap, and you can even make them yourself if you prefer. Something that the cat finds a puzzle to solve will keep your pet occupied for hours; a ball or other toy that moves will make sure that your cat gets enough exercise. Be sure to get only toys designed particularly for cats; some traditionally-used items, like string, could be harmful to your cat.
What would life be like, if there were no dessert? Cats needs treats, too, and catnip or catmint can be grown easily in the garden, and provides your cat with a delicious experience (cats get a little drunk on catnip, so watch their intake).
It’s just part of being a cat, that cats like to scratch. Again, you want them to scratch in a place you choose, not a place they choose (like your antique furniture or those expensive silk drapes). Many pet stores allow you to take your cat in to the store, so that you can find a scratching post that appeals to them. Make it a little more appealing by rubbing a little catnip or catmint on the scratching post.
And finally, take a look at your house. Remember that cats are curious, and will work for hours to get into someplace that intrigues them. Get down on the floor, and look at it from a cat’s eye view. Just look at all those tempting electrical cords, curtain or blind cords, cabinets, and anything else that might be dangerous for your cat. Tie up curtain or blind cords, cover electrical cords with hard plastic, and put childproof locks on cabinets (cats will get on the counter; don’t forget the upper cabinets!).
By taking some time to prepare your new cat or kitten’s environment, and making sure that your new pet has everything it needs, you can be sure that your new family member will be safe in your home and feel welcomed. Preparing everything in advance will avoid accidents or trips to the vet, and help you and your cat to have a long, happy life together.
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