Similar to bringing a dog or any other pet home, adopting a cat can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. That is because welcoming a new kitten into your home is like welcoming a child into your family. It can bring with it some major changes, both to your and your cat’s life.
The key to getting your relationship off to a good start is to ease your little ball of furball’s nerves. You can do that by making sure your cat has everything it needs in its new home.
Let’s take a look at some of the important stuff to have on hand when your cat arrives. In this way, you should be able to make transitioning to this new chapter easier for both of you.
The Basic Cat Supplies You Need at Home
Having cat supplies at the ready is always best since your kitten will want to explore its new home the moment it arrives. Providing your cat with the right items also ensures he or she stays comfortable.
1. Litter Box
When cats need to go, it’s almost always a guarantee that they’ll be going in the same spot. For this reason, you won’t have to worry about going on scooping missions to several areas of your home.
If you secure a kitty litter ahead of time, you’ll likely have to frequent just one spot to clean up the mess. Plus, considering how cats are when it comes to hygiene and aftercare, it won’t be much of a mess, either.
There’s a wide range of litter box options in the market, from as simple as plain plastic trays to as complex as electronic poop handlers. Choose the best litter for cats that fits your budget and preferences best, and you should be okay.
2. Crate or Carrier
As something you’ll likely be using to bring your new friend home in, you must secure a safe and sturdy crate ahead of time. It must also have easy access and appropriate ventilation, making it convenient for you and comfortable for the cat.
There’s more than enough to choose from where crates are concerned, so make sure to go for a high-quality option. A model with a rigid exterior and easy-to-access interior that easily converts into a carrier will always be a better choice than a flimsy, plastic crate that won’t allow your kitten to breathe properly.
3. Bedding
An excellent sleeping area is also a requirement if you’re adopting a pet cat. The market has a vast array of bed options, but a soft and warm bed will usually do it for most cats. Your cat’s bed can be as simple as a large pillow or as elaborate as a nest-type sleeping area.
Still, even with a bed of its own, your cat may prefer to sleep elsewhere, like wherever you happen to be sleeping. You may give in to this a few times, but when you don’t, it’s always good for your cat to have his or her own bed available.
4. Food and Water Bowls
Upon your cat’s arrival to its new home, there should already be food and water bowls waiting. You especially want these dishes to be clear and inviting so that your cats use them.
Cats are highly-hygienic animals and can be very particular about where they drink or eat from. There are some high-quality food and water bowls to choose from, including some that can filter impurities and are safe to use in the dishwasher.
When selecting a bowl, keep in mind that its underside should be weighted to avoid tipping over. Also, go for bowls that are smaller and shallower if you have a small kitten. These bowls should be cleaned daily and placed a good distance away from the kitty litter. That is because cats aren’t a fan of eating or drinking where they relieve themselves.
5. Scratching Post
Scratching is a cat’s favorite activity. Since you don’t want them to be scratching things they shouldn’t be, make sure you provide them with a scratching post or a floor to ceiling cat tree.
The post should have a sturdy base so that it doesn’t tip over. It should also be, at the very least, as tall as your cat, so that he or she can get a good stretch while scratching.
There are two types of scratching posts in the market: vertical and horizontal. You may want to find out which type your cat prefers before getting one.
A Comfortable Home for Your Cat
Some careful planning and shopping are all it takes to acquire these cat essentials your new home companion needs. Of course, these are just some of the basics; the rest you can figure out the more you get to know your cat. Still, these supplies should be enough to lay the foundation of years of happiness for the new feline member of the family.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Cool! I was really very worried about my cat’s health. Thank you for providing the best guidance for offering the best products to my cat that enhance its happiness and health!