Before bringing a new cat or kitten home, there are a few items you should prepare or buy to ensure that your cat feels like a family member and not a visitor. This list of cat essentials should satisfy you and your new furry friend.
Prepare these items a few days in advance to reduce the stress of the “big day”. In the excitement of bringing your cat home, you wouldn’t want to suddenly find out at 8 p.m. that you forgot to buy cat food. Here are the bare minimum essentials your cat needs:
Food
If you can talk to the caretaker of the cat’s previous owner, it’s a good idea to feed your new pet whatever food it’s used to. If you buy a cat from a breeder, usually their contract will strongly recommend or require you to feed a certain food. For cats and kittens with unknown backgrounds, here are some tips to help you determine what foods to feed.
What to buy for a kitten
These kittens require more fat and protein than adult cats, so look for foods that are labeled “Complete Balanced Nutrition” as well as AAFCO Animal Feeding Test claims “suitable for all life stages.” There are also foods specially formulated for kittens. These foods can be identified by the words “highly digestible, nutritious, and uniquely designed to meet the nutritional needs of kittens.” Kittens over eight weeks old can handle dry food well, although canned food is more suitable for them.
What to buy for an adult cat
Canned food is better for cats, but your cat may only be used to eating dry food. Adult cats thrive on dry food, which is acceptable from any premium brand. You should also replenish canned food because you should eventually try to get your cat to eat only canned food.
Food and Water Bowls
While your new cat can be fed with any ceramic (lead-free glazed) or stainless steel bowl in the kitchen, you’d better provide it with its own dishes. It is not recommended to use plastic dishes for cats, as some cats will develop a chin rash because of plastic; What’s more, softer plastics scratch easily, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. There are many stainless steel bowls that are not tilted for pets. If you like to decorate ceramic dishes, make sure the glaze is lead-free. To be on the safe side, only buy products made in the United States
Automatic feeding and drinking devices are especially useful if you are going out for long periods of time during the day, such as to work or school. Most cats prefer pure, fresh tap water, and an automatic drinking fountain ensures a constant supply of clean water.
Toys
All cats love to play. Toys such as “fishing rods and dangling baits” are popular among interactive games. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough and the kitten won’t rip its feathers off the overhang. Catnip mice are a favorite of cats. Prices for cat kennels and climbing bollards range from simple cardboard items to custom “cat furniture” combinations that can cost hundreds of dollars
Beauty Tools
Grooming is a great time to build a bond with your cat or newborn kitten. Look for a fine-toothed comb and a rubber-backed needle brush. Nail clippers designed specifically for cats are a plus. If you start trimming your kitten’s nails earlier, the job of trimming your nails will become much easier when it grows up.
Cat Cage
It’s a must. Never attempt to transport a cat without a cat cage. A simple cardboard cage (available from the vet) can bring a new cat or kitten home, but you will eventually need to replace it with a glass or sturdy plastic cage with a sturdy bottom and complete with a safety latch and a screen opening through which the cat can peddle. If you’re going to travel in the future, a heavy-duty cloth airline-approved cat cage is a great option.
Cat Scratching Columns
Whether you agree or not, your cat will scratch. Invest in a cat-scratching pillar and make your relationship better from the start. Cat scratching posts can be simple or fancy, as long as you like; If you know how to use tools, you can even assemble one yourself. Some commercial cat scratching posts will give off the scent of catnip to attract your cat. If you’re on a budget, start by buying a cardboard cat scratcher, such as the Cosmic Alpine Scratcher.
Cat Litter Boxes and Litter
Choosing the best litter box for your pet is an absolute necessity for both indoor and outdoor cats. Look for a large litter box with high sides for adult cats, as they tend to litter litter everywhere. These litter boxes can also be as simple or luxurious as possible, as long as your wallet allows, but first place a basic plastic litter box properly for your cat.
Kittens need a litter box that is low enough for them to get in easily. There are many types of cat litter, and plant cat litter seems to be the safest. Clumped clay cat litter contains an ingredient that can be harmful if eaten by mistake, and all clay cat litter kicks up dust, which is not good for breathing for you or your cat.
Consider placing a mat underneath the bin to collect scattered trash. You can buy mats at a pet store, or buy some cheap carpet or linoleum samples that can be thrown away and replaced when they get too dirty.
Optional: 1 Bed
Because this is your first cat, it will probably sleep in your bed; However, it’s still a good idea to provide your cat with a special, comfortable place to take a nap. The bed should be comfortable, easy to wash, and spacious enough for an adult cat to curl up comfortably, but not too large so that it doesn’t feel exposed and vulnerable.
Make an Appointment with a Veterinarian
It’s not on your shopping list, but unless your cat has a recent veterinary check-up, proof of vaccination, and negative test results for various illnesses and health conditions, your first stop should be your local veterinary clinic before taking him home. So while you’re still thinking about it, make an appointment.